Thursday 3 December 2009

Dont Panic -We Fell To Earth

http://www.dontpaniconline.com/magazine/original/we-fell-to-earth-1



WE FELL TO EARTH

By Holly Eells

A duo of ex-UNKLE man Richard File and Wendy Rae Fowler, We Fell to Earth is a mélange of dance and rock. As a result, their music contains ghostly wailing (thanks Wendy) and pulsating electronic pulses and bleeps (thanks Richard). Holly Eells got an exclusive chance to catch up with them.

You are about to head off on a European Tour with Air this month. Exciting stuff. What do you enjoy most and what will you miss?

New territory is always inspiring. It’s great to lose yourself in the unfamiliar... But I realised a long time ago that however long you're away you don't miss anything.

You have just returned from a U.K tour with the The Big Pink. Any backstage gossip?

They're a great band and all super nice people... We had a lot of fun both on and off stage... Nuff said.

Having dabbled with Queens of The Stone Age and UNKLE, what made you want to form We Fell To Earth?

I was lucky to meet Wendy at a point in our lives where we were both looking for inspiration. We Fell To Earth are the result of that.

You have had various tracks played in U.S dramas; does this mean anything to you?

It enables your music to reach people in parts of the world you haven't yet played shows, so when you do finally arrive they know you're coming.

What track means the most to you on the album?

The double (which features on the soundtrack of American TV show Gossip Girl).

You have both worked with big, successful bands, where do you draw your inspiration?

As many different genres of music as possible.

How would you describe your music in three 3 words?



Hypnotic / uplifting / infectious

Any artists / bands / producers that you are liking at the moment?

Ivan Ink+Pen, Gramme, HTRK, The Gaa Gaas cover of 'crookes and criminals', The Flaming Lips new record, Factory Floors, Banjo or Freakout to name a few.

What’s next on the agenda?

To play at as many venues as humanly as possible before disappearing into the studio to make some new music to play at as many venues as humanly possible before…

Your single Deaf is released on the 16th Nov. Why should we go buy it?

Because you like it?

OK.



http://www.myspace.com/wefelltoearth

Monday 23 November 2009

Kasabian Rock Out Wembley

The word phenomenal sums up slightly last night’s extravaganza. Having their London
dates sold out back to back within hours of sale, you expect the boys to throw out
something special.


Taking the place of Oasis it seems these guys had a lot of pressure put behind them
especially for the London fans. Being played at none other than Wembley, the crowds were beginning to become trapped like sardines in a tin as they scampered to the front.


The Sheffield born Rockers, otherwise known as Reverend and The Makers showed their
support by playing a few hits before, to really get the fans in the mood for the show. They performed classics like ‘Heavy Weight Champion of the World’ which become a household track for many. However most of the middle-aged men were more captivated by Laura Manuel, the only woman out the bunch, in her tight short black number as she played the keys.



The arena was jam packed now, as spoil sport as it sounds I was rather glad to be seated near the stage. I didn’t quite fancy being bruised from head to toe in the moshpit as fans were raging a frenzy. As usual everything went dark before they made their grand stage entrance. You could feel the heat building up from all the anticipation of excitement.




The psychedelic foursome blasted it out like there was no tomorrow. Psyching up an intro, up to the space of 15 minutes, that is hard to do, when you want to keep the audience’s interest. Lights were flashing beyond belief, wrapping them up in a box in the centre. It was quite a sight, I have to say.



Bursting into ‘Empire’ was a perfect choice to start the show off. It blended well with the maxed out intro which had fans stargazed from the start and bringing goose bumps to the surface of my skin. All four of them had a vital part in the performance, all in eye view, not showing nerves at all.



Performing track after track with their old and new releases really kept the crowd going. Having the audience singing word for word back to them was pretty serial.. Every single soul was out of their seat giving all the energy they had left. Nothing was predictable; every song had a twist one way or another.



The highlight of the night was the guest star appearance from Noel Fielding ( Mighty Boosh’s middle man). He performed with the boys through the single of ‘ Vlad the Impaler’ where he also appears on their video. He was all over the stage, playing well to the character of a serial case murder(no acts took place of course).
To end on a high, this is a strong statement to make but one of the best shows I have seen this year.

