The Neighbourhood - Wiped Out! (Album Review)

The Neighbourhood are an American 5-piece alternative rock band from California, and they formed back in 2011. The five-piece consists of; Jesse Rutherford on the lead vocals, both Zach Abels & Jeremy Freedman on guitar, Mikey Morgott on bass and Brandon Fried on the drums. I became fond of The Neighbourhood back in 2012 when their hit single 'Sweater Weather' had been released. However; I had also listened to a later single that was released in 2013, called 'Afraid' and their cover of 'Say My Name/Cry Me A River', on the other hand I haven't listened to any more of their work recently. This resulted in me jumping at the opportunity to review their new album 'Wiped Out!' - once somebody had recommended that I review it. 'Wiped Out' was released on the 30th of October 2015.

Their first so-called track is 'A Moment Of Silence' which as a first listener, I don't understand why they thought this 'track' would be a good idea. 'A Moment Of Silence' is exactly what it says on the tin, nothing more than just an album filler. However their second track is a lot more interesting...'Prey' has a very eery and mysterious introduction, which soon gets accompanied by an indie/groove overlay.

"If you don't ask, I won't tell."

This line in the first verse gives me the impression that Rutherford is perhaps hiding something from a specific person in particular? 

"So, so, I'll probably take you aside and tell you what's on my mind. But you, you'll just keep it inside, probably tell me that you're alright."

My first impression has soon changed. Perhaps the reason he doesn't tell her the things on his mind is because if she 'asks' him what is on his mind, it shows that she cares about him. Whereas she will just bottle up all of her issues and keep them to herself, so he doesn't want to tell her about his issues as that will be putting a heavier weight on her shoulders and he wouldn't want that because he cares about her.

Their third track 'Cry Baby' had me wondering as to why they are categorised as alternative/indie rock band, however they sound a lot more hip-hop/RnB - especially within this track.

"Please don't say that you know, when you know. I can't take it. I'm impatient, tell me baby."

He wants to know if her love is true, because he doesn't want to develop feelings. However he knows that if she does truly love him, then he would not be able to resist the urge of loving her back.

"I know I'll fall in love with you baby and that's not what I wanna do."

Their fourth song is the the title track - 'Wiped Out'. This song has a funky kind of rhythm, with a smooth and slick hip-hop feel throughout. On the other hand, I am not a big fan of this track in particular as it has a rather confusing & indescribable send out...

Their fifth track is one of my more favourable tracks on the album, and it is called 'The Beach'. This reminded me of their old track - 'Sweater Weather' which I am very fond of and it has a very relaxed RnB vibe to it. The sixth track is called 'Daddy Issues' and I am not sure whether it is a sexualised song or whether it is about family issues. Mixed messages throughout the whole song, wasn't very well structured.

"Take you like a drug, taste you on my tongue."

However later on it goes on to say;

"But now that you're dead it hurts. This time I gotta know, where did my daddy go?"

The following track to this song is called 'Baby Came Home 2/Valentines'. This track is very controversial, as it is about heartbreak from a long-term on/off relationship which cleverly links back into their previous songs as he doesn't ever want to get feelings until he knows that theirs are true;

"She was five foot four, getting money on tour - but her socks were at the end of my bed."

It goes from a bit of messing around into him wanting to get matching tattoos so that sense of ownership is there as she took his virginity. However he soon turns sour once she cheats on him.

"Who's the one you're sleeping with? Don't you sit in front of me,and wait for me to talk."

The eighth track is called 'Greetings From California' and it's sort of a mess. He starts off by saying once you come to California you won't want to look back, then goes on to talk about how he despises the people running his country and then goes on about his personal issues - the song as a whole doesn't make sense. Following that odd track, is a short 3 minutes long song called 'Ferrari'. Yet again this song exploits his insecurities of somebody leaving him or turning out to be the opposite of the person they once seemed;

"I met her at church, but she could be Satan."

Their second to last song on the album is called 'Single' and this is about not wanting to be single and to be able to be with his soulmate, no matter what boundaries he may have to break.

