The Ting Tings – Shut Up And Let Me Go
The Ting Tings finally are releasing “Shut Up And Let Me Go.” The song was featured in the current Ipod adverts which, will sell the song itself. The most notable part of the song is the drumming which really stands out and it is the most essential part of the track. That drumming keeps the song together and gives it that nice stomping feeling. The track runs in at under three minutes and it does not to try to do to much or go to far off the map. It is just a solid piece of electro pop that will get over played this summer.
By John Siwicki
Styrofoam – A Thousand Words
Styrofoam is the work of Belgian man Arne Van Petegem. Arne has said of this release that the album will place more emphasis on his vocals more than previous releases. This is also the first Styrofoam record that was no self produced as WAX LTD is responsible for production duties. This is the first Styrofoam record I have heard so I can not gauge if the sound has changed much. “A Thousand Words” starts off with the beautiful track “After Sunset.” The easy comparisons can be made to The Postal Service and other indietronic bands out there. I just learned that phrase “indietronic.”
“No Happy Endings” is a duet with Erica Driscoll. The song starts off with this funky beat that progresses into something a little organic/acoustic sound. Then the next track “Microscope” features this singer Blake Hazard who will be someone to look out for later. Her voice fits in really complimentary with Styrofoam. “Other Side Of Town” has a lot of bright summer harmonies that are so warm and comforting.
“A Thousand Words” gives you a little surprise at every corner. The record is much more diverse and well crafted than one might imagine going in.
By John Siwicki
Foals – Red Socks Pugie
The latest single from Foals’ massive album “Antidotes” will sell them even more records and will end up on a few best song of the year lists. The drum into for the song will immediately grab your attention and you just don’t hear a song started with that loud beat that sounds like it is popping in your ears. There are a few elements in the song that can be traced back to Battles’ album “Mirrors” but the band do things right and give the sound their own touch. The vocals are focused and intense. The song never has a dull moment in its five minute length and it is the type of track that you can hear over and over again. There are not many tracks that impress me but there is something about the drums in this track that just get pounded into your head.
By John Siwicki
Coldplay – Violent Hill
It is hard to argue that after 2005′s “X&Y” Coldplay was just about the top band in the world. “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends” is Coldplay’s fourth studio album and this record is largely being produced by Brian Eno. About a month ago, the band decided to give “Violent Hill” away for a week on their website as free download for a week and nearly two million people downloaded that track during that time. The band also release the song on a 7” that was in an issue of the NME. One listen to “Violent Hill” shows that this is not the same band from three years ago. The song starts off with a very Eno like intro. There are guitars and drums everywhere and it sounds a little bit heavy for a Coldplay track. This is one of the first times I immediately liked the first single off a Coldplay album. This either means I am getting older or the band are just fine tunning their craft. Also, after hearing another track from the record Coldplay are going for it this time.
By John Siwicki