The Joy Formidable - Cradle

This is a time of year when you just get starved for new music. I came across this video on youtube and ever since the first listen I just can’t seem to get enough of this track. The band hail from Wales and are set to release their debut album next month. The thing that really strikes a chord with me is the lead vocals of Ritzy Bryan. Her voice really sticks out in this song as just a tone and delivery that sounds unlike anything out there. The track is a three minute moment of pure joy as it leaves you so satisfied. You get some woohoos to sing-a-long with some rather big sounding riffs to complement Ritzy’s vocal and a track that will become a regular play for most. The track is a perfect slice of indie pop that is excited and fresh.

By John Siwicki

Chasing Arrows - Unaware

Newport News’ Chasing Arrows are set to released their latest single “Unaware.” Chasing Arrows are very to new to me and looking at their wikipedia page there is a quote that describes the bands sound. “The Wallflowers meets Mars Volta meets Coldplay” I could agree with part of that as I can’t really understand the Mars Volta influence. “Unaware” is a power ballad from start to finish. It is not a bad tune but it does nothing to really stand out. I am sure I could switch on the radio and hear a song that is pretty similar in sound and style. I think if the band have something with a little more teeth than this worth taking a look at. But, this one is just the status quo.

By John Siwicki

Manu Chao - La Vida Tombola

Mogwai mysteriously and almost eerily accompanied the haunted and taunted Zidane through every move, now Manu Chao use a smooth samba coating to give Maradona the same treatment. This single stuck out like, well Maradona’s hand, in a documentary about the life of the troubled genius.

‘La Vida Tombola’, oozes Latino rhythm and springs from an ambient base that allows the slow leaping horns to take over and add energy. It is the perfect accompaniment to a spiralling run passed the likes of Peter Reid (I still think he could have tackled him, though!). Manu Chao continues to show their mastery at producing carefree rhythms.

By Dave Adair

The Bloody Beetroots – Cornelius

The Bloody Beetroots are a duo from Italy but they also bring a deep love of Daft Punk and apparently Spiderman. They always wear this admittedly cool black Spiderman mask all the time. They have a new track out on Dim Mak right now and that is “Cornelius.” The intro reminds of the final fight scene in Star Wars Episode I. The track is a brilliant little banger that came out at just the right time. That intro really set the stage for the track as after hearing that piece the track had this swagger to it. Even the video for that track feels like a knock on Justice’s A Cross The Universe. Still this is a hell of track that once you give it a listen you will not stop spinning this little guy. Also, the bside “The Death of Cornelius (Overture) pt.1” is a lot of fun as well. There is something about guys in black Spiderman masks performing, it really is the small things.

By John Siwicki

Pendulum - Showdown

Intergalactic, synth sliding old skool, drum n’ bass coated dance punk is back and who’d have thought that it would be the Aussie crew of Pendulum that are at the forefront of this revival?

A few years back it seemed as though they were on the brink of giving up on cracking the UK and the States, but their rumbling, instrumentally soaring ‘In Silico’ album and reputation bolstering Festival performances at the likes of Coachella and Leeds, has emboldened Pendulum’s appeal.

In ‘Showdown’, they have selected a snappy and slightly abrasive number that will keep their new found fans amongst the Kerrang reading community, very happy. The balance between being high octane and radio friendly has been found and this Antipodean outfit seem to be ticking all the right boxes at the moment.

By Dave Adair

Faunts – Feel.Love.Thinking.Of.

Faunts have recently released a remix album and have unleashed a little sample of their forthcoming album. “Feel. Love.Thinking.Of” is the title track of the record of the same name. The intro to the track is so dark and brooding that is downright scary. It has a very hard beat that recalled something from an IDM artists at times. The vocals on the track really caught me off guard as they were really full and lush. They created a beautiful little sound scape inside the track to counter act the hard beats. The vocals just glide along with the beats to create a rich and enduring track that will help us thought these winter nights. Faunts have gotten me excited for this track and their second album which, is sure to be something special next year.

By John Siwicki

J.Viewz - Smooth Criminal

A trip-hop cover of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal? It confused me as well. The track sounds nothing like the original at all which is the lone bright spot of the cover. If you just randomly threw the track on it would take awhile before you pick it up. But, also releasing a cover song as a single is never something that I think most bands should do. I quick hit over to J.Viewz myspace and I heard quite a few songs that I did enjoy. The cover getting a full release almost makes them fall into the trap of just being a novelty or being remembered for a cover. If you come across this title just skip over it and check out the bands other material.

By John Siwicki

Lady Sovereign – I Got You Dancing

Lady Sovereign is release her first new track and single from her forthcoming album “Jigsaw” as a free download on her website. It is her first new material since 2006’s debut album “Public Warning.” The song starts off with her traditional “SOV” chant and it was fun on her first album but it is time to switch it up now. The song does have a solid beat behind it but during the track I just felt really old while listening to the track.(side note I am only a year older than Lady Sov). It would of worked in a shorter song because after awhile it just got to be a bit annoying. There a few vocal clips you could of used and expanded on one of the beats and the song could have had some life. But, otherwise it is just worth it to dig out another record.

By John Siwicki

The Wedding Present - Holly Jolly Hollywood

The Wedding Present are not a group that you would think would release a Christmas song. “Holly Jolly Hollywood” is a duet with LA singer Simone White and talks about Christmas in the Hollywood region. The track is rather cleverly done by David and Simone. The track starts off with a traditional Wedding Present elements so it feels right at home. Then David familiar croon hits. But, the part that really caught my eye was Simone’s vocal. I have never heard her voice before and it is really quiet and rather breathy. The lyrics are fun as the two characters in the song prepare for a Christmas together. David said that ““I’ve wanted to release a proper, bona fide, Christmas song for years.” I think he out did himself as the track is a song that will last all year around. The track is out as a download only and it is worth adding to those holiday playlists.

By John Siwicki

Hello Saferide – 2008

Sweden’s Hell Saferide have released a charming little track that just feels right at this time of year. While listening to the track I could not but help to feel like it the track would be a great closing song of a musical/play. The song starts to build up it has a feeling of a nice story being told. The vocals are very soft and throaty vocals. The song features one simple message that gets repeated a lot. The lyric in question is “All I know is there is something new this year, all I know there is something new near.” Those words have never ringed so true. The track is simple and effective and it just feels right this time of the year.

By John Siwicki

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