The Rising - Olympus/ I Want You ( I Need You)

The Rising are an incredibly versatile 7-piece band from Southampton; and they recently released a double A-Side single with the songs; 'Olympus' / 'I Want You ( I Need You)' on it. The double A-Side was released on the 4th of November 2016.

The first track is called 'Olympus' and it opens with a very Britpop vibe; however you can also hear hints of The Kinks and The Beatles as it simultaneously brings out a very 60's vibe; especially when the backing vocals begin to kick in. Tommy Overington on lead vocals has a very distinctive voice and he uses it to his advantage as he passionately sings the closing line of;

"And now I do believe.."

The only thing about this song is that some of it is very lyrically inapt; and for a song with a length of almost six minutes you want six minutes of pure genius. On the other hand all of the instruments are on point from start to finish and the tension built throughout the track really solidifies it.

The last song 'I Want You (I Need You)' is my favourite of the two. This is a real rock'n'roll tune; it's jam-packed with heavy guitars, head banging drums, tension built instrumentals and catchy chorus'. There's a lot of symbolism created within this song which is correlated to freedom which I like because the title contradicts the meaning of the song as it creates a realisation between a need and want - and when you distinguish the difference you're free. There are symbolisms to the clouds, rainbows and the ocean which refers to infinity and also birds which are a key sign of freedom. Overington goes on to sing this line within the last verse which implies that somebody is holding him back and preventing him from being freed;

"Please release me, free me from these chains."

I particularly liked the keyboard dominated solo making the track a bit techno and futuristic as it switches the rock'n'roll track up a bit. Also; not only does this song have deeper intensions than the surface level; it has a proper head banging catchy chorus of;

"Cus I want you and I need you. Just wanna touch you, just wanna feel you."

In conclusion the Double A-Side has impressed me; especially the last track - resulting in me buying their 7" record! This is a band to watch out for and I hope to see them progress throughout their career;  definitely worth a listen f you haven't already.

You can listen to 'Olympus' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9rjJNh8Kwc
You can listen to 'I Want You ( I Need You)' here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mgj2DIpY4I
You can buy their 7" Double A-Side here: http://shop.detourrecords.co.uk/epages/es785745.mobile/en_GB/?ObjectPath=%2FShops%2Fes785745%2FProducts%2FRISOLY-7&Locale=en_GB

 

Kings Of Leon - Reverend (Single Review)

Kings Of Leon are a four-piece family rock band from the US; notoriously known for their songs 'Use Somebody', 'Supersoaker' and the unforgettable 'Sex Is On Fire'. After releasing the three teaser tracks; 'Waste A Moment', 'Around The World' and title track 'WALLS' back in September- they released 'Reverend' on October 6th 2016, just eight days before the release of the their 7th studio album 'WALLS'.

The intro is very melancholy and reminds me of the soundtrack for the film Submarine, which was written and performed by Alex Turner. However when Jared Followill joins in with the bass it brings the whole vibe back around and you can instantly hear Kings Of Leon's recognisable sound. To solidate their sound even further as the vocals enter, lead singer Caleb Followill's distinctive voice allows your ears to detect the artist and you just know that it is Kings Of Leon.

On the chorus you here a clash of instruments in which Nathan Followill on the drums predominantly stands out; building up tension on the chorus as Caleb goes on to passionately sing;

"Just like a reverend, like a reverend on the radio. Your heart will never say so, your heart will never let you go."

The second chorus significantly stood out for me; and this one line particularly did;

"The truth in the skies from the billowing eyes isn't working on me. Don't you think you gotta give me, give me something I want. Give me something, something I need."

The word billowing can me mean either the serge of the sea, which could imply crying; or swelling of the eyes which then again could indicate crying. Therefore the message I receive from the second half  of the second verse is that no matter how much somebody cries to/for him and attempts to tell him the truth that is not what he wants. He wants something real, something more than words. As the chorus gets repeated after this verse; and the song begins to fade out Matthew Followill on lead guitar concludes the song by recreating the intro which fades the song out nicely.

In conclusion this track is incredibly catchy due to the repetitiveness of the chorus; and the use of the instruments throughout, created a solid rhythm and recognisable texture which allows you to sing along without even having to know the lyrics. On the other hand the lyrics are a lot more deeper than you think which is always good to notice within a song; their motive is sincere. Their standards really have not dropped throughout their career and it is ever so refreshing to see. The rest of the album is something that my ears are intrigued to listen to now! I would most definitely recommend this track; and if you like it why not broaden your horizons and listen to the album yourself? Expectations, exceeded.

