Charlotte Faulkner Review

2009-12-04T08:43:00.000-08:00

ARCTIC MONKEYS @ BIRMINGHAM NIA 20/11/0 9

Winners of the Mercury Prize and several BRIT awards, the Arctic Monkeys have bitten back with the Humbug tour, showcasing tracks off the newest album, ‘Humbug’. Strolling on stage with longer hair than the last time they toured in the UK they began with a track off the new album ‘Dance Little Liar’. Introducing themselves Alex Turner greeted the crowd with ‘Hello Birmingham, you sexy bastards’. As everyone went crazy they unleashed a series of well known favourites (‘Brianstorm’, This House is a Circus’, ‘Still Take You Home’ and ‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’) that were greatly received by now ecstatic ‘Monkeys fans.

‘Sketchead’ could be considered an odd choice for their setlist as its the b-side to the Arctic Monkeys most recent single ‘Cornerstone’. The track slightly resembles John Cooper-Clarke’s ‘evidently chickentown’, relating more so to social commentary than their more current music. While Alex Turner swaggered around the stage he ditched the guitar and just sang. It’s true to say that their success is being demonstrated in a variety of ways; Turner no longer playing all songs is one and the confetti ending. The final song, prior to the encore concluded with an explosion of paper confetti raining down onto the crowd. While this touch was adorable and added an edge to the generic ‘indie band’ style performance it didn’t seem very them considering the laddish reputation they had.
The encore was a real treat for fans as Alex Turner sang a verse from classic Arctic Monkeys track ‘Mardy Bum’ during ‘Florescent Adolescent’. ‘505’ ended the show in an explosive manner.

While this was an impressive show, maybe one of the best I’ve been to there seemed to be less chemistry between the band and Alex Turner seemed drunk. In terms of audience participation it wasn’t mind blowing, yet the Arctic Monkeys never fail to play a blinding show and give people exactly what they want. Even if they don’t say anything.

10/10

Dizzee Rascal's Dirtee Cash

2009-11-11T09:05:00.001-08:00

Dizzee Rascal's Dirtee Cash

He’s collaborated with some of the most influential people in pop; Lily Allen, Armand Van Helden and Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) to create some alternative hip-hop/pop classics, most notably ‘Dance Wiv Me’ in which he teamed up with Calvin Harris. Dizzee Rascal always seems to be a little ahead of the trends, creating something a little unlike anything of the time and he has done that again with his newest single ‘Dirtee Cash’.

Don’t be suprised if the first time you hear it you’re not a fan, I wasn’t either. Imagine you’re back in the early 90’s and ’Dirtee Cash’ wouldn’t have seemed out of place at all, yet compared to the chart successes of JLS and Cheryl Cole, it just seems a little too much out of touch with now. The more soulful featured female vocal just makes it even more retro along with the looped sample of a Stevie V hit of the same name.

In comparison to the rest of Dizzee’s album, its a gem, along with singles already released from the album and still should appeal to the hip-hop dance niche that he had created with the most previous chart-toppers.

2009-11-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

The Holloways Are Back With 'No Smoke, No Mirrors'

Happy-go-lucky indie pop band, The Holloways have come back three years after ‘So, This Is Great Britain?’ with follow up album ‘No Smoke, No Mirrors’. In these three years the band have seemed to have gone through some changes. The image has changed, with them ditching the grubby vests and knit hats for a more sophisticated blazer and cardigan look.

Besides this shift in image there has been a shift in sounds with the fiddle that was so prominent in the first album sounding more discreet than before and everything just sounding more mature. As the fans have grown up so have the Holloways, the album is not about pulling girls or the fact ‘there’s nothing for the kids to do today’.

So the album. They’ve stuck by the feel good music (despire they tend to sing about how crap something is) yet have lost there way a little way when it comes to what to write about maybe. Yes, everyone can relate to that moment you lose your tv remote (‘Public Service Broadcast’) and we are all familiar with those kids who sit at the back of the bus like they own it (‘On The Bus’) yet thats not what people want to hear about. Their album has been released around the same time as the likes of Jamie T and just before the Editors and it is in no way comparable. Lyrically and musically weak and appealing to a niche that is minuscule.

