Long Blondes, The – Giddy Stratospheres

Long Blondes hot on the heels of the success of their debut album reissue their debut single, all different and dressed up. The song is just as good the second time around. First, you get hand claps to grab you, and Kate’s vocal sounds very vintage and the subject matter are all very interesting things to note.

By John Siwicki

Royksopp – Only This Moment

“Melody AM” Royskopp’s big debut album was released way back in 2002. “Only This Moment” is their long awaited comeback single; the soft Air-esque honed, melancholic electronica sound is still featured here but they have upped the ante a bit. The track has an upbeat feel, the female vocals do seem a bit out of place at first but they really bridge the song well. It has a great summer vibe and it’s a step in the right direction from their previous work.

By John Siwicki

The Tears – Lovers

The second single from Bernard, Brett and company is the amazingly catchy “Lovers.” It’s the one track on the album that could provide the band with some big chart success. Brett(singer) sounds utterly fantastic here, it’s been ages since I’ve heard him sound this confident. The lyrics are… well its hard to be nice here but they are pretty awful “we are the lovers/we are different colours” The lyrics are daft but they are fun to sing a long to and they could only be pulled off by a certain duo.

By John Siwicki

O’Connor, Sinead – Collaborations

Sinead had recently announced that she will “retire from singing” so naturally a Greatest Hits would follow. “Collaborations” is a little different, it collects track that Sinead has added her vocals to. There has always been a bit of a back lash to Sinead, but after hearing these tracks you will be changed. She has an amazing, powerful voice. She guest on a wide variety of tracks ranging from Asian Dub Foundation, U2, The The, Terry Hall and loads more.
This compilation is expansive and covers tons of genres. It shows that Sinead has the capabilities to excel in all types of music. Her performance on Massive Attacks “Special Cases” sounds so smooth and natural. Bomb The Bass “Empire” and Afro Celt Sound System tracks really standout because they just so different, there are so much going on in both. The tracks with The The and Peter Gabriel aren’t quite up to the calibre of the rest. Her work on Terry Hall’s “All Kings Of Everything” is a nice way to round off proceedings. It’s a simple and gorgeous track and of course features a solid vocal from our girl.
I really enjoyed this album from start to finish. It had its bumps in the road but a lot of these tracks are quite stellar. If you’re a fan of her work this is an must. But if your willing you will be quite surprised by what’s here.

By John Siwicki

Lyca Sleep – Closer In

Lyca Sleep have been working on their sound for the past year and a half. They really seem to have something here. “Closer In” which is very Verve, but they pull it off because they make the sound into their own. The guitars are huge swirling affairs that just intertwine so well with the vocals. It’s so well produced, that the song doesn’t really seem to be six minutes long. The B-sides here are exceptional and worth mention as well. “Falling On Cedars” slows things down a bit, it takes the sound of more Elbow at their most powerful moments. It’s an emotional and gripping song. It is impressive for a b-side. This is a fantastic look into a band that you will surely be hearing about more in the future.

By John Siwicki

The Subways – Rock And Roll Queen

The Subways have a great story about their rise. They won the Glastonbury competition and the rest was history. “Rock And Roll Queen” will be their third single; it isn’t nearly as good as the previous efforts. The track has a Von Bondies feel to it. It’s full of energy and power but lyrically it is a bit daft and it’s hard to look past that at times. There is a nice power riff there, something to really sink your teeth in. But though with that said, it is a fun song and you will sing a long with us all.

By John Siwicki

Tom Vek – CC(You Set The Fire In Me)

CC(You Set The Fire In Me) is one of the highlights and standouts from Tom’s debut “We Have Sound.” The track is easily the most accessible, and radio friendly of the album. The organ is a class touch. The bass and beat are very dance oriented. The hook is as infectious and catchy as you can get and you will be humming it for days. As the days keep getting hotter, this is a track to have on your stereo. Its deep and full of great instrumentation but also damn catchy.

By John Siwicki

Nine Black Alps – Not Everyone

This Manchester four piece, following the top 25 success of “Shot Down” the boys are back with a new single. This will be their third single off their forthcoming LP “Everyone Is”. “Not Everyone” is tight blast of rock that fuses Sonic Youth, Pearl Jam and a dash of The Pixies all together. It’s a tasty fiery little number that gets the job done. If you want a quick fix of fast energetic rock here it is.

By John Siwicki

Nine Black Alps – Everything Is

Nine Black Alps come from Manchester and they go about four deep . They have released about three singles in the run up to the album. Also, they have been branded with this nonsense tag of being new grunge. That’s what we know so far. Now their debut disc here “Everything Is” doesn’t sound much like grunge but a little something different.The album is a mish mash of sounds. Throw a bit of Mudhoney, a dash of Sonic Youth, a hint of the Pixies, they influences are deep and you can picture the sound there.
“Get Your Guns” kicks us off with a solid tight riff, thunderous bass. It’s certainly their call to arms anthem. “Cosmopolitan,” remember this one from way back when? This is the song that got us to fall for the band. It still sounds as fast and fierce as ever. “Not Everyone,” while not the best single it fits better on the album. It’s still got a solid hook and chop full of big meaty riffs. “Headlights” follows, and is immediately forgettable. “Behind Your Eyes” sees the band bring out acoustic guitars for this one. It does show that they have depth but that’s about it. “Ironside” kicks us back in gear. The track has fantastic use of feedback and those big riffs. “Shot Down” is the best track here. It’s a killer rocking tune, blinding riffs, nice and angry vocals but not too over the top. “Just Friends” could be an odd chart hit. A lovely, fun summer tune that could be a big one. “Southern Cross” finishes us off. It’s a bit of a slower number but it has a much better feel to it, much like those more stripped down BRMC tunes. Overall a good solid tune and a nice end.
“Everything Is” isn’t going to change the rules. But there are some awesome tunes here(Shot Down, Get Your Guns, Ironside). If you enjoyed the singles you will feel right at home here. But otherwise it’s a good debut that shows at lot of possibilities for this band. We just have to wait and see.

By John Siwicki

Neil’s Children – Always the Same

Neil’s Children bring us an attempt at some sort of art-punk as opposed to the army of art-rock we’ve seen recently. I suppose that’s something. But the latest offering from Poptones doesn’t impress as much as it has the potential to. I can’t think of another word except boring for the monotonous and overall drab tune, aside from the singer’s energetic

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