Starsailor – Silence Is Easy

Its been 2 years since Love is Here and they back with there Phil Spector produced new single Silence is Easy. It sounds like Starsailor did some growing up over the last few years. The writing has defiantly improved and musically they sound better than ever. The production work that Phil Spector did is really nice. But overall it is just missing that thing that keeps them from becoming huge. I know these guys got it in them. Maybe not tomorrow but I think we will see something great out of them.

By John Siwicki

Rapture, The – Echoes

The Rapture formed in only 1998 and have been putting together some amazing music ever since. After various releases on some indie labels such as Sub Pop and Gravity Records, this is their major label debut. The Rapture fuse dance and rock like no other. This one is a killer.
Olio gets the album going. Olio is one of the slower track with a solid beat and piano loop over it. The song features some amazing noise. “Heaven” is another berserk tune. The song starts off with some acaeplla singing, which the song goes back to at various points. The demented bass and screwy drums make this one an unforgettable track. “I Need Your Love” is just a straight up dance tune. The beat is solid and nobody can resist dancing to it.. “House Of The Jealous Lovers” is an older track put it still holds up. This one is big epic dance/rock tune. House Of The Jealous Lovers features a monumental bass and classic beat. This is one of those extraordinary tracks. Sister Saviour is another dazzling track. This is the song to close out a night at a club. The tune is very simple and sexy. It features a solid vocal that doesn’t over power the music and just fits in so well with everything. “Infatuation” ends the album on more of a somber mood. The song is very quiet and slow. The track has a slow beat and slow playing and is very peaceful.
The Rapture have managed to create a very dense and tight album. The album is very danceable and it rocks at certain points. This is a satisfying debut album from a band that could very easily become this generation’s Happy Mondays.

By John Siwicki

The Libertines – Don’t Look Back Into The Sun

After this song was released, the boys ran into some problems, but, regardless, what we have here is a 3-minute tune of pure bliss. The track was produced by Bernard Butler (yes, he is the former guitarist of Suede). The track features the dueling vocals of Pete and Carol in perfect balance. The boys sound refined and ready to take on the world. But first, they have to get off the smack so they can.

By John Siwicki

Snow Patrol – Final Straw

Snow Patrol have been at it for years now. Gary (the singer) is the main force behind the Reindeer Section. This is Snow Patrol’s third proper album and it’s their first for Polydor Records.
“How To Be Dead” opens up the album. It’s a simple little song featuring some of Gary ’s always clever and heart filled lyrics. After hearing this one, you know that a masterpiece is on its way. “Wow” is a little bit more up-tempo. The catchy riffs and Gary ’s vocals are slightly muffled witch adds to the effect of the song. Also, the beautiful lyrics such as “with a smile on your face my worries will disappear” are wonderful.
“Spitting Games” is the album’s first single. Instantly you know that this song belongs on radios everywhere. The guitar work on here is splendid and it really fits with the lyrics nicely. The song features some really brilliant lyrics about women and life.
The brilliantly named “Chocolate” is next. This tune is full of big epic guitars and a mega chorus that will bring down a room. “Run” is the huge single that really threw them into the spotlight. The song is one of the most emotional and beautiful moments. You can feel the power in Gary ’s voice and if this song doesn’t spark any emotional response there’s a problem somewhere. Lyrically it’s another great one from Gary and it really shows that this man is talented. One of the more stunning pieces of work out there, from that opening riff to the end, it hits you hard. “Grazed Knees” is another stunning little ballad. Featuring one of my favorite lyrics of the album “your breakfast will get cold I really have to go” Simple, beautiful and lush. “Tiny Little Fractures” features some of the more personal lyrics on the album. The song is a bit more upbeat and features some great handclaps. The vocals seem almost angry.
Snow Patrol have really done it here. They have created a beautiful work of art. The album is so epic and lush that it really just hits on everything. It’s beautifully written and has some memorable songs to boot. This is really something special.

By John Siwicki