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Being a mouthful of a name Get Cape Wear Cape Fly is a pop electro acoustic / emo assemble made up of Sam Lloyd Duckworth and his band. Apparently the name comes from a ZX Spectrum magazine, of the solution to the Batman computer games. Right.



Being around for five years or so they have definitely learnt a trick or two.
Duckworth grew up in none other than South end, Essex and still only being 23; he has gained some skills under his belt. Whether this is from going on tour with a variation of bands like ‘Flaming Lips’, ‘Ok Go’ or just storing years of experience along the way.


Atlantic Records signed multitalented Sam to their label after playing many gigs throughout the years with both punk rock band Silverskin and of course Get Cape Wear Cape fly (otherwise known as GCWCF. If it helps).

Releasing his debut album not soon after ‘ The Chronicles Of A Bohemian Teenager’ became an outright success. Leading it to be in the top 100 of 2006 by Q and NME. Which burst his festival schedule to the max with the big names such as Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds.

Not ending there, he was nominated for best solo artist for the NME awards against Lily Allen and Jarvis Cocker. But sadly did not win this time. But got the chance instead to perform at the BBC Prom’s that isn’t so bad heh?


Taking disappointment on the chin well he released his 2nd album ‘ Searching for the How’s and Whys’ which was released in March 08. Featuring guest vocals from platinum selling artist Kate Nash on the track “ Better Things” but you will also find Billy Bragg on there too. Who wouldn’t want to buy the album?


The first single released from the 2nd album was ‘ Find The Time’ which reached number 33 on the UK Top 40 chart. He also performed in the most talked about C4 programme to date ‘ Hollyoaks’ as part of gig staged in the village. If that isn’t fame what is.

On a different note, he has had run-ins with the BNP after a racist attack in a nightclub two years ago, and has now become an avid supporter of Love Music Hate Racism. As well as being a fair-trade supporter.


Being at a standstill for a while and taking on other projects. It is exciting to know there are some demos up on the old MySpace that are really not bad. It shows what a break can do. Check them out, as this guy has potential. I’m sure he will appear out of the woodwork again.

Friday 13 November 2009

The Invisible Profile

Mercury award nominees ‘The Invisible’ are a three-piece duo that put music before their looks. Combining all their skills and maturity together they have produced something quite special in the London music scene.


Having their music described as indie post rock can become quite tiresome for many upcoming bands, but they are worth holding on to, I can assure you. The band’s tongue- in-cheek definition of their style of music is Experimental Genre- Spanning space hop, if that is anything to go by. They have been compared to the likes of Bloc Party and TV On The Radio; even though they have all strongly lattered these suggestions.



Dave Okumu, jazz extraordinaire front man and guitarist of the trio, brings soulful lyrics to their tracks and gives it that extra edge that rock bands don’t seem to have these days. Being a member of a London based Fusion community F-ire Collective for many years. He has also worked alongside musicians such as Djanjo Bates and Finn Peters.



The three friends started working together in late 2006 and quickly developed into a full band. Having previous projects before, Tom Herbert the bassist and Dave Okumu were originally in a band called Jade Fox. But things sadly didn’t work out for the two and they went their separate ways into their own solo careers.



They started working together again, but this time Leo Taylor came into the equation. Due to their mutual fusion scene connections they were snapped up straight away by Matthew Herbert’s Accidental Records, which spawned the production of the band's first official release. The one-track 7-inch Vinyl "Constant".

Being highly rated and praised throughout the industry, these mature folk really can’t go wrong at the moment. Having toured excessively with the likes of Hot Chip and The Foals has really pushed up their statuses before putting out their first single of the debut album “London Girl”.

They have received high recognition for their debut release and the timing couldn’t be more perfect for the lads. Reaching nearly 5 stars throughout and praises from left, right and centre. With quotes such as “Instantly marked out by its breathless scope and uncanny intensity. The sound of ambition paying off”

Q Magazine.