"I'm sorry Dave, I never meant to hurt your baby girl. She's your little baby, she's my soulmate. I don't want you to worry, she'll be so safe right here."

Then throughout the song it repeatedly echo's;

"Can you let your baby be my girl"

Which is where Rutherford is constantly trying to get her dad to forgive him and let him have her back again and he is trying to regain his trust with her father. Finally, the last track to close off the album is called 'R.I.P 2 My Youth' I thought that it might be called that as he has grown out of his young adult and heartbroken stage and has finally become an adult. However his dad has been mentioned again, and Rutherford gives off the impression that he wants to die young.

"I'm in paradise with Dad, close my eyes and then cross my arms. Put me in the dirt, let me dream with the stars. Throw me in a box with the oxygen off."

In conclusion, the album as a whole was a bit of a mess. I think that they are all super talented musicians, but they need to stick to one story line within their songs as it just gets the listeners confused when listening to their lyrics. However the one thing that I do like about The Neighbourhood is their distinctive sound, they have created their own music genre; combining pop, funk, RnB and alternative rock all together. The main songs that positively stood out to me were; 'Prey', 'The Beach', 'Cry Baby', 'Ferrari', 'Single' and 'R.I.P 2 My Youth'. I rate the band, but unfortunately not this album. Rutherford just vocalises his traumatic loss with the death of his father and his tragic past relationships and he basically just dawns on them two themes throughout every single track, with the odd mixed message in it.

6/10 

Sia - Alive (Single Review)

Sia Furler is an eccentric pop singer-songwriter from Australia. Furler released a new single called 'Alive' for her new and upcoming album 'This Is Acting'. The new track was co-written with Adele and Tobias Jesso Jr. Curlers 2014 album '1000 Forms Of Fear' indefinitely gave her the most publicity within her career. '1000 Forms Of Fear' consists of popular songs; 'Chandelier', 'Big Girls Cry' and 'Elastic Heart'. However, back in 2011 Furler did a very well-recognised collaboration with French DJ; David Guetta, which I would say significantly kicked started her singing career before her 2014 album was released.

The introduction is a slow rhythm on the piano which soon drops once Sia begins to sing with her renowned powerful vocals and distinctive voice. At 1:07 the chorus begins to kick in;

"I'm still breathing, I'm still breathing; I'm alive, I'm alive."

Oddly, the deep beat and slow flowing lyrics result in giving the track a sort of reggae twang. Sia is an ever so intriguing artist, and her meaningful lyrics never seem to amaze me;

"I had a one-way ticket to a place where all the demons go. Where the wind don't change and nothing in the ground can ever grow. No hope; just lies, and you're taught to cry in your pillow - but I survived."

Furler is explaining to the listeners about her successful recovery from drugs and alcohol abuse, within a song. She is also telling the listeners about how she battled those mental, and physical demons that she faced on a day to day basis.

Even though this song was originally written with and for Adele; for Adele's new album about her overcoming heartbreak, moving on and having a child on the scene - this song suited Sia's past and future a lot more. Therefore you can hear the passion soaring in Sia's voice as you carefully listen to the way that she sings the lyrics, as this song obviously means and incredible amount to her; overcoming the demons that she once faced.

10/10

Adele - Hello (Single Review)

Adele Adkins is a very successful singer-songwriter from Tottenham, London. The soul singer has a net worth of over £50,000,000, and has been performing for almost a decade. Even though Adele had based her most renowned album '21' on heartbreak from a previous break-up. Surprisingly it became a humungous success; honouring her with many rewards and heart-warming feedback from other well-known artists,  due to her relatable lyrics. '21' is also the fourth best-selling album of all time in the UK. The single which I am going to review is a teaser from her new album '25' and it is called 'Hello', this track was recently released on the 23rd of October, 2015.

'Hello' welcomes her return to music after 3 years; since her 2012 hit - 'Skyfall'. The lyrics are accompanied by a slow piano and the first verse proposes a sense of extreme nostalgia.

