The Xcerts – Do You Feel Safe
You hate to throw comparisons right from the start but the band sound a lot like Biffy Clyro-light. As a lot of us around here a big Biffy fans so this might not be the worst thing. The play on the ying-yang sounds with a lot of quiet/loud and normal/distortion switch ups just like some Scotsman. The passionate vocals cry out a question of “Do You Feel Safe?” during the hook and it all comes across uninspiring. The song seems to just sit there without any excitement or emotion at all. They are a young band and if they work on their parts the whole product could actually work. The key is with the vocals there needs to be something more with a style of music such as this.
By john Siwicki
Youthmovies – Good Nature
It might just be me but seems like Youthmovies have been around for like 5-6 years already and have released a album? It is actually the bands first full length proper after releasing numerous singles and Eps. The thing that always attracted me to this band is that they were always reminded me of a rock band who like to dress the music up and take her out shopping. What I mean by that is that they enjoyed a solid song structure but they always liked to use distortion and post-rock elements into there music. Think of a Biffy Clyro with a lot more weight and power in the music. There is also some apparent connection between this lot and Foals but I think Youthmovies won that battle.
The use of strings and brass in this record are some of the elements that really get the record to stick out. “The Naughtiest Girl Is A Monitor” starts off with a little twinkle effect and then slowly builds into the song. The track is surprising slick and well produced with a strong hook. “Soandso & Soandso” starts the song with a really sweet trumpet solo then incorporates it perfectly throughout the song with a little hint here and there. “If You’d Seen A Battlefield” sounds like Godspeed You Black Emperor tripping on acid. “Something For The Ghosts” is such a epic and grandiose song. The drumming is especially tight and fierce while, the riffs combine to sound like an evil force is plucking out my eyes.
This album surprised me with every track and every note. I thought that the concept would bore me but by the end I was completely into the record and the sound of the band. I really liked that they didn’t limited the record to anyone one style or three for that matter. The record is full of big sounds and big moments.
By John Siwicki
Morgan Page – Elevate
“Elevate” is a hybrid of remixed tracks and original songs. Morgan Page is a young producer/DJ who has already had a great career. Page remixed such artist as Angie Stone, Stevie Nicks and Nelly Furtado for the past few years to great acclaim in the community. So, he has a wide variety of styles already under his belt. This is a great way for someone to test some new material and still show off your other skills. Mark Ronson I am looking at you Mark go get this album and take a new notes from Morgan he did this thing right. The albums first song and single is “Longest Road” which features California folk artist Lissie. Lissie’s vocal is rather exceptional combine with some of Morgans mean beats. The marriage of folk and electronic music here is what makes this song special. The Submarines “Peace and Hate” gets the first remix on the album. It adds a creepy feel through the whole song. It feels like you never safe and something really bad is about to happen. I love how at the end the song opens up to brighter beat.
Jenny Own Youngs’ “Fuck Was I” is up next and I have never heard Jenny before but she made a dirty dirty song sound so gorgeous and pretty. Jenny is a young songwriter from Montclair, New Jersey. I don’t know the original but the song has a wonderful since of youthful excitement. Leigh Nash “Nervous In The Light of Dawn” gets the full on dance treatment with all the bleeps and blips you could ever ask for. Morgan really outdoes himself on the remix of “Maneater” he does with David Garcia. They turn in into the dance floor monster that it really was deep down inside. Under’s track “Under” (I agree thats a little ridiculous) finish off the album with a really chill and moody piece.
The thing that stood out to me about this album that even though there was no consistency in style and it flowed so naturally. I loved the mix of the remixes and the original content and it showed that strengths of Morgan Page in both cases. His original songs were quite good as well and he has a real knack for finding some incredible vocalists to work with.
By John Siwicki
SugaRush Beat Company – Gunshots & Candyfloss
A soul/funk fusion opens out from a teetering piano and tinkering percussion to show up the eccentric, sincere and groove maintaining approach of Rahsaan Patterson and quirky instrumentalist Jarrad ‘Jaz’ Rodgers. Using Patterson’s floating Prince and James Brown merging vocals along with a friendly, echoing femme vocal toe, gives ‘Gunshots & Candyfloss’ heart, rhythm and a cushion of soul.
Subtler, foraging occurs through ‘The End’, with the help from winding strings and a more pronounced soul edge through the male backing and the lucid, lingering femme lead. It shows up the more thoughtful tendencies of this explorative outfit that will capture the attention of both those who long for reflection and those craving a funkier slant.
By Dave Adair