Their singles having been remixed by numerous artists such as Hot Chip, Micachu and Mathew Herbert, has given them that extra boost I’m sure. Adding the synthesizer by Tom always gains brownie points and gives it that added twist.


From scampering through their album, made me take an instant liking to these guys. Now being shifted onto my iPod they are now permanently stuck. Their music can be enjoyed by all ages as its so easy listening and chilled. You could put it on in front of the grandparents and I’m sure you won’t hear a peep. Being booked up in the diary, you should go out of your way to see what these soulful three have to offer. You never know you might just like it…

Tuesday 11 August 2009

Rockfeedback (1234 Festival)

http://www.rockfeedback.com/review/4322/1234-shoreditch-festival-east-london-26709/

1234 Shoreditch Festival – East London – 26/7/09
3/5

By Holly Eells

Proclaiming something to be a disappointment is a bit of a weighty statement to make when something hasn’t even really gotten off its feet yet. However, I think my instincts were pretty much proven right from the beginning here. From past experiences of 1234, it can provide a really happy day – one where the sun was shining, friends would gather and feel no pressure, if they didn’t so desire, to pay that much attention to the bands playing at all. It was always jam packed. And free.

However, this year you had to put a penny or two down to get a ticket (an idea which given the event I’m in two minds about still). Nevertheless, what puzzled my head to the core was the fact that in VIP there were more people in there than actually outside with the paying punters. It makes one wonder as to the point of the festivities. It was like Shoreditch had thrown up all over the joint at times, and not a pleasant or friendly scene whatsoever.

Oh yeah, and the weather was dismal, as per usual this summer, literally dampening the day for those of who could have coped with a little drizzle, but not quite this. Subsequently, the bands didn’t get much support, unless they were playing in a tent. But it didn’t stop me from seeing what these new kids had to offer...

Missing a few of the early birds, Hatcham Social started the day off for me, and did so well I must say. I’ve always been a deep, secret fan of their music, but never making the effort to go see them was my flaw. Despite performing their post-punk influenced indie to a crowd of only around fifty or so in the audience, they deserve praise for keeping going and convincing the sun to shine for a little while.



Is Polly Scattergood ever so innocent, or just in the act for attention? We’ll probably never know, but although she’s been in a bit of a craze of hype for the last couple of months, Scattergood really lost my concentration. My expectations were a bit too high for her I reckon, so I scattered myself off to “the protector” as some like to call that day - the tent.

And there I caught A Place to Bury Strangers, all the way over from Brooklyn, New York, and they really showed the kids how it was done. Their psychedelic experimental vibes got the heads nodding, playing effortlessly and looking beyond cool - artists should be jealous of their look. Being together for a fair few years and touring with the likes of Nine Inch Nails and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club you are definitely going to pick up a trick or two, so playing here – rain or no rain – was a piece of cake.

Hanging around and eating a burger or two, I was ready again for some more action. I have to say I was absolutely flabbergasted by Patrick Wolf, despite previously being 50/50; he defiantly took me away with him, confirming that his records really do not do him any justice. He’s such a flamboyant character with looks on his side who can offer us such a phenomenal performance with so many multi talents up his sleeve. What else can I say... if only there were a few more like him on the bill, hey.

Thursday 30 July 2009

Rockfeedback (Mafia Lights)


http://www.rockfeedback.com/feature/1171/mafia-lights-interview-august-2009/




Amidst its trek around the 1234 Shoreditch Festival, Rockfeedback caught up with up and coming melody men Mafia Lights, who had this to say for themselves...



Rockfeedback: Could you introduce yourselves please, and tell us what you do?

Joel: “I’m Joel, on lead vocals and guitar. James plays bass guitar. Cameron’s on lead guitar and Toby drums.”

RFB: You’re all young and have looks on your side, but what makes you different to any other young group of lads with guitars out there?

Joel: “We aren't adverse to melody when writing, which maybe some bands currently are. I'm not saying were by any means aiming to be a pop group but I'd say we have certain sensibilities that can be found in more mainstream music that we aim to try and incorporate with more technical ideas. Whether that really sets us out from other group I’m not so sure, but that matched with our varied personalities and tastes hopefully gives off something new to people listening or watching us.”