The Monobloggers

2009-10-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Monobloggers

The Monobloggers hailing from little midlands city, Wolverhampton have already had the opportunity to create a 6 track EP 9 ('Argh! Rock!')with the producer who has most recently produced Ocean Colour Scenes soon to be released album.

The EP is okay, not exceptional, these guys have a way to come before they develop into chart toppers but I can see their potential. The best track would have to be 'Yesterday', purely because the vocals are the best. On the other tracks the vocals are a little sub-standard but hey, they have plenty of time to improve considering the oldest member is the ripe age of 18.

Check out tracks from their new EP at:

http://www.myspace.com/themonobloggers

Arctic Monkeys at Reading

2009-08-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

Arctic Monkeys at Reading

Having created a second album with as much hype and success as the first album the third instalment from the sheffield bunch had a high standard to match and better. ‘Humbug’ recieved a poor grade from nme and many fans are disappointed with the effort.
Listening to the album myself I get it, Frontman, Alex Turner is trying to move away from the boy who wrote debut album ‘Whatever people say I am, thats what I’m not’ but with this he’s sacraficed all the ‘monkeys casual fans. With the transition he’s grown his hair (now looking like a member of The Strokes) and decided that complex metaphorical lyrics is where he should be.
Keeping in mind this new Arctic monkeys I still expected an explosive performance at Reading festival on saturday. Fast-paced, exciting and interesting yet thats not how it seemed. Coverage on BBC projected what seemed a drunk Turner who didn’t seem too interested in what he was there for also drummer, Matt Helders seemed bored towards the end of their performance. If this is what one of britains best new bands has turned into then they’ll be in for a rude awakening soon as the Reading performance seemed to disappoint many.

The king is dead...

2009-06-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

The king is dead...

Yes, I'm not going mad, I know Elvis died back in 1977 but on about the King of pop, Michael Jackson who unfortunately passed away on 25th June 2009. Although the eccentric star hasn't always been the public's favourite celebrity; he is possibly one of the most influential artists of the past century and this is a major achievement.

I'm not a fan of Michael Jackson himself, but the music he produced over the years, the iconic moonwalk and memorable music videos are what won him all this respect and credibility as a pop star. Starting a music career from a young age with the Jackson five he's always remained in the limelight, especially as a young and attractive man. Sadly as the years whittled away he became more peculiar and felt it necessary to change himself physically, looking less and less like the handsome black man he once was. It's true to say that is bizarre lifestyle has possibly created a warped image of him as far as media portrayal is concerned due to his extravagant Neverland ranch and criminal trials that have faced him over the years.

As the creator of the best selling album of all time with sales of Jackson's 'Thriller' album being 57 million copies Michael Jackson won't be forgotten. He'll go down in history with the likes of Elvis Presley and John Lennon and other majorly influencial artists who tragically died young.

2009-06-26T04:08:00.000-07:00

Song of the day, Elvis Costello, Pump it up

Elvis Costello; producer, singer and song writer. As a musician he may not be everyone's cup of tea but he certainly has a likeable personality (ignoring the racist comments once made about soul legends James Brown and Ray Charles) with his unusual dancing in the video of 'Pump it up' which is the song of my day. Although the main riff may have been ripped off by Rogue Traders it still remains to be amazing despite their horrendous efforts with it.

So, basically this is a little encouragement to go and listen to Mr Costello today if not one of the best albums he has produced (The Specials- The Specials).

Marmaduke Duke- Duke Pandemonium

2009-06-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

Marmaduke Duke Are Causing Pandemonium

Being a fan of 'indie' I've become accustomed to slightly obscure names and slightly bizarre songs however little compares to what I heard when listening to the debut album from Marmaduke Duke.