"Hello, it's me. I've been wondering if after all these years, you'd like to meet? To go over everything."

On the other hand, this song does not just portray a sense of nostalgia. This track is also solidly based on regret.

"Hello from the other side, I must've called a thousand times. To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done."

Unlike her previous work, Adele appears to be singing from the males prospective this time. This song is showing how she has built up the strength to finally get over him and accept the break-up and the male has realised that.

"Hello from the outside, at least I can say that I've tried to tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart. But it don't matter, it clearly doesn't tear you apart...anymore."

I am glad that Adkins has surpassed and accepted the break-up stage; resulting in her overcoming her stage of remorse and heartbreak. She is also bringing her new work into a more positive light; still deep and soulful lyrics, however it is no longer about remorse on her behalf. This track was absolutely flawless.

10/10

Reverend & The Makers - Mirrors (Album Review)

Reverend & the Makers have been performing for a decade now, and the indie-rock band were formed in Sheffield. The current five-piece consists of; Jon McClure on lead vocals ‘The Reverend’ , Ed Cosens on the guitar, McClures multi-talented Wife; Laura on the keyboard and trumpet, Joe Carnell on bass and Ryan Jenkinson on the drums. Reverend & the Makers have supported such acts as; Arctic Monkeys in 2006, Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2008, Oasis in 2009, and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds in 2012 – alongside various festivals including Glastonbury and T in the Park.

As I don’t listen to Reverend & the Makers, I was ever so surprised at how short their tracks are. Their first track ‘Amsterdam’ is only 1:14, and it is very abstract and enigmatic to say the least. It sounds like an opening track to a film. Their second track 'Black Widow' is the most renowned track off their new album, and it has a very 80's twist to it. The Arctic Monkeys styled guitar riffs from Cosens and Carnell on the bass mainly dominate this track. Their third track 'Makin' Babies' is very Beatles inspired and sounds influenced by 60's/70's psychedelia, admittedly it is very catchy.

"Everyone I know is makin'babies, what about us? What about us? Everyone I know is making sweet, sweet love. What about us? What about us?"

Their fourth track 'Stuck On You' sounds very much like some of the Arctic Monkeys work. I think the relation to Arctic Monkeys is McClures low and slow voice, plus the perfect alecution of his lyrics. Again another short track, amongst the rest. One of my favourite tracks is their next song; 'The Beach And The Sea'. It's ever so repetitive, and the guitar riffs remain simple, yet effective. 

"I'll be the beach and you'll be the sea, I want you to wash all over me."

I like this track as it has endless possibilities of meanings. I reckon everybody who has listened to this song, interprets things differently. I interpret it in the way that a beach wouldn't be a beach without the sea, therefore he wouldn't be himself without this lover. He wants to embrace the fact that he'd be nothing without her ("I want you to wash all over me"), and things wouldn't make sense without her. Therefore the woman has him right where she wants him, hence the feminine laughing towards the end of the track.

Their sixth track 'The Trip' is short, yet it builds up the mood again in preparation for another slow song; their seventh track 'El Cabrera'. This track has a very westernised feel to it, however it's more of an instrumental than a song. No lyrics, except some odd noises. It's a pretty pointless and disappointing track unfortunately. However they do turn things around with their next track -'Blue'. Upbeat guitars and drums introduce this song shortly accompanied by the vocals, this is one of those songs that you just want to get up and dance to.

Their ninth track 'Something To Remember' is their last song that is in the one-minute range. This is quite a melancholic song, reminiscing back to a good time with an old friend. 'Mr Glassalfempty' is another favourable song of theirs that I like off this album. This is due to the effectiveness of the backing vocals, giving it a 60's twist to it and it is simple yet effective - much like 'The Beach And The Sea'. I'm not much for their eleventh track 'The Gun' in all honesty; as it doesn't particularly do anything for me, it sounds too similar to their previous tracks. I'm intrigued as to what their twelfth track 'My Mirror' is going to be like, as it should be one of the stronger tracks of the album as I am presuming that it is the title track. Again, I don't see the need for this track within the album I think they should not have had 14 tracks. Perhaps narrowed it down to 10? 'Last To Know' is their second to last track on the album and I like it! It's slow and melancholic, which automatically makes you want to sway. This song also really shows off McClures vocal range.

