Thirteen Senses - The Invitation

Thirteen Senses have remained quite on the scene, except for that one really bad single. This Cornish band has been rather surprising. They have been releasing quality tunes far superior to the likes of Keane.
“Into The Fire” kicks off the affairs today. It the track soars as Will’s voice sounds ever so innocent and beautiful. Will’s voice transcends the average stuff and really sticks out here. “Thru The Glass” I know I slaged it off when it was released as a single way back. But the track fits on the album and I may have been a bit to much to it. It’s a lovely little tune. “The Salt Wound Routine” again Will’s voice is stark and stunning. The quite violin and the simple piano all together make this one of the more beautiful tracks on this album. Its truly stunning, with some great arrangements and production. “Lead Us” again and amazing piano starts us off. This track has a much more epic feel. Another hell of a track that is again beautiful and heartwarming.
Thirteen Senses have mad a beautiful album from top to bottom. The only thing is each song is a piano driven ballad, which could wear thin on some listeners. Yet, the album is a rewording listen and a great start.

By John Siwicki

Brian Wilson - Smile

I decided for this review I would avoid the trend of remembering the delightful memories of the 60s and listen to the music for what it is. Lucky for Brian Wilson, what it is is a brilliant collection of melody, harmony, and imagery put together so flawlessly it ends up being one of the masterpieces of our time. Perhaps all time. I intentionally waited two months to review this album, just so i could make sure to soak it all up and give an honest fair review. From the subtle acapella aahs and oohs intro to the dreary cover of You Are My Sunshine, to the albums premier track Surf’s Up all the way through to the excellent raw re-recording of the classic Good Vibrations, Smile never lets up. It does what all great albums do by painting a picture that would simply not be the same without each note being exactly where it is, so rare in most albums put out.

By Jake D

Malcolm Middleton - Break My Heart/ A New Heart

Finally, a new single off the incredible “Into The Woods” LP. “Break My Heart” is the first track off the album is a witty, upbeat number. The line that really sums up the whole song “if you dont break my heart, i’ll do it myself.” Middleton’s voice is so full, raspy and simply one of the best voices out there. “A New Heart” which closes off the album and is the partner of our double a side. It is a fast paced rock, bluegrass fusion. But as what’s different here is that the song doesn’t sound as if he is on the brink. They are a bit more upbeat and some of the best music he has made in his career and its one of the finest albums of the year.

By John Siwicki

Kasabian - Kasabian

Around 10 months ago, the name Kasabian wasn’t at all familiar to the masses… They had a dedicated underground following, and through word of mouth, the band quickly became a household name. Now we have the Leicester bands’ debut album… Kasabian. From the outset, listeners are bombarded with the band’s influences. The opening track, Club Foot could have easily appeared on Screamadelica by Primal Scream… it’s got a great catchy hook, and you can’t resist singing along. Then we have tracks that sound as though they are Stone Roses out-takes… believe me, they sound that stunning. Processed Beats is the perfect example of this… Kasabian are so convincing, you can almost hear Ian Brown singing the lyrics.
As a whole, the album is highly accessible, Reason Is Treason is a highlight, along with Test Transmission, which has the most amazing beat to it. You can’t possibly sit still. But there are a couple of disappointing areas… One gets the feeling that the band perhaps, didn’t have enough material to complete the album… hence the instrumental tracks. Plus we have to question whether this band actually has an identity of its own (throughout the album, you can hear the major influences of Oasis, Stone Roses, Primal Scream… and even Richard Ashcroft during Butcher Blues). The answer is definitely YES! Kasabian have a huge talent, which is evident from beginning to end…How many other bands have the guts to put out a debut like this? They know how to get the fusion of dance and rock just right… and with the backing of dedicated fans, this band could very well be the next Stone Roses.

By Hannah Bauji

Joseph Arthur - Can’t Exist

Can’t Exist is the new single from Joseph Arthur. It starts off all soft stripped down using acoustic guitars with Arthur’s husky vocals over the top but the song slowly develops into a heavier more moody sound with the aid of electric guitars by the time the chorus kicks in. This pattern continues to weave its way through the song whilst maintaining a fairly slow tempo creating a mesmerising and easily listenable piece

By Craig Evans

Sons and Daughters - Johnny Cash

Sons And Daughters hail from Glasglow and are made up of 2 guys and 2 girls. Following some ultra successful support slots for Franz Ferdinand they unleash a rerecord Johhny Cash on us. The track is like a dark country record. Adle and Scott the two lead singers fit so perfectly together. Adele’s one hell of a vocal and when she gets loud its rather amazing stuff. Throw in some good old fashion slide guitar and your boots will be stomping to easily one of the finest songs of the year.

By John Siwicki