In case you've missed out recently Marmaduke duke are a Scottish duo rock alternative band consisting of Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro and JP Reid of Sucioperro. Having listened to the bands the tracks from Marmaduke' couldn't be more different from the previous works from both band members.

When trying to define how the album sounds I became stuck for words. It's honestly like nothing you will have heard before; it's most definitely what itunes describes it as; 'alternative'. Each track develops perfectly from the one before demonstrating sheer craftsmanship from both members of Marmaduke Duke especially if you consider how different the tracks are from their previous work. Reviewing this album is a difficult task as I find little meaning in any song, just seems to be nonsense to me however at the same time it makes perfect sense as each song has a catchy rhythm. On the first listen you become so intrigued as to what the next song will sound like that it is really quite a pleasure to listen to.

The best tracks would have to be the first single, 'Rubber Lover' and 'Erotic Robotic'. 'Erotic Robotic' seems like a great party tune sounding slightly like a warped Justice or Simian Mobile Disco.

This album is definitely worth a buy even if it's just to try out as I sadly don't think it will be for everyone.

6/10

Jack Penate- Everything Is New

2009-06-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

Jack Penate- Everything Is New

Since the days of 'Matinee' Jack Peñate (pronounced pen-ya-tee) has successfully grown as an artist, maturing his sound and refining it to make something different. 'Matinee' was released back in October 2007 by a younger Jack whose heart was devoted to London. Now older and wiser and with more travel experiences to inspire him, he's come back with an album which reflects his development in a charming and positive way. Still creating tracks with contagious riffs, catchy lyrics and the sound of the summer in most tracks, Jack Peñate's new album 'Everything is New' is sure to be a winner this summer.
Again like 'Matinee', the album features a variety of tracks, those livelier and some more tranquil making this album perfect to listen to anytime. 'Be The One' demonstrates Jack Peñate's ability to create an adorable track about someone that 'could be the one' and that Jack has grown up and moved on from the days of declaring his love of London as he did in previous single 'Torn on the Platform'. The middle of the album picks up the pace with newest single 'Tonight's Today' and 'So Near' with the repetitive lyrics that are impulsive and you will uncontrollably sing by the end of the song. There's a carnival vibe about the exciting music, adding colour to his album.

Though on his second album and having developed as a musician, Jack still hasn't strayed far away from the theme of death which featured on his first album with tracks like 'When we die'. Although on this album in 'Let's All Die' it doesn't have the same calm tone in which 'When we die' had, it's more about celebrating the death of someone and the achievements they made as death is inevitable and the most certain thing in people's lives. Though this sounds like a depressive theme, Jack has approached it in a manner which makes death seeming something glorious as he has a sounding beat behind him as he chants 'Let's all die [...] out of the womb an into the doom.'. The final track, 'Body Down' is perfect in its positioning; calming in comparison to the rest of the album it brings a beautiful album to an equally beautiful closing.

The Album art work (above); a simple black and white photograph relecting the simplicity of Jack's music however the music on his album is much more colourful and vibrant in comparison.

Jack Peñate's album 'Everything is New' will be available from the 22nd June and is definitely worth buying.

Rating: 8/10

The Marquee

2009-06-04T01:47:00.001-07:00

The Marquee

The Marquee may have only been gigging for just over a year but the four lads from Wolverhampton have already made a brilliant impression upon the local music scene. With a slight ‘punk rock’ sound they produce catchy tracks and perform them with passion making them ones to watch out for as the live performance out does what they record. Drawing influences from The Clash, The jam and The Ramones is directly reflected in what they produce as they create an unpolished sound.
With all members being in their late teens and three members going to university in autumn, it will be good to see if the guys can keep it together as it would be a shame to lose a young band with massive capabilities.
Checking them out would be a wise thing to do today, so head over to their myspace to check for upcoming gigs and new tracks: http://www.myspace.com/themarqueemusic