10/10

Jamie T - Trick (Album Review)

First of all I am going to announce my apologies for a monthly delayed review, I have barely had any time to get a review done since moving to university; as I have been busy meeting my roommates, course friends and researching upon relative information that I will be studying throughout my time here at Southampton Solent University. Since I made a rational last minute decision to buy tickets to go and watch Jamie T in Portsmouth this Monday (3rd of October), I thought that it was only fitting that I review his new album - that I have not yet listened to, except one of the teaser tracks called 'Power Over Men' which I reviewed a few weeks ago and you can read that here;

http://musicblog89.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/jamie-t-power-over-men-single-review.html

Jamie T has made an astonishing come back after his 5 years absence from the music industry, he has released 2 new albums and a new EP in this last year. His third album 'Carry On The Grudge' (2015) did manage to impress me and even though it was not as rage-fuelled and political as his other two albums, it is a more vocal-based album which focuses on his singing and it is different from his past 2 albums and several EP's; which I liked. You can read my review of Jamie T's 2015 album; 'Carry On The Grudge' here;

http://musicblog89.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/jamie-t-carry-on-grudge-album-review.html

Jamie Treay; most commonly known as Jamie T released a new album last month called 'Trick' it was released on the 2nd of September 2016, but it did not have as big of a hype as I had hoped to see... The album opens up with a track called 'Tinfoil Boy' which was one of the teaser tracks that Treay released before the album; on the 30th of June 2016. The introduction is very eerie, with brief chit-chat in the background followed by a laugh, it has quite a rock vibe to it which is very out of reach for an artist like Jamie T as he is more alternative/hip-hop based artist. In an interview Treay explained that this track was heavily influenced by Rage Against The Machine; hence the rock-feel. Due to the heavy beats on the instrumental I can almost feel myself getting swallowed into a mosh-pit this Monday... Treay spills out a very controversial line which a lot of people could portray in many different ways;

"Swallow down to get it out, it's like the key to set you free from all the mess and stress I've found."

What has he swallowed? A drink? A pill? A tablet? Many questions are to be answered for this line. Substance abuse springs to mind as recreational drugs and alcohol are known substances to relieve stress; however he could also be talking about prescription drugs like anti-depressants for example. Anyhow the next track is called 'Drone Strike' and it has a very electro-feel to begin with; but when Treay breaks through and he begins to rap he re-kindles that well renowned British hip-hop
 side to himself that we all LOVE! Panic Prevention will spring back to mind if you're a big fan of Treay. 'Power Over Men' is the third song on the album; the one in which I reviewed a few weeks ago. This track sounds like a song that could have been added to his last album 'Carry On The Grudge' as it is more singing based than rap. On the other hand 'Power Over Men' is still a brilliant addition to this album as it shows his versatility as an artist - the song is basically about a dominatrix who essentially has 'Power Over Men' due to her sexual female prowess.

The odd titled track 'Tescoland' is next, and the instrumental reminds me a bit like Circa Waves and the way Treay sings the song.. Nonetheless it still has Treays trademark on it, as you could still tell that it was him singing. This track is rather confusing as the instrumental is very summery and happy meanwhile the actual lyrics are rather dark and unfortunately the track itself overshadows the lyrics; therefore the instrumental distracts fans away from the actual message that Treay was trying to portray.

"Who am I kidding man, I love to hate. Love to sail away like a rolling stone."

Track 5 is called 'Police Tapes' and this is a rather controversial song as Jamie T expresses his political views, much like he did back on his first album; 'Panic Prevention'. My favourite part of the track is this part;

"While the politicians patronise, disguise the right to televise. The truth, be it - the news it proves that every channel's satirised in colour. Speak in black and white, tell me that there's good and evil. All I really see's complicity, the dumb fucks call it legal."

'Dragon Bones' is the following track and it is mid-way through the album at number 6. Immediately I am interested, it just felt like it was going to be a really catchy song. The lyrics are rather intense but I never expect anything less from Jamie T. This track is full of synths and synchronizing, rhythmic drums alongside Treays splendid cockney singing voice. Now the next track has to be one of my favourites off the album and it is called 'Joan Of  Arc'. Joan Of Arc is very heavily influenced by the Arctic Monkeys, but it works and I love it! Reminisces me back to the release of 'AM' and 'One For The Road', very indie rock and Treay includes lines like this that make no sense but just sound incredibly therapeutic for some unknown reason...

"Cigarettes taste best when they taste like daydreams."

This track will appeal most to females I say, as it is mainly just about boys fucking you and then fucking you off..

