Tristram’s video by Anika in London… Why some bands should CHEER UP… Rediscovering Mumford and Sons… Olly the Octopus is calling hippies to arms this Christmas… We pledge to review one new artist a day… Coco Lovers warm up a winter evening… A Bluegrass Tribute to the Shins lights up our lives… Maryland play Balcony TV
Mumford and Sons announce UK tour and extra London date – ON SALE NOW!
After their first London date sold out in under and hour Mumford and Sons have announced a second gig at Shepherds Bush Empire.
Tickets are available from the lads’ website
Album: The O’s – We Are The O’s
There is something undeniably magical about the banjo. The way it gleams
when the light catches it, that slightly metallic, twangy sound it produces.
If you’re a fan of the instrument, then you’ll likely enjoy this
under-stated album, which never really goes anywhere special, but maybe
that’s the point.
Single: Slow Club – Trophy Room
Slow Club are amazing. Twin boy/girl vocals with sweet natured tones, their quirky British folk has made them one of the most exciting bands to emerge in recent years. Trophy Room, a standout song from debut Yeah So and the newest single is a beautiful example of why Slow Club deserve all the ravings they’re receiving.
EP: The Spinto Band – Slim & Slender
The new EP by The Spinto Band, Slim & Slender, is like a pack of wine gums, full of variety and flavour, and offering that one track that is more special than others, like the black gum people look eagerly for. In this case, ‘Jackhammer’ stands out over the others. It is the teaser of the pack, the happy-go-lucky tune that sends you swaying from side to side, with guitars on pinching mode and harmonies of vocals sliding downwards like cascades. It is a supreme melody, short and sweet, which makes you turn it on again like you would pop another wine gum into your mouth.
Live: Laura Marling @ St Pancras Old Church, 23rd Nov
Laura Marling walked on stage unnoticed at St Pancras Old Church on Monday night. There was a hush of silence as the crowd spotted an unfamiliar figure reaching out for the guitar and walking towards centre stage. Something wasn’t quite right.
“I have some explaining to do,” she said, leaning into the mic and waving her hand over her head. “About the colour of my hair,” she added and we all let out an awkward laugh. Laura Marling and her distinguished white/blonde hair were gone and instead a sophisticated brunette stood in her place.