The bird I rescued this morning

2009-06-01T03:21:00.001-07:00

Yes, this has nothing to do with any band or journalism but I feel the need to tell people at the good deed of today.
My cat caught a bird this morning, and I thought it was dead as I just saw it in the garden but it blinked at me. So I got a tea towel and picked it up and nursed it a bit before calling my mum to ask for her advice in which she told me to put it in the utility and close the door so it can fly if it wants or if it sadly dies it won’t be pestered by the cats. Doing as I was told I got it some water after having set it down in the utility. As I returned the bloody thing flew at me then kind of ended up on the floor.
Now when I just went back in to see how it was I couldn’t see it but now I’m afraid that it will fly at me again so I don’t want to have a proper look for it now. I think I will be brave and go and see where it is, it’s probably dead now poor little birdie. When I picked it up and stroked his (yes, I’ve decided its a boy) little head he had a cut on the one side of it :(

The Twang, Barney Rubble 27th May

2009-05-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

The Twang, Barney Rubble 27th May

This evening Radio one's Zane Lowe gave the first listen to The Twangs up coming single 'Barney Rubble' which will be the first single to be released from their follow up album 'Jewellery Quarter'.

Last week the Brummy lads played a series of warm up gigs testing out their new material and today their free release 'Another Bus' was named NME's track to download this week with all this in mind people should be expecting 'Barney Rubble' to be an impressive re-introduction The Twang.

'Barney Rubble' is charming with an exceptional beginning which is bound to be a Radio one favourite this summer. Like all 'Twang songs the lyrics aren't particularly complex however they're unbelievably catchy with simple lines ('All I really want is you...') which are completely adorable. Guitarist, Stu and drummer Matty continue to impress by producing a captivating rhythm that is repeated throughout the song helping to make it a candidate for summer success when played at festivals.

After hearing this teaser 'Jewellery Quarter' is bound to be equally as brilliant and after their tester gigs in the past week should see them have a memorable festival season and as Zane Lowe said "The band from Birmingham are back."

The Twang: The Big Peg 21st May

2009-05-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

The Twang: The Big Peg 21st May

Forget every bad word you have heard about The Twang!

***

Speaking to graffiti artist and the producer of The Twang's new album art work (which will be released in the summer), Temper about The Twang before the set I was eagerly anticipating an impressive performance. Speaking about the show in Dudley on the Tuesday, Temper told me about how amazing the new album tracks sounded live and how generally people responded well to hearing them. Temper was also quite complimentary about the guys, mentioning how they're all really nice guys, what you see is what you get, Phil being a front man on and off stage. After talking about them I was keen to see if Temper was right.

Opening with 'Either Way' which got them into the top 10, the majority of the crowd began to dance while others took photos of the guys in this tiny venue. Singer, Phil Etheridge after it seemed a little confused due to a setlist change which has happened every night this week while they experiment with new tracks. The Twang had made the decision to test the new tracks out on these dedicated fans attending yet also played the popular songs which had won these fans over anyway. 'Push Away the Ghosts' and 'Wide Awake' reminded me of a Twang which were plastered over NME in the previous year however they seem more mature than those guys which the NME portrayed as arses.

The new tracks went down well with by the final chorus' many fans had just picked up the words and were singing along. The final song before the encore was the most recent release from The Twang, 'Another Bus' which was available for free download on The Sun's website. Temper had told me that 'Another bus' didn't seem too popular on Tuesday however on Thursday they crowd were singing from the outset and seemed to enjoy it. I believe it's a brilliant new one from The Twang with the guitar from Stu being amazing to listen to. Another new track which seemed to go down well was 'Barney Rubble' which is set to be the next single for the guys and is going to be released around the same time as their new album 'Jewellery Quarter'.

'For all you naughty fuckers' Phil announced before 'The Neighbour' began which led to one of the most amazing audience responses I had seen so far in the set, with the crowd singing back over Phil and Saunders. By the last song The Twang wanted people to go crazy. Phil requested that 'the next time people go out in Birmingham to leave their camera phones at home' after that the crowd were dancing hard to 'Cloudy Room'.

