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