"And now you're realising that she's just been lying, and you were the last to know"

Their final song to conclude the album is called 'Lay Me Down' and surprisingly, it's the longest track on the album. The instrumental has quite a westernised twang to it, much like 'El Cabrera'. I wanted the final song to be a lot more upbeat, unlike the rest.

"I needed somebody to lay me down"

In conclusion, I'm not much for the album as a whole. Admittedly, I do like some of the songs a lot - like; The Beach And The Sea, Mr Glassalfempty, Last To Know Stuck On You, Black Widow and Makin'Babies. However, there are several tracks within the album that are just album fillers - which don't need to be there. 'El Cabrera' is a perfect example. I think that if the album had less tracks, and was structured better - I would like it a lot more. 

 6/10

James Morrison - Just Like A Child (Single Review)

James Morrison is an English soul singer-songwriter, and guitarist from Warwickshire. He has been performing in the public eye for nearly a decade now, he has released 3 albums and is yet to release his new album - 'Higher Than Here'. Which will be released on the 30th of October, 2015. On his two most recent albums; Morrison did two very successful collaborations with Jessie J and Nelly Furtado. On his 2008 album - 'Songs For You, Truths For Me' he did the collaboration with Nelly Furtado on a song called 'Broken Strings' which proved to be very successful. Then in 2011, on his most recent album - 'The Awakening' he did a collaboration with Jessie J and the song was called 'Up'. Due to these collaborations proving to be very successful when they were released,  I really hope that Morrison features a well-known and current artist on a new collaboration for his new and upcoming album. 

'Just Like A Child' is the only single to be released from Morrison's new album so far, hence why I am going to review it. This track was released onto YouTube and iTunes on the 2nd of October 2015. I've always been a fan of James Morrison's music, even if some people do think that he is out-dated. This song is very similar to his previous work, with its slow, soothing and acoustic rhythm. The opening line grabbed my attention straight away;

"I keep holding on to time, cause it moves so fast. Keep believing in a dream, even though I know it won't last."

I really admire the way that Morrison writes his songs as the title relates to his songs, unlike some artists who's titles don't have any relation to the song whatsoever. 

"And if you fall, fall with style. Just don't lie where you land. Keep on running wild, just like a child."

This relates to the carelessness of a child as when they fall over, they just get on with it and act like it never happened. Whereas, as you get older - when you get knocked down most people don't want to get back up again. Hence why he says;

"Keep on running wild, just like a child."

Basically, just get up and keep on going. In conclusion I really admire this song due to how well thought-out the lyrics are and the constant acoustic rhythm. I'm looking forward to the release of his new album, however I just really hope that all of the songs aren't similar and that he adds some more speeded-up songs like "Slave To The Music" off his "The Awakening Album". I genuinely hope that his new album proves to be successful, because he is such a talented and under-rated artist. 

9/10

Music Complete - New Order (Album Review)

'Music Complete' is New Orders 10th studio album, and it is their first album without former bassist Peter Hook - it was released on the 25th of September 2015. New Order are a British five-piece alternative, electronic dance band. The post Joy Division five-piece consists of; lead vocalist - Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris on the drums and new additions; Gillion Gilbert on the keyboard, Tom Chapman replacing Peter Hook on the bass, and Phil Cunningham on guitar. Two singles out of the eleven tracks were released before-hand; their first single 'Restless' was released on the 28th of 

July 2015, and their second single 'Plastic' was released on the 16th of September 2015. Their 10th studio album also includes guest vocals off; Elly Jackson (La Roux), Iggy Pop, and Brandon Flowers (The Killers).

The first track on the album was the first single of the album to be released, and it is called 'Restless'. Surprisingly, this song is quite slow; on the contrary it is extremely catchy. The song is introduced by Gilbert on the keyboard. This track is very baffling; however the message that I received from it, is that somebody is fighting for something that they want, but they keep failing. Resulting in them being so focused on one thing that they are completely oblivious as to what else is going on around them.

