The Thrills - Teenager

This collection of ten harmonious songs,the nicest and most singable being “The Midnight Choir”,made me listen. The tunes are a little samey,some might say quite tedious,however this is a harmless album for those who are yearning for an uncomplicated piece of musical entertainment.
“Should’ve Known Better”,with its Hawaiian style slide guitar,has a charming tune,rather Monkees/Beach Boys-influenced,with some lovely organ slotting in comfortably in the background. “Teenager”,the title track,is rather maudlin, a somewhat stodgy lament for lost teenage hood, a bit of a depressing listen. I rather liked “No More Empty Words,”with its pleading vocals for rejuvenation in life and love,with a 60s guitar break in the middle of the song. The album is pleasing,but it doesn’t go down on the list of albums I would currently buy. The teenagers will love it,but it’s a bit too unadventurous for my taste.

By Juliet Robertson

Biffy Clyro - Folding Stars

Biffy Clyro deliver a very pleasant tune with lyrics to ponder on…”In a bedroom with no windows or doors-all the happy people are crying.”Sounds like quite a story behind this song. A heartfelt delivery on this;I liked it very much. I was disappointed to see that this band were not appearing at Glastonbury this year. This single will hopefully sit comfortably in the UK charts for a while, on its release on 16th July.

By Juliet Robertson

The Coral - Who’s Gonna Find Me?

Quite a strong 60s sound here somewhere,on this catchy track which is simplistic to listen to. I almost thought I heard a bit of Gerry and the Pacemakers in this song,just a smidgeon. The Coral are a very talented band and their lyrics are very forward-looking. AND they are talented,which is more than can be said for alot of bands at the moment,as the current New Wave of music offers many “conveyor belt”bands this year.

By Juliet Robertson

Manic Street Preachers - Autumn Song

I love this band. They always do it for me. This is a lovely song, a grand rock sound with a Brian May style guitar break and James Dean Bradfield’s emotional voice above a rousing guitar riff,more Scottish than Welsh,bringing a tear to my eye. This is taken from the Manics’ latest successful album “Send Away The Tigers.”

By Juliet Robertson

Bright Eyes - Hot Knives

Despite being mainly the brainchild of one man, Conor Oberst the number of personnel in Bright Eyes can reach 12 in number at live shows. For this second single from the flighty and explorative “Cassadaga”, O’berst hurries his vocals in a surge to communicate his forlorn state, helped along by a melee of chugging guitars. Calmness and composure is scattered around through a strong, ethereal backing element that includes none other than Z Berg (The Like) and the understated songstress Rachel Yamagata. A shuddering and emotive whirlpool suddenly builds up and Bright Eyes reputation for searching song-crafting seems reach another level.

By Dave Adair

New Young Pony Club - The Bomb

“The Bomb” follows the massive “Ice Cream” which was a gem of a tune. “The Bomb” seems to be lacking an element. It is not a bad song by an means but it is messing a fire that would catapult this song into a top level tune. It is a bit of a let after how great “Ice Cream” and its bsides really were. It still a better than average indie-dance tune. The Phones remix gives it a little bit more oomph so have a look out for that as well.

By John Siwicki

Stars - The Night Starts Here

Starry-eyed pop gem that evokes a band whose primary concern is melody, above any self-conscious vocal inflections or bold lyrical intent, reminiscent of Delays and Captain. This single is genuinely refreshing and uplifting, featuring a male/female duet singing interchangeable, mantra-like lyrics, (”The night starts here / Forget your name / Forget your fear”). Lush synth chords and rolling drums build up as a muffled distorted guitar gains prominence in the mix. The band reach for an Explosions In The Sky style romantic crescendo that never comes

The Paradimes - Monkey Song

Sadly, this slipped through the crack for us. But this Leeds based band is worth a look. The Paradimes are Stuart Gibson on drums, Shaun McMonagle on bass guitar and Stephen OMalley on Guitar and Vocals. “Monkey Song” has a similar twang to The Bangles’ ‘Walk Like an Egyptian” which, is nothing to complain about since that song was so catchy. The best way to describe the band would be The Coral, meets The Las. This is a very solid base and gives us something to look forward to.

By John Siwicki

Guillemots - Annie, Let’s Not Wait

Guillemots have not disappointed in the singles game “We’re Here” “Made Up Love Song” and “Trains To Brazil” were all top tunes. But given “Annie” is the fourth single off the album it just fails to meet the standards set by the other tunes or does it? The first two and half minutes of the song are just so cheesy. Yet, if you give the tune some time it develops into something so wacky by the end. The last minute or so you expect to see Fefe dancing in a conga line during the video. Musically, its one of the most interesting track they have done calling in on all of the rich influences that makes up the band. Lyrically, it won’t smash any barriers but I believe ever word out of Fefe’s mouth and he does so much with so little. Let’s take a look at the last few lines

Air Traffic - Never Even Told Me Her Name

“”Never Even Told Me Her Name” kicks things off with piano bit that is very much like something early Supergrass would come out with. Will the track does sound like it could have been released any time in the last 10 years, it still has a delightfully charming feel to it. This band will be huge, they already have the songs that will appeal to everyone. Its only a matter of time for them. ” kicks things off with piano bit that is very much like something early Supergrass would come out with. Will the track does sound like it could have been released any time in the last 10 years, it still has a delightfully charming feel to it. This band will be huge, they already have the songs that will appeal to everyone. Its only a matter of time for them.

By John Siwicki

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