FFS talks to Bellowhead’s Rachael McShane about her recently-released album ‘No Man’s Fool’ and we have a link to a free track from the album.
Interview: James Yorkston on…
“Even though I am not a very good singer, my voice is my best instrument, I prefer to sing than to play guitar, to tell stories, I write the lyrics in my notebook and then I put them to music, the lyrics always come first.”
Album: Andy Nice – The Secrets of Me
Andy Nice has played cello with screaming gothic pervs Cradle of Filth and bald techno ravers Orbital, and is currently in string + dance combo Instrumental. He also has a name more suited to a particularly over familiar used car salesman.
Ignoring the fact he’s currently touring with deep-voiced chamber-pop stars Tindersticks and the embroidered patch on the front of the cd, you’d be forgiven for thinking there’s not much here for the good people of FFS. But press play and an entirely different sound to that expected issues forth – arresting, emotional, complex yet melodic cello music. And it really is cello music, pretty much just that instrument, with songs formed from layer after layer of rich string sound.
EP: Tigers that Talked – Black Heart, Blue Eyes
Tiger’s That Talked — Their name sounds mythical and enigmatic which I think perfectly describes this band’s sound. The four-piece from Leeds has, to date, released a few home-made EP’s and have recently released their first album, 23 Fears on record label Bad Sneakers. This EP, Black Heart, Blue eyes is almost a taster for fans and new listeners alike to understand their music.
EP: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson – The Daytrotter EP
This EP was always going to be a winner with me- I’m a sucker for any gravely voiced bluesy man with a guitar. Especially when he sounds like Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam (swoon). This 25 year old singer/songwriter from Brooklyn is singing the blues with genuine reason. His past is peppered with regrets including becoming an addict and sleeping on benches in Coney Island. Every tortured artist needs a sob story, but it’s nice when you hear that turn into a genuine sound with relatable lyrics.
EP: Thom Stone – Hearts and Bones
Thom Stone is a scruffy haired English singer/songwriter who sings slow burning, acoustic folk-like music. His voice is unique and — on new EP Hearts and Bones — often accompanied by a haunting humming. Now without his backing band, this new offering is raw, acoustic and impressive.