"I feel so restless and in this changing world, I am lost for words."

I think that the lyrics are perhaps aimed at the younger generation being caught up in popularity and getting 'the girl' or 'the boy' of their dreams. Instead of focusing on growing up and developing a career and a life for themselves as adults, and as a result of being scared of the future they are 'restless' due to being unprepared for adult life.

"I feel so restless ain't got no interest, I couldn't care less cant be a success."

Their second track 'Singularity' has a long one minute intro which is gradually accompanied by a concoction of a variety of instruments. All of New Orders songs are lyrical master pieces, but I particularly like this one.

"Winter came so soon, like summer never happened."

The opening line above, attracts your attention immediately. This track has more of a dynamic upbeat compared to the previous song, which makes it sound more electronic.

"I care so much for you, I crawled a thousand miles through deserts full of sand, my love in every land."

Their third track - 'Plastic' was the second song released, and it was released 9 days before the album. This is the second longest song on the album and it features Elly Jackson (La Roux). This track has a very eary electronic introduction which gradually builds up and the beat drops at one minute. The song is immediately intense due to the long 1 minute and 32 seconds intro. This song is blatantly about a man who fantasises over a girl who he can't have, and when he gives up on her - his perception changes of her and he sees that she isn't as perfect as she first seemed.

"Cause you're like plastic, you're artificial. You don't mean nothing baby, so superficial."

Their fourth track also features Elly Jackson (La Roux) and this song is called 'Tutti Frutti' - which stands for 'all fruits' in Italian. Like a lot of their songs, it has a very funky 80's inspired dance introduction; however the intro and outro are accompanied by Italian vocals. The intro translated from Italian (according to freetranslation.com) means;

"All the fruit my love, all fruits. No it's not yet time to enter, it's not yet..."

New orders fifth track; 'People On The High Line' is the last one to feature Elly Jackson (La Roux). This one includes the 80's dance vibe to it again, and sounds similar to the likes of Happy Mondays on some parts; for example...

"I'll keep trying, I can't get any higher. There's nothing I desire."

Their mid-album track features Iggy Pop, and it's called 'Stray Dog'. However I am not a big fan of this track as it's basically just Iggy Pop speaking over the dance background in two halves. However their next track called 'Academic' is brilliant! It's less electronic and more alternative rock, and it distinctively shows off Sumners vocal ability and the guitarists talents instead of the main focus being on the keyboards.

"Cause your heart is cold and your blood runs dry. You'll never see, or hear the crashing of the sea."

'Nothing but a Fool' is another alternative track like 'Academic'. Another catchy track is 'Unlearn this Hatred' which is their ninth track. This song starts off alternative rock; like the previous two songs, and after the opening line repeats itself twice, the typical dance beat begins to kick in.

"Two steps forward and one step back." 

The second to last song on the album is called 'The Game' and it is a mixture of both alternative rock and the electronic dance genre that New Order are apart of. However the electro dance beat is not as intense as the first couple of tracks and is more similar to 'Unlearn this Hatred' and the alternative edge is similar to 'Academic' as it shows off Sumners vocal ability again. The last song to cease the album is called 'Superheated' and it features Brandon Flowers (The Killers). The intro is quite speedy, however as the song progresses the track gradually slows down to the melody of Flowers' voice.

In conclusion I would definitely recommend this album as all of the 11 tracks have been very cleverly put together and the lyrics are fantastic. I especially liked how the whole album wasn't the same genre and they mixed it up a bit. With their dynamic keyboards and mesmorizing poetic lyrics, New Order have won me with this incredible album. The only song that I wouldn't necessarily recommend is the track in which Iggy Pop features as 'Stray Dog' doesn't particularly do anything for me personally. I think that they should have just not used that track and stuck to 10 tracks for their tenth studio album. Other than that, I can't really complain. I am surprised to say the least.