"Funny how you never give a fuck when you're 20, but she was alone then and it still makes her mad how the boys used to lead her on just to get in her pants."

'Solomon Eagle' is a little bit eerie after the intro and it is another hip-hop/rap track on the album. Yet again it is very lyrics based like the majority of Treays tracks. You can tell from this song that Treay has a lot of trapped emotion and anger inside of himself that he must simply let out and he does that through the art of songwriting.

"It's not the devil pulling you down, this retribution comes from above - This is God, this is God giving up on us."

'Robin Hood' enters with an upbeat, catchy guitar intro which just makes you want to get up and dance! This track is basically about a boy who lives on a council estate and is working a dead end job at a shopping centre, but he has big ambitions of being like Robin Hood. Verse 3 is my favourite, and it goes as followed;

"And I'll steal from the rich. and I'll give to the poor. I'll stop the police from knocking down our door. I'll steal it all, then steal some more and I'll never end up behind the jail guitar doors."

'Sign Of The Times' is the tenth track on the album and it has a very melancholic acoustic guitar intro. From the first note, I fell in love. This track is a complete paradox from every other song on the album. As Treay weeps through the chorus in misery and upset as he drowns his way through near enough every line.

"But I wish I'd been a little more exceptional, and I wish I'd been a little unconventional. But I was not enough, no I'm not enough."

Treay pours his big heart out and you can really sense his emotions through this track, it is such a sad song, but it is genius.

The second to last track on the album is called 'Crossfire Love' and yet again it opens with a melancholic acoustic guitar intro, but Treay raps as well as sings his way through the track. This is a very intimate song about Treay's life and about when his parents got ill; and as a result he took a break from the music industry as he ended up in a very bad place mentally.

"My heart sunk, and I drunk and I understand it's hard being rich in a poor mans world."

The closing track of the album is called 'Self Esteem' and this follows the chain of melancholic acoustic guitars opening up the songs, this track is about someone who has been 'friend-zoned' and constantly puts themselves down and reminds themselves of their low 'self esteem'. Not necessarily the best track on the album and I don't think that this is the right song to close the album off with, I would have perhaps preferred 'Crossfire Love' to have closed off the album as it is a nice song and finishes off the album splendidly as you learn a bit more about what he's been through these past few years whilst he took a break away from the music industry.

In conclusion; the album was brilliant - it is a very eclectic album, and it opens your eyes up to see what a versatile artist Jamie T really is. This album was a reflection of all the other three albums but put in to one, a good range of songs and I understand why the 3 acoustics were added on the end because it sort of fades the album out a bit more... The tracks that stood out the most for me would have to be; 'Power Over Men', 'Dragon Bones', 'Joan Of Arc', 'Sign Of The Times', 'Police Tapes, and 'Crossfire Love'. On the other hand I wouldn't particularly recommend 'Self Esteem' as it is just too repetitive and it tends to drag, and I just don't think that it should have been put as the closing song. Although apart from the closing track, the album as a whole was put together very well and his lyrical genius is still there which is good to see and this album really does allows you to see what an amazing versatile artist that Jamie T really is.

9/10 - see ya Monday mate!

Michael Kiwanuka - Black Man In A White World (Single Review)

Now I have been meaning to review this track for quite a while, because it happens to be one of my favourite songs to come out of 2016. As a music journalist; sometimes it's nice to listen to new music out of your comfort zone that you don't have to review - and that is how I bumped into Michael Kiwanuka. I literally don't understand how I have not heard a huge hit of his come on to the radio or on the TV - but then again, I guess the song title speaks for itself, doesn't it? Michael Kiwanuka came about in 2011 when he supported Adele on her '21' tour, and then he supported her again at her iTunes gig. Kiwanuka also won BBC's sound of 2012 poll, which must have been a big achievement for him. Ever since then, he has sort of stayed quiet - and then I bumped into THIS.

Michael Kiwanuka is a Ugandan refugee who was brought up in London, and he is a solo soul singer-songwriter. I think I bumped into Kiwanuka on spotifys acoustic sessions and I was like what the fuck is this holy grail of a track, and then I saved it. The chorus caught my attention immediately; it is a repeat of the song title. The track bursts with soul, passion, and acceptance. He accepts the fact that no matter what he does, he will probably be wrong because he is a black man in a white world. This doesn't deter the fact that he shouldn't feel like he should have to accept that as he goes on to state;

"I'm in love but I'm still sad, I found peace but I'm not glad."

