Kaiser Chiefs – I Predict A Riot

After the brilliant little ditty which was “Oh My God” these boys from Leeds switch labels and bring us a new one “I Predict A Riot”.The production here is wonderful it is a right there and rough. The hook just makes you just want to yell it out. This song will make you jump up and down like crazy. The future looks bright.

By John Siwicki

Oasis – The Importance Of Being Idle

The second single off “Dont Believe The Truth” threw me for a bit; it really isn’t the strongest track off the album(“Keep The Dream Alive). “TIOBI” will certainly please the Oasis following. Also, it must be said, I am a long time Oasis fan yet I can see why some would slag them off. But to me Oasis make music that is simple, and is just really easy and fun to listen to. I can pop it in after a hard day and by the end I’ve forgeten what troubled me. “TIOBI” is a fun littleslice of pop music that will not disappoint.

By John Siwicki

The Organ – Grab That Gun

Having been named the Morrissettes (a song in favour of the man himself

The Rakes – Capture/Release

The Rakes document every day life with such vivid and blunt imagery. “Capture/Release” is an absolutely flawless record. This London bunch are so spot on with their vision of day to day occurrences it’s quite reassuring that someone else feels the same.
Recent single “Retreat” is so wonderful, it puts together the dreadful day to day happenings, that we all incur. “Walk home, come down , retreat to sleep, wake up, go out again, repeat” I think that really says it all now doesn’t it? “22 Grand Job,” has become a classic tale of working some awful job. “The Guilt” is a hilarious tale of a mans drink and drug fuelled nights where he keeps making certain mistakes and waking up to someone quite undesirable. “Open Book” is a catchy little number with the great line “Pick up a book, put down a book / Turn on the TV / It’s 2 AM, there’s nothing on / I just need something to focus on” guitar stabs and finger clicks what else could we ask for? ” Strasbourg ” is a song about post war Germany in the 1980s and it’s a true classic. “Terror” is a spine tingling story of life in the current climate of fear and terrorism. “Binary Love” features one of my favorite lines of “Can’t you just pretend, That we are more than friends?
Also, Paul Epworth’s production here is top notch and the record really has a great sound and feel to it. This is an amazing album of near perfect status. But why no Ausland Mission?? Easily, one of the bands finest moments. Go out, buy, worship, repeat!

By John Siwicki

Super Furry Animals – Lazer Beam

What is left to be said about the furries? They back with a new single off their forthcoming “Love Kraft” album which was recorded in Brazil . “Laser Beam” is a really wacky, zany track, it almost feels like the song is just a big wild party but in true SFA style. The track does have a slight organic feel to it but that doesn’t mean there isn’t the use of effects. It is incredibly infectious and will never want to leave your mind, you will end up make up silly dances to it… Not that I have ever

By John Siwicki

Magnet – Hold On

Magnet is more or less the brainchild of Evan Johanson who hails from Norway . He finally returns with the first taste of his new album. His last single was a Bob Dylan cover, and it was a duet with Gemma Hayes. I know some might find it hard to believe but it was a stunning rendition of that track. Ever since I first heard that, I have been after Magnet material. “Hold On” starts with a simple banjo part, one of the most under used instruments. The track then builds into a sweet little pop song. Evan’s voice is a bit filling, and strong and really fills out the song. For something a little bit different Magnet, offers a very nice fix.

By John Siwicki

Supergrass – Road to Rouen

Supergrass’s recent greatest hits package gave us a chance to remember how great the band really has been over the last 10 years. That package of singles can stand up to next to anyone proudly. But, looking back at the past, Supergrass decided that a change needed to be made and what a perfect time to do it. “Road to Rouen ” is the next chapter in the story of the band. While the Supergrass charm is still there. The new sound will certainly surprise many.
“Tales of Endurance (Parts 4,5,6)” starts off rather slow and it will almost make you reach for the sleeve to make sure this is Supergrass. Full of many instruments not seen in many Supergrass tunes prior. It sounds surprisingly fresh and fun. ” St Petersburg ” another piano and acoustic guitar heavy track that deep down inside is a Supergrass track. A splendid tune. “Coffee In The Pot” sounds like some bizarre polka tune and I cant get enough of it! “Kick In The Teeth” harkens back to Supergrass of old but doesn’t have that punch. “Fin” (horrible title by the way) is like a slow, gentle lullaby. It can put you to sleep.
“Road to Rouen ” is a transition record. It’s only nine tracks long which is a bit disappointing but it sets the stage for what could be an interesting new chapter for the band. They have moved on and I will follow.

By John Siwicki

Morning Runner – Gone Up In Flames

Morning Runner, seemed to have come out of nowhere really. Ever since Coldplay announced they were going to take them out on some shows, they started to get some good press. I had a hard to time with this song. It is so middle of the road it’s hard to really put it into words. The song is by no means bad. It seems to plod along with its pleasant sound. The piano bit I did like, it’s a bit fast a little up beat. Yet, there is really nothing sticks out at you.

By John Siwicki

The Magic Numbers – Love Me Like You Do

The brand new single from The Magic Numbers delivers with a catchy pop melody and upbeat sound perfect for summer. Although, clocking in a 4:53, it’s about two minutes too long for this type of pop song, there’s alot to like about this single. Especially a well-written breakdown which involves neato harmonies and layering which is not done nearly enough in pop music these days. A little more creative instrumentation might have jacked this up to an 8.

By Jake D

Supergrass – St Petersburg

After hearing that Supergrass were going to change their direction, this record became quite highly anticipated. Supergrass have been making some ace tunes and have always had that cheeky attitude to their music. ” St. Petersburg ” is a more acoustic and piano driven track. The song is about moving on and getting out of town, so I think this is their statement of taking their music more seriously. It’s a bit surprising that this is a Supergrass song but it is a gorgeous tune, with some lovely piano. The song is not the most accessible track, but it certainly is worth checking out.

By John Siwicki

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