9/10

Foals - What Went Down (Album Review)

Foals are a five-piece indie rock band from Oxford who formed 10 years ago in 2005, and they are currently a hot topic all over social media recently due the release of their ten-track new album - 'What Went Down'. What Went Down was recently released last month on the 28th of August, 2015. The five-piece consists of the multi-talented musicians; lead vocalist, Yannis Philippakis, Jimmy Smith on rhythm guitar, Walter Gervers on bass, Edwin Congreave on the keyboards and Jack Bevans on the drums. In all honesty, the only song that I know by Foals is their well-known 2012 hit - 'My Number'. Therefore, I am going to embrace this opportunity by being able to get a proper listen of Foals and see what the whole hype about them is.

Foals opening song is the title track of their album; therefore this track should hopefully give me a rough idea of what to expect from their album as a whole. The track has a punchy opening line that grabbed my attention straight away and it was;

"I buried my heart in a whole in the ground, with the lights and the roses and the cowards downtown."

All of the instruments remain very simple throughout the first two minutes of the song, until the chorus kicks in. You know the chorus has kicked in as lead singer, Yannis Philippakis shouts out the lyrics of -

"When I see a man, I see a lion. When I see a man, I see a liar."

I instantly liked their second and third track due to the groovy, indie rhythm on the tracks. This rhythm has been cleverly created by Congreave using a keyboard within the band, as it makes them a bit more quirky and allows them to stand out and differentiate themselves from other indie-rock bands. Their second song is called 'Mountain At My Gates'. The majority of Foals tracks off this album are incredibly catchy and these two give you a good example as of what is yet to come on the album, as this track has the noticeably contagious line of;

"I see a mountain at my gates, I see it more and more each day."

Their third song is called 'Birch Tree'. For some odd reason, even though it has an upbeat to it - I find this track incredibly therapeutic and soothing. However, I think this might be due to the way that Philippakis sings this song with a very melancholic touch.

"Come meet me by the river, see how time it flows. I'll meet you by the river, see how time it flows."

The mid-track of the album is a more lyrics-based song, and it is called 'Albatross'. Using his melancholic voice; Philippakis allows you to focus on the lyrics more, as he pronounces near enough every word very slowly and clearly.

"You sat by the banks of the river and you waited, till time rolled back and the water had abated."

Their sixth track; 'Snake Oil' is a lot less indie-rock, compared to their other tracks - and a lot more 80's rock.  With their smooth and cool guitar riffs, this track is a lot more different to the other songs on the album. That funky, indie beat that I like soon comes back on their seventh track called - 'Night Swimmers'. This track is perfect for the summer! It is just a shame that they didn't release this song as a teaser for the album earlier on in the summer. 

"Another hot summers day; and only we know the way to the cool blue lagoon, where we sleep until noon."

After listening to their eighth track 'London Thunder' I wanted something that would wake me up and make me excited, and the following track just didn't do it. The collation of songs have been ordered very badly, as the majority of songs are very similar - the order doesn't do the songs justice. The following track was called 'Lonely Hunter' and even though it did eventually kick in, it was quite near the end of the song and was only for a few seconds. The final track 'A Knife In The Ocean' just reminded me of the other two tracks, which makes me think that they have rushed the end of the album.

In conclusion; I like all of the songs individually, but I think that the album just doesn't work. All of the tracks are very similar, and they only had one ice-breaker song which was the rock one called 'Snake Oil'. There wasn't any songs that showed off his vocal range either and the band get no recognition as none of them stand out throughout the whole album, except 'Snake Oil'. Throughout any of the other songs, I never thought that any of the other musicians particularly excelled in their area of skill. I would not watch foals live as I imagine them to be a very boring act to watch. This is due to the fact when a band release a new album, and they release a tour to promote the album, their new work dominates the tour - therefore if the album appears constant and dull then surely their gig would too? Please do correct me if I am wrong though. I recommend the songs individually, but not the album as a whole. The second half of the album just appears rushed to me, leaving me very disappointed on behalf of my expectations.

6/10