He's found peace within himself and accepted the fact that perhaps things will never change, but it isn't enough - he wants to find peace within the world, not just within himself. He also says how; 

"I don't mind who I am (im a black man in a white world), I don't mind who you are (im a black man in a white world)"

His voice reminds me very much of the likes of Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye, however his lyrics are much more deeper and focused. Racial discrimination is the obvious main focus within this track, and it is good to see that someone is still trying to sing about it, because you don't hear about it very often in songs anymore - however it still goes on.

A conclusion isn't very necessary within this review as it is short and sweet; however I will still write one... Michael Kiwanuka reveals the passion and pure soul within this track about racial discrimination and how he's not angry and he's not mad even though he's lost everything due to being falsely accused of a crime he didn't commit; due to being of a different ethnicity. He captures the essence of soul like you are back in the 60's and 70's with influences of iconic artists such as Marvin Gaye, Otis Reading, Curtis Mayfield and Bill Withers within his voice. He is Britain's very own Leon Bridges! It's good to see that soul is coming back and expanding on to the modern day music scene! Please give him a listen, he's bloody brilliant! Here is the link to the track, I can't fault it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TYlcVNI2AM

10/10

Jamie T - Power Over Men (Single Review)

Jamie Treay, or otherwise known as Jamie T is an alternative solo artist from London and even though he has only produced 3 albums within his 9 year music career; all three have been absolutely brilliant. However throughout the years he has also produced some amazing EP's alongside his albums, his EP's are definitely the most underrated work he's ever done - I prefer them over his albums. The lyrics throughout his work dont deterioate and his effort never mellows; he never fails to please his fans. I reviewed his last album - 'Carry On The a Grudge' last year and it was full of very dark, yet meaningful tracks and he also showed a versatile range of genres throughout the album to prove that the Jamie T we all love is back, and is back for good. The review is here if you would like to have a read - 

http://musicblog89.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/jamie-t-carry-on-grudge-album-review.html 

The contrast ranged from 'Peter' which is a song about a schizophrenic; who's mind is telling him to do things and manipulating him into hating himself and thinking that everyone else hates him to the next track being 'Love Is Only A Heartbeak Away' which is a typical love ballad. These two tracks are polar opposites to eachother and even though I'm not to keen on 'Peter' the track list was very cleverly put together within his last album. 

Treays new single is called 'Power Over Men' and it was released on the 30th of September 2016 it was the second preceded track of his new album called 'Trick' which is to be released later on in the year. During the meantime fans are having to do with his two new teaser tracks; 'Power Over Men' and then 'Tinfoil Boy' which was the first track off his new album to be released and 'Tinfoil Boy' was released on the 29th of June 2016. After seeing Jamie T's facebook page publish the music video to 'Power Over Men' I thought that it would be a good idea to listen to the song first; write down how I interpretated it - and then watch the video. My interpretation from the song was a beautiful young woman who is so stunning she can make men do whatever she wants and she basically holds their hearts. But NO! It's about a middle-aged sadistic dominatrix who practices BDSM on a rather large man and due to him wearing a suit at the end of the video whilst handling a suitcase indicated that he has a well respected job. Therefore he must pay for her to humiliate and abuse him as he's a masochist and gets off on it ! The moral of the song is; due to him being a submissive he will do anything she demands and she is probably also getting paid by several other men to do the same thing, hence how the song repeatedly expressed how - "She's got power over men".

In conclusion; I've got to be honest with you - I wasn't expecting it. I never really expected that off Jamie T, to be writing songs about BDSM... However it is a cracking track, very catchy and it is a lot less serious compared to his previous work which can appear very dark and meaningful. Yes, the track is very repetitive but you always find that the preceded tracks from a new album are , as they try to make the tracks catchy in order to entise new listeners. I look forward to listening to his new album as according to some other reviewers who have listened to the album before its release, they have credited the new album as very versatile and it shows a huge range of genres that Treay is capable of apparently. 'Tricks' will be a very interesting listen as Jamie T's work never gets boring. I wonder what his next track will be about...! Well if there's one thing we've all found out after 9 years is that good'ol Jamie T likes a bit of domination in the bedroom! 'Power Over Men' is definitely a grower and a tune that you should be listening to! (If you're under 18, dont watch the video...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEQXJQn8LZg

9/10

Natural Emotions - Ask Me Why (Single Review)

Now I reviewed these lads back in March, and their EP was bloody brilliant. So if you would like to read their previous review or listen to the EP click on this link and it will send you directly to the review. - http://musicblog89.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/natural-emotions-ep-review.html
Natural Emotions are a post-modernist inspired 3-piece from Birmingham. The trio consists of; Tom Gilpen on guitar and lead vocals, his brother - Jack Gilpen on bass and Dan Tweedie on the drums. Their most recently released track is called 'Ask Me Why' and it was released on the 1st of April 2016.

