South – With The Tides
We last heard from South about two and half years ago with their brilliantly different album Here On In. In their second full-length release, With The Tides, they leave their past ambient rock ways in favor of a more stadium rock sound.
The album starts off with the undeniably catchy “Motiveless Crime”. The addition of some wonderful strings gives the song a full, complete sound. “Loosen Your Hold” is the album’s first single and an absolutely beautiful track. The strings make another comeback and combined with the perfect vocals and some awesome effects, they make this track a keeper. “Fragile” brings things down a notch. The song has a much quieter sound, but also includes some amazing effects and samples. Its has a beautiful arrangement. The 6th track, “Nine Lives,” is another gorgeous track. The song itself is very simple, featuring an acoustic guitar, but with the added effects and a great vocal accompaniment, the track is heavy. “Straight Lines To The Bad Lands” has some excellent guitar and drum work on it, making it one of the greater tracks of the CD.
All in all, With The Tides is a solid album, but it is a bit too long. The last few tracks just seem to blend together. The album is nothing groundbreaking but nevertheless it is enjoyable. There is less experimentation on this one and it features more of a refined sound. If you are fans of indie rock, go ahead and give it a listen. It will be worth your time.
By John Siwicki
The Magic Numbers – The Magic Numbers
The Magic Numbers are fronted by Romeo who was born in Trinadad, then moved to New York , and then onto London . He then met Sean and they started making music together. They both got their sisters Michelle and Angela to join in on the fun. Their story is interesting. The Magic Numbers eponymous debut has charm, some killer pop melodies and top vocal arrangements. Their inspirations are wide but they have a true sound of their own. Enough of me sounding like a press release onto the record shall we.
“Mornings Eleven” is a perfect album opener. There is a nice selection of slow beautiful melodies. Michelle and Angela singing together with Romeo just sounds simply sublime. “Long Legs” is another brilliant little pop gem. It’s a perfect song for a summer day and will surely be a highlight in their live set. “Love Me Like You Do” will most likely be the next single. Romeo sounds fantastic, it’s just such a well put together track. “Which Way To Happy” is very delicate but very soulful. Gorgeous track! “This Love” follows, it’s really hard to keep a dry eye during this one. “Loves A Game” showcases their mix of pop and soul very well. Also, at the end there’s a treat for us in “Hymn For Her” It’s such an emotional and beautiful song that will simply move you.
This album is really something special. They are so many ups and downs it’s a wild journey. The one of the most enjoyable albums you will hear all year.
By John Siwicki
Goldfrapp – Fly Me Away
From the ever-fun album ‘Supernature’ is a more, beautiful and laid back track called
Oceansize – Everyone Into Position
This is the second album by Oceansize their previous was the mega “Efforesce” which was quite an album. “Everyone Into Position” was produced by the band and Dan Austin. There is no denying the quality of “Efforesce” but the band have taken huge steps.
“The Charm Offensive” opens us up and has some impressive thick riffs, it turns into a wonderful seven minute plus epic. “Heaven Alive” gets better with each listen. The song has the potential to be massive; it’s infectious and it grabs your attention so well. “A Homage To Shame” attacks us with a much heavier vibe than any previous tracks. The last part of the song where it just gets really heavy is bloody fantastic. “Music For A Nurse” starts off rather slow and gently but don’t let it fool you. There are some really gorgeous moments on the track. The vocals are exceptional passionate and expansive. It really shows another side of the band. “No Tommorrow” begins to pick things up a bit for us. Following the quiet/ loud formula quite well. “You Cant Keep A Bad Man Down” is a good moderate track, it never gets to loud or to quiet, but it still knows how to rock. “Ornament/the Last Wrongs” are two part epic finale. The first half is a rather haunting instrumental with this guitar shimmers that are quite spine tingling. The second half is where things get interesting, the vocal harmonies are spectacular. It’s such a huge, epic, grandiose affair, an the perfect way to end this record.
“Everyone Into Position” was a very enjoyable record. It’s a great progression for Oceansize, and a really splendid record.
By John Siwicki