The guys afterwards were a little worried that it wasn't as good as they had expected it to be yet that was in comparison to the previous night when they playing in Shrewsbury. Every member of The Twang are genuinely nice blokes, very much what you see is what you get except Saunders. On stage he seems to be another man, generating crowd response by dancing around.
All in all they have demolished all the bad things I had ever heard about them and replaced them with the fact that they are amazing performers with awesome music, new and old and have the ability to develop their sound into something which sounds as good if not slightly better than that of debut album 'Love It When I Feel Like This'. Live, things are raw, things are done on impulse and this helps to create one of a kind shows which I'm sure the fans love. The Twang breaks the mould and if the new live tracks they teased the crowd with last night as anything to go by then 'Jewellery Quarter' should be amazing.

General Fiasco Little Civic 20th May 2009

2009-05-22T02:17:00.000-07:00

General Fiasco Little Civic 20th May 2009

It's true to say that General Fiasco made the best of a bad situation when they performed at Wolverhampton's Little Civic. ''Superfans'' stood in the front row trying to make conversation throughout the gig and at one point were told to keep down while they continued with the set, which was fast paced and brilliant despite them being a little drunk when playing. Every song I had heard before seeing them was in everyway better when performed live, as they did just that, performed; they had electric presence and involved the slightly minuscule crowd. All the songs were delivered quickly, creating quite a raw sound which converted many people to fans that night. The drums were possibly the loudest I have ever heard, with the playing being immaculate and the bass guitar being the most attractive one I've ever seen. The best track in their set was 'Ever so shy', maybe that's a bias opinion as I believe it to be the best recorded track, however it got many people dancing and seemed to generate the best response I'd seen in their set up to that point.

There is only two criticisms from that gig: the fans and support bands. The support in all was a little odd, with Mr Cricket being first on. Mr Cricket seemed to have few fans, possibly due to their 'weird' sound which was quite frankly poor. Next was Paradoxic who have catchy songs which grow on you throughout the set, however the lead singer I found rude as he arsed around throughout the set of the following support band, The Marquee and headline act General Fiasco. The Marquee demonstrated an impressive performance and seemed to enjoy their set although none of them stayed around very long to watch the band they had come to support which, to me, doesn't seem particularly fair.
I think General Fiasco will be ones to watch for later this year and early next year as they are an amazing live act. Given another opportunity, I would pay more that £6 to see them, and would see them again without a doubt. During the summer, get to a festival and see these guys!

The Maccabees Birmingham 10th May 09

2009-05-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

The Maccabees Birmingham 10th May 09

The Maccabees, having recently released their second album "Wall Of Arms" embarked on a tour of the UK, stopping off at Birmingham O2 academy2. Having seen them before, and at a larger venue I anticipated a lively audience for the five-piece from Brighton however, this wasn't the case.

Beginning their set with new track 'No Kind Words' generated a lively response for those more dedicated fans near the front unlike those nearer the back, who resigned to a simple nodding of the head for the majority of the songs off the new album. On playing older, better known songs like 'First Love', 'Mary' and 'Toothpaste Kisses' (which was played acoustically) the crowd resonse was impressive, with the voices of youths from around the midlands almost drowning out The Maccabees. Also ' Maccabees played B-side to their most recent single 'Love You Better' which although good, didn't seem to have much of the audiences' approval with many people seeming a bit bored during the song. This is the second band however that I've seen in recent weeks who have decided to play a B-side as part of their set.

Only 45 minutes into the set, Orlando announced that they were playing their final song, before a break, having still not played single from the first album, 'About Your Dress'. With it being a personal favourite, I was quite disappointed that they chose not to play it, along with many other songs from their first album. Finishing their set off with the new single 'Love You Better' which seemed to generate a more exciting response from the crowd, similar to that of the older songs.

The performance was exceptional, and the audience response to the well loved tracks of their debut album 'Colour It In' was amazing, however I don't think many people had heard the new album yet therefore weren't so excitable. The Maccabees were also lacking any merchandise, the only things people would be taking home were the flyers left on a table next to a pretty vacant mailing list.