RFB: What does Mafia Lights mean?

James: “It was a conspiracy about alien communications on Earth... and it’s also a spelling mistake.”

RFB: Spelling mistake?

Joel: “It was supposed to be 'Marfa Lights', but we spelt it wrong once, and it's stuck ever since.”

RFB: Describe your music – why should we listen to you?

James: “Each and every one of us has very different musical influences, and the process of song writing often consists of an idea being pulled out in four different directions until eventually it all falls back together. We all attempt something diverse with every song, so each one is distinctly different, whilst still having something linking them together. I think this creates a depth that's often absent in modern music.”

RFB: Where can we catch you in the next coming months?

Joel: “We’ve just played the 1234 Festival after show at Old Blue Last which was packed out so we are looking to carry on with similar sort of ventures. We are going to be playing some more London venues in the coming months that will be visible on MySpace. We have a planned trip to head over to Warsaw in Poland for a few shows. We are, however always on the lookout for as many gig's as possible and want to try and play anywhere and everywhere.”

RFB: How do you deal with the female attention?

Joel: “Direct it in Cameron's direction!”

RFB: If all fails what’s your back up plan?

James: “Discipline ourselves to ensure we don't fail next time!”

RFB: Who would you say has influenced your music?

James: “The majority of all the musicians that have ever existed, everyone who falls between the like of Beethoven and Zappa.”

RFB: What do you want to achieve as a band?

Joel: “Simply, as much as possible. Any band who says they want to stay 'underground' or don't want to be 'popular' are either liars or know they aren’t good enough to deserve attention. Hopefully that doesn't sound too arrogant but we wouldn't put in to this band as much as we do if it wasn't going to mean anything to anyone.”

RFB: You are all completely different characters - how did you get together?

Joel: “James and I have been best friends since about 7 years old and have obviously grown up together with similar tastes and influences, so when the idea of a band came about it was an obvious choice to group together, even though we were at rival schools. We mucked about with the idea of a band for a while before I asked Toby to join. Then everything began to piece together. Cameron joined last year after the departure of our original guitarist and we haven't really looked back since.”

http://www.myspace.com/mafialights

Culture Deluxe (Casio Kids- Finn Bikkjen!)



I never thought these words wouldn’t be pending out of my mouth, but they have and it’s too late to turn back. When I first took a listen to Casio Kids, my immediate reaction was ‘ooo ohhh’ it’s in Norwegian. How am I going to get this? Fear not, if I can be swayed you most certainly can. These ultimately good looking boys (well some) have gone for something with a bit of a twist and it has really worked!

You don’t need to know what they saying, they could be talking about dogs wallop for all we know, but who cares, its genesis. To me they are the Norwegian version of ‘Hot Chip’ but adding that extra touch of afro beat and taking me somewhere hot.

Finn Bikkjen! Is the new single from Casio Kids. Hitting the shops this week and also making it available on download, why don’t you be a bit adventurous and give these young lads a listen.

Wednesday 29 July 2009

Culture Deluxe ( Beni ft Sam Sparrow) -Maximus

http://www.culturedeluxe.com/news_item.asp?id=6186


Maximus is the new release from the sensational Beni who has teamed up with the Grammy nominated Sam Sparrow to make this a summer jam to stick. This track is a perfect little number to get you moving and grooving all night long.

With Mr Sparrow’s luscious lyrics he really draws you in deep. A Perfect match, they really work well together. Only having about two sentences in total throughout the track, the repetition doesn’t tire like some; it makes you move even more. It shows less is more in this case. It’s a vast come back for Sam Sparrow as he has been a bit hush hush recently maybe this is why.

It’s great to see he can go in different directions and not stick to the same style of music over and over. Nice one. Beni is fully booked right through the next couple of months in Australia but we he returns over to the U.K be sure to catch him doing his thing.