Immediately the track sounded very heavily influenced by The Libertines/Babyshambles. As the song began to progress the rhythm and guitar riffs are almost identical to the notorious Libertines track - 'Don't Look Back Into The Sun'. You can almost here the line -

'All my friends you haven't changed, you're looking rough and living strange.'

However Natural Emotions rendition goes as follows...

'Don't come and ask me why, all the water in the sky's gone dry. When you're sitting under the setting sun.'

The guitar riffs are very catchy and help to hold the song together as it keeps the rhythm and helps the drums to keep the beat. The lyrics are also very well thought out just like their previous tracks. The song is about someone who is completely and utterly in love with someone and they are just too blind to see and they just continue to play mind games by pretending that they want them; and then the next moment making out as though they don't want them anymore. They pick them up then drop them right back down in the split of a second.

In conclusion this track is more of a stepping stone into a new genre in contrast from their EP last June. Last June they were a mix of the 60's through to the late 80's, a combination which I thought worked well due to the variation of genres through the track.  Moving forward in their career they have progressed into a modern day indie rock band, however it could just be a one-off instead of a stepping stone? I suppose you and I will have to ask the band themselves... Taking influences from the Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines which are incredibly well-known within the early-late 2000's indie rock. Admittedly I am not a big fan of The Libertines; however I do like the track 'Don't Look Back Into The Sun' which I claimed this track has been heavily influenced by. Well done lads, it has been a pleasure seeing your progression as a band. Keep up the hard work and good luck with your future endeavours.

https://m.soundcloud.com/the-natural-emotions-1/ask-me-why-natural-emotions

Shambolics - Scarlett Harlett (Single Review)

Shambolics are a four-piece Scottish indie rock band from Kirkaldy. They released their new track 'Scarlett Harlett' on the 31st of May 2016. Now as I watched the music video I just couldn't believe how professional it was, it was like a video that Catfish and the Bottlemen would make! If they used that video for one of their songs everyone would think it was ace! Simple, yet effective - rather enigmatic to be honest. The quartet consists of; Lewis McDonald and Darren Forbes both on vocals and guitar, Jordan Mchatton on the bass and Andrew 'Pandy' Finlay on the drums.

The intro is very Arctic Monkeys/ The Last Shadow Puppets Inspired. The lead singer for this track; McDonalds voice reminds me very much of Miles Kane. The upbeat guitars and powerful drums work well to increase the intensity of the track; however they aren't too powerful, they don't draw the attention away from the lyrics at all.

The intro is very long, in fact it is 1 minute and 13 seconds long on the music video. On the other hand, the long awaited intro builds the suspense up. McDonalds voice is full of indignation as he sings a song about a nymphomaniac who can't be monogamous to one man even though she has a ring on her finger. Perhaps its a retaliation towards all women saying how 'all men are the same' and how they can't keep their dick in their pants resulting in them always ending up being a cheat? The band are trying to open your eyes and broaden your horizons by saying that woman can in fact be just as bad as men in some cases. Which is true. As McDonald goes on to sing the powerful opening verse of...

'Ooh what a mistake, sayin' - 'hello' to a different man every week and wake. And its a quickest goodbye as you face the morning light, way back to your husband who's been worried sick all night.'

The whole track is very full on and very intense but it is brilliant because it flows so easily even though the whole song should be shouted because there's that much anger and frustration to the lyrics. The chorus is also brilliantly written, about that lady sleeping around - I think it is one of those situations where the whole town knows about her 'dirty little secret' and so does her husband but he just doesn't want to accept the fact that his wife is like that and therefore denies it to himself. Her husband must know as he is 'worried sick all night'.

'Cus when the sun goes down and the stars comes out, there's a side to you that I've never really known. Sleeping round this town is only gonna bring you down, in the morning when they tell you where to go.'

In conclusion I must say this track is absolutely spot on, they've managed to achieve the perfect balance between the instruments and the vocals as neither overpower one another. You can appreciate the instrumental simultaneously to being able to appreciate and hear the lyrics. After nearly 18 months of running my blog, I must admit that this is one of the best unsigned tracks that I ever heard. You really do have a bright future ahead of you, lets get some more famous Scottish indie bands out there! You can do it lads, this is a brilliant track and I'm glad that you have asked me to review it for you. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves. That is all. I would definitely recommend that you give their track below a listen; you won't regret it (unless you dislike the arctic monkeys or the the last shadow puppets) - it is an absolutely fantastic track. Well done lads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNW0gd_ox9w