Ladytron – Sugar

I enjoyed Ladytrons sound a lot. They have been away for a while now and many wondered what direction they would take. H,ere on “Sugar” their comeback single they mix it up a bit. “Sugar” sounds more heavily influenced by 80s dance and electro. The song is very catchy and has a great sexy feel to it; It also has potential to become a huge crossover hit for the band. There will be many dancing once this gets played. It’s infectious and fun, dancey, poppy and you won’t be ashamed to own it.

By John Siwicki

The Magic Numbers – Forever Lost

The Magic Numbers have been tolling around for quite a bit now. Their first single was the limited run of “Hymn For Her” which was incredibly hard to get hold of. But with great word of mouth spreading fast and a growing fan base, they are sure to do well… and as a bonus, they have the tunes to back it up! This band is destined for big things. “Forever Lost” is their first proper full release. The bands members have influences ranging from The Mammas and The Papas and other folk acts. “Forever Lost” is a sweetsong and the best part is that you feel Romeo(singer, guitar) is in the room and singing you the song. The vocals from Michele and Angela really round out the tune and make it stick out. It’s a very lovely and charming track with a sound not to be missed out on. It’s a perfect record to fall asleep to, start your day with, well you get the idea….

By John Siwicki

Oasis – Lyla

It’s been over 2 years since Oasis have treated their fans to some new material (the last release being “Songbird” back in 2003). The anticipation from the bands’ loyal fanbase has more than likely put the cheeky Manchester lads under immense pressure… Can they possibly live up to their continued hype?
The answer is yes. Although the track isn’t necessarily groundbreaking, or too different to their previous efforts, “Lyla” is a strong return, and will certainly please their army of supporters. Liam’s trademark snarl, and in this case, his lyrical wizardry are on full view here along with Noel’s typical strutting guitars…. these guys know how to put a song together, and they ooze confidence (and let’s face it, quite a bit of arrogance) from every pore.
The song is what you’d describe as a grower… it’s not quite as immediate as some of their previous efforts, however the chorus is very catchy and sticks in your mind. (It will definitely have the crowds singing along at their shows later this year…) As always though, from the very start, you know it’s Oasis… they seem to have a particular style and they stick to it. Sometimes though, you would like them to try something drastically different… just once!Having said all of that, this track is bound to do well… If you’re partial to a bit of Manchester swagger this is for you . Lyla may not make Oasis any new fans, but it will certainly leave their current devotees aching for the full album.

By Hannah Bauji

Maximo Park – A Certain Trigger

Maximo Park has put out a few excellent singles but they have not generated the ridiculous hype that can kill bands. “A Certain Trigger” is a staggering and fun debut disc, the hype machine will be in full force and we will all fall victim to the Park.???
The album kicks off with “Signal and Sign” a quick little pop ditty with some keyboard sprinkled all over. “Apply Some Pressure” and “Graffiti” are future anthems, they perfect slices of indie and pop. I just hope we see them still together next year. “Graffiti” is simply addictive, I can’t get enough. “Postcard of A Painting” could very well be a future single. It’s saucy and has nice bop to it. “The Coast is Always Changing” shows the sweet and softer side to Maximo. The song deals with a love and being away from it. This one is brilliant, Paul Smith(vocals) sounds perfect. “The Night I Lost My Head” is a lot of fun. It short with some rather daft lyrics “why did we have to meet on the night I lost my head” its cheeky and good fun. “Acrobat” sees the boys switch the formula up a bit. It’s a much slower track and then a spoken word bit starts the song. It’s an interesting song and is their longest clocking in at almost five minutes. It shows the band have a great range. Paul sounds full of emotion, Lukas(keyboards) lays a down a deep and dense wall of sound. This one is very strong. “Kiss You Better” finish up things on a lighter note. It’s back to the fast quirky pop song.
This is an excellent debut album. The boys aren’t afraid to show there love for pop music. Some of these songs just yearn to be played on the radio, the vocals are strong and they have the tunes to set them away from the rest. It’s only a matter of time before they take over the world.

By John Siwicki

Million Dead – Harmony No Harmony

Million Dead have hit their second album and have decided toswitch it up a bit. “Harmony No Harmony” is a deep record, which contains fourteen tracks. The album was produced by Mark Williams who has worked with Oceansize and Your Code Name Is Milo to name a few.
Album opener “Bread And Circuses” starts off fast and really sets up the album well. Frank(singer) is at his best when he gets this loud. “After The Rush Hour” has an incredible riff, the lyrics are really pushed to the front. “Plan B” is short at only one minute and thirty seven seconds; Yet, it is fast and loud and in your face, I didn’t want it to end. “To Whom It May Concern” is a bit too emo for its own good. The end saves it as it turns into some bizarre version of The Polyphonic Spree. I wish the whole song was done is this vein. “Living The Dream” is easily one of the most accessible tracks here, where as “Margot Kidder” one clocks in at over six and a half minutes. It’s one of the slower numbers on the album, and they manage pull it off. The slow, loud, slow formula works here. “Bovine Spungiform Economics” is another quick track that is just simply loud and wonderful. “Harmony No Harmony” is more of a sign of band spreading out into some new things. For example “Father My Father” has a choir in it. It really works very well. The band showcase here that they can pull it all off. Its not going to hit you own the first listen or the third listen maybe but If you give it that chance it will reward you.

By John Siwicki

The Lodger – Many Thanks For Your Honest Opinion

There seems to be something always popping up in Leeds . The Lodger are a three piece that a certainly worth your attention. The music has a distinct sixties type feel but a Graham Coxon powerpop riff, and that girlie shouty chorus and really it doesn’t get much better than that. These singles have now sold out but the band being such nice people allow you to download it for free here.

By John Siwicki

The Raveonettes – Pretty in Black

On this record, The Raveonettes decided to not work with limits on the songs. “Whip It On” was recorded in B-flat minor using only three chords, and “Chain Gang of Love” in B-flat major. Now that they have lifted the limits, will they only get better? One thing remains the same, they are nostalgic for the 50s and 60s.
“Seductress of Bums” and “Love in a Trashcan” are two songs that could have fit well on “Chain Gang of Love.” “Love in a Trashcan” is a great pop song and wonderful single. “Sleepwalking” Foos delicate vocals, with a progressing groove is quite unlike anything they have done before. “My Boyfriends Back” yes this is a cover of 60s girl-group The Angels. At first, I was a bit reluctant to listen to this cover, but they pull it off and it sounds grand. “Twilight” features a fuzzy disco beat, it’s an odd track but you’ll find yourself going back to this one. “Somewhere In Texas” is a long track by the band’s standards, i’ts four and half minutes. It’s a bleak, country influenced track, which sounds like it could be in the next Quentin Tarantino film.”Ode To La” features Ronnie Spector on vocals. The monumental tom, sleigh-bells all make it prime for that classic girl group sound. The song is one of the finest moments here. Foo and Spector’s vocals together just sounds so great together. It’s like a lost sixties classic.
This one was quite surprising. After the last two releases, it was hard to see where the band was going to go. They expanded their sound and up the ante for a very well rounded and enjoyable album.

By John Siwicki

Maximo Park – Graffitti

At first, I was a bit skeptical of Maxim, but they won my heart over with this single. “Graffitti” is a clever pop ditty. The hook is almost to good (even though it doesn’t make sense). “I’ll do graffiti if you sing to me in French. What are we doing here if romance is dead?” I mean, honesty what’s he on about? This single
really proves the band just might have some legs.

By John Siwicki