Explosions In The Sky – All of A Sudden I Miss Everyone
EITS scores the TV version of Friday Night Lights as they did with the movie. Lately, I caught the show a few times and never has a music fit it so perfectly and even made the show better. “All of a Sudden
Plain White T’s – (Hate) I Really Don’t Like You
Now that the catchy, hazy dust has settled, Tom Higgenson and company show that the romanticised, love will conquer all, chart riding sentimentality of swooning ballad and previous single ‘Delilah’, soon turns sour. This new follow up single is a reaction to Delilah’s annoying habits and it is more like the erstwhile Plain White T’s of old.
“(Hate) I really Don’t Like You”, is aching and angular rock with a robust melody, setting things up for Higgenson’s drawling whine, the sort of which you feel like doing whenever you see the Spice Girls getting even more press coverage. High School rock in all its bleeding heart self-indulgence is nothing to turn your nose up at. The honeymoon period with Samson’s ex is well and truly over;
“Hate is a strong word, but I really don’t like you.”
By Dave Adair
Apples In Stereo – New Magnetic Wonder
Time to turn up your stereo and get your dancing shoes on. When you pick up The Apples in Stereo’s sixth LP, New Magnetic Wonder, you will. New Magnetic Wonder is their first album with their newest record label –Simian Records — founded by Elijah Wood. No matter how hard you fight, your head will be bopping up and down and your feet just won’t stop moving when you hear the first 10 seconds of the album. Their first song, “Can You Feel It?” wastes no time getting into the up-beat, fun music The Apples in Stereo have mastered. Robert Schneider has once again provided his talent for writing catchy lyrics and music.
New songs and surprises await on their latest album, but the Apples in Stereo continue to produce soulful music reminiscent of the 1960s. The psychedelic sounds of New Magnetic Wonder will leave any skeptic stand corrected to reviews comparing them to The Beatles and The Velvet Underground. With 21 songs, new and old fans alike will be more than happy once they hear New Magnetic Wonder.
By Eileen McSweeney
Le Reno Amps – Wound Up
North East Scotland’s Le Reno Amps release a high energy pop song. “Wound Up” is a fast and furious three minute tune. The guitars are chugging along and there is a piercing organ in there as well. “Wound Up” won’t win any awards for originality but it’s a good time while it lasts.
By John Siwicki