Lostprophets – Start Something

Welsh’s nu metal heroes are back with the first new material in over 3 years. Their debut “Fake Sound of Progress” threw them into the spotlight rather quickly. But with the opening riffs you know that these guys are a little more than nu metal’s boy band.
The opening riff of “We Still Kill The Old Way” sucks you right in. The guitars are thick and juicy and are very catchy. It’s a great way to kick things off; they set the tone early. “To Hell We Ride” is a much more upbeat and angrier song. There are plenty of catchy hooks that really mix things up nicely. “Last Train Home” is the big single and one of the more emotional songs they have ever record. It’s simply an awesome pop song that should be on every radio station. “Burn, Burn” is the silly, fun, sell-plenty-of- records track. The track has the arm-raising hook that is easy to sing along to but at the same time doesn’t make sense “cause it’s no good burn burn the station.” “I Don’t Know” is next and all I can smell is American radio hit. The quiet to loud breakdown that is all over radio is here. With the DJ scratching, they have the formula down. “Goodbye Tonight,” another sad song? What happened to the angry Welshman? There is nothing wrong with widening your appeal. But there is nothing special here. “Start Something” is a fast, angry rocker with some intense chords and an impressive howl from Ian (the singer). “Sway” is another one of the quieter songs on the album. It has some interesting moments in there, some different sounds and beats that you wouldn’t expect to hear. It’s nice to see them trying out some new ideas and paths.
Start Something is an interesting album. The boys have tried out some new sounds and some new instrumentation. There are some really great pop tunes that stick out and a few questionable filler songs. But otherwise, it’s a good solid second album and I think the boys couldn’t have said it better themselves about their sound when they said “We are the cool kids making pop music.”

By John Siwicki

Lostprophets – Last Train Home

The Lostprophets are already on their second single from the upcoming long player, Startsomething . The song is a slower number, which is a pleasant switch-up from their usual formula of pop metal. It is probably the closest thing to a ballad they have ever released. The tune features an epic chorus, yet still maintains its pop sensibilities. This track should up the ante for these Welsh guys.

By John Siwicki

LCD Soundsystem – Yeah

Any new material from the hottest duo around is always cause for celebration. The song is an interesting new number. It features some great lyrics (i.e. “Everybody keeps on talking about it/ Nobody’s getting it done”). “Yeah” is assaulting with its odd effects and intense keyboards. Listeners will greet the simple and undeniably catchy hook of “yeah, yeah, yeah” with zombie-like repetition. LCD Soundsystem have created another intense and deep dance tune. These guys are some of the best stuff around.

By John Siwicki

The Subways

Where are you from?

Billy : Josh and I are from all over. Though we settled in a town called
Welwyn Garden City not long ago.
Charlotte : I’m from Essex .

Where did the name come from?

Billy : I was at college and I suppose we were all skipping classes. We hung
out in a place underground but we could see all the cars pass above us it was really nice. All the bushes and trees and flowers in summer you could see above you. It was a subway. And I feel the band captured the freedom and beauty I felt then, I suppose. It felt right.

The new single “Oh Yeah” is out soon. When can we expect to see the album?

Billy : The album will be all sorts of songs. We try and make each song sound different from the last, give the songs personality so we are messing about with sounds. Expect to be interested.

Will “1am” be on the LP?

Billy : I didn’t want it on the album, but the other people around me expressed an enthusiasm to put it on. It may or may not be. It all depends on if the recording we did of it fits in with the flow of the record. It may or may not be. But don’t be surprised if it isn’t.

How was it working with Ian Broudie in the studio?

Charlotte : Very comfortable. We felt the freedom to mess around with all
sorts of ideas and sounds.
Billy : The best I’ve ever felt recording and making music. We chose the right person and the right place for the right job. Eerily nice.
Josh : I think he makes us feel comfortable, and angry. And that’s why the tracks are all sounding so beautiful, or energetic, or loud.

Let’s go back to that moment where you guys first walked out on the Glastonbury stage. Describe that feeling? I even remember it so clearly.

Billy : No fear or exhiliration comes close. It’s a drug high. It felt right.
Charlotte : It felt amazing. Like we were meant for that moment. I just hope
people loved it as much as us.

What are some of your influences?

Billy : It’s hard to list things really, because there are so many. I find
Charles Bukowski a great influence. His writings. Film is a big inspiration.
Charlotte : Film is very important to us. We find that it alters our perceptions so much. We can really write with that sort of medium.
Billy : Musical influences range from Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Sigur Ros,
The Coral, Muse, The Ronettes, Beethoven, The Prodigy, Yann Tiersen. All
sorts. Beautiful, powerful music.

What are the top 5 bands you are listening to at the moment?

Charlotte : I can’t say I’ve listened to much lately. Apart from Depeche
Mode and Muse.
Billy : The Coral, Yann Tiersen, Talking Heads, Mew, and Muse I suppose.
Josh : Smashing Pumpkins.

What is a typical gig like?

Charlotte : There are no typical gigs! They are all different. Every single
one. And that’s what makes it so special.
Josh : I think just the buzz. That’s always there.
Billy : The colours are always there. A typical gig will be us and lots of
colours flying about. Loud music, beautiful music. Strange movements!

What’s the worst part of being out on the road?

Josh : Nothing. If I were to stop doing this…
Billy : We’d all be dead.

What do you want people to take away with them after seeing you?

Charlotte : We want them to leave feeling like they have been touched.
Whether it is an angry nerve or a beautiful one. Know your feelings. Let go.

What’s the first record you ever bought?

Billy : Nirvana – In Utero
Charlotte : Muse – Origin Of Symmetry
Josh : Beach Boys – Live in California

How’s 2005 looking for you? Will you be hitting the festivals?

Billy : We are looking to play every single festival there is. This year,
next year, and for the next 20 years.