“Clara” is Alan Pownall’s debut single, and what a debut it is. The jangly guitars and cheeky bass note are instantly catchy features and ensure you’ll spend the next 3 minutes with a big smile on your face. And whilst the music is cheerful, the lyrics show this cheeriness may be something more deceptive. Clara herself seems to be a runaway renegade, something Pownall will sadly never catch up with. The song perseveres however, and becomes something so infectious you’ll find it hard to deny yourself this treat in the summer months.
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Album Review: Dan Michaelson and the Coastguards – Saltwater
Saltwater is the debut solo album from Absentee frontman Dan Michaelson. The songs which he originally wrote after the release of the critically acclaimed Schmotime, were rejected by the band because they didn’t fit the Absentee sound. It has become one of those stories passed so freely between reviewers, you wonder if there isn’t some myth-making going on, accidental or otherwise. But there is every chance the decision may yet prove to be a defining moment in both of their careers.
Album Review: Au Revoir Simone – Still Night, Still Light
Au Revoir Simone. Super Mario. Two seemingly unrelated phrases. However, ever since the bouncy Casio stylings of the band’s first album, I’ve always connected the two. Now, their latest release has ditched the Italian plumber soundtrack for something dreamier and just slightly ominous.
Album Review: Malcolm Middleton – Waxing Gibbous
It’s fair to say that a new release by Malcolm Middleton who is no longer just known as one half of the defunct Arab Strap, but as an established solo artist in his own right, is quite an anticipated occasion.
Album Review: Headwater – Lay You Down
Alright, hands up; who amongst us drizzle soaked, mass marketed, 9-5 Brits have the image of country music firmly imbedded in chequered shirts, straw hay bails, and cowboy hats on everybody? I thought as much, and I too once followed this belief which was brought about by mocked images of seventies country musicians interspersed on TV programmes poking fun at the image, rather than talk about the music. But no more, I’ve fought for my education, and now let me help you destroy the image of a Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, by introducing to you Headwater.
Album Review: Lady Of The Sunshine – Smoking Gun
There are times when trivial things begin to get on top of you, and you wonder how you came to be at this junction in your life. You daydream about taking a road trip on a summers’ day, along the coast and through hazy meadows, tranquil blue skylines and accompanied by blurred visions of friends laughing.When your epiphany seizures into your new reality, Smoking Gun will be the soundtrack to your life, enrapturing you into a blissful state of being.
EP Review: A Murder of Rooks – Never Came He
The debut EP from A Murder of Rooks features pared down versions of four traditional songs. Simplicity and restraint is the key and sparse musical arrangements and unadorned vocals from Isobel Morris breath life into tales of unlucky thieves, transsexual sailors and grieving widows.
Album Review: Lau – Arc Light
There must be a huge amount of pressure that comes with being the Radio 2 Folk Awards ‘Best Group’ of the year for two years running, especially when the latest award comes months before the release of your second album of original material.
Album Review: Akron/Family – Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free
The new Akron/Family album comes at an important crossroad for the band. Having lost an original member soon after the completion of their last record, question marks arose over whether they could maintain the quality and flair shown on their previous three albums.
Single Review: Eugene McGuinness – Wendy Wonders
This is the third single to be lifted from Liverpool boy wonder Eugene
McGuinness’ self-titled debut album from 2008, and easily the best. For
those who have some catching up to do, it starts off gently enough with some
simple strumming and that distinctive voice, which reminds of Ray Davies or
even John Lennon. The song swells up sweetly like a love-bite before the
surprising conclusion: “I’m a fucked up little sub-zero psycho, I know.”