Friday 24 July 2009

ITUNES-Noisettes & Skint and Demoralised

http://www.rockfeedback.com/review/4294/report-rockfeedback-itunes-festival-night-17-noisettes-skint-and-demoralised-17709/


Visit iTunes on Facebook here - still lots of free tickets to be won!

This year, Rockfeedback is delighted to be the official blog partner for the rather exciting iTunes Festival, taking place at London’s Roundhouse every night in July. Over the course of the festival, we’ll not be missing a night, delivering morning-after reports on everyone from Oasis and Bloc Party to Franz Ferdinand and Kasabian playing intimate sets to fans lucky enough to have won tickets to the shows.

Skint and Demoralised are a young boy duo straight from the heart of Wakefield. They are a slash between Mike Skinner and Scroobius Pip, which makes you wonder, do we really need an in-between? We will see... opening the night with a full blown poem raised a few eyebrows at the start, but it got the party moving eventually.

Young girls all huddled over the barriers trying to catch eyes with 20 year old front man Matt Abbott who was lusting and loving every moment, what boy wouldn’t. Stretched out in his clean white and freshly ironed shirt, trying his best to impress the young gals, he selectively picked one raging teen to come on stage, making her move and groove to forthcoming release ‘Red Lipstick’.

You wouldn’t think they were so new to the game, as these young northern lads put on an exceedingly good front. Their lyrical soul pop sound is catchy but very samey to everything else that is out there at the moment. Nevertheless there was a lot of support for them, but nothing could be beat what was next to come.

Phenomenal - that’s how I would describe The Noisettes. Glamour shines from them from head to toe taking me back to the 1920’s with the big bold blacked out screens, Shingai Shoniwa captivating us from the top of the Roundhouse, having every single face locking eyes on her as she sings an acoustic version of ‘Wild Young Hearts’. She couldn’t look any more flamboyant, managing to get whistles left right and centre.

Adding a full blown out orchestra has really seen the Noisettes go that extra mile. Flicking her shoes off without a care in the world, sipping drinks from wherever she can find them and still not missing a note, Shinghai’s is the kind of talent doesn’t come around very often but her and The Noisettes have it, and they are sounding better than ever.

All bouncing of each other, the connection between them was on fire. This beauty is such an entertaining character with so much physical energy; god knows how she does it. Balancing on drums, crowd surfing off stage and running on the bar below to give us some one on one time with Sometimes’ lead to the crowd below to go into a sudden halt of shock and leaving the seated audience above gripping the edge of their seats.

Disappointed as I was it had to come to an end, they saved the finest till last. Blasting out the hit of the year ‘Don’t Upset The Rhythm’ with Morrision banging the drums like never before, they even managed to get the seat stickers out the chairs for this all time showdown.

Wednesday 22 July 2009

Culture Deluxe(Frankmusik- Confusion Girl)

Frankmusik

'Confusion Girl'

http://www.culturedeluxe.com/news_item.asp?id=6159

Having the likes of Holly Valance appearing in your music video is very much a bonus to getting things kicking off for this track. Originally being a beat boxer, it’s hard to believe someone can go from that to this.

I like Frankmusik he has a lot to offer; his striking looks help the flow. His previous releases are very much to my liking; however this one isn’t really my cup of tea. To me it sounds like a step together boy band track which all the girls go smitten for. So maybe it will work for the young lusts but not for me.

This guy can sing a note or two and he has other talents up his sleeve that is for sure. I can prove this as I got to see this for myself at the Lovebox weekender just past, he really got the crowd motivated in the English downpour. I feel he still has so much to offer us and this is only the beginning for this young lad. So give his track a bash and see what you think for yourself.

Posted on 22 July 2009 by Holly Eells



Friday 17 July 2009

ITUNES- Dan Black & La Roux

http://www.rockfeedback.com/review/4279/report-rockfeedback-itunes-festival-night-11-la-roux-dan-black-11709/

itunes


This year, Rockfeedback is delighted to be the official blog partner for the rather exciting iTunes Festival, taking place at London’s Roundhouse every night in July. Over the course of the festival, we’ll not be missing a night, delivering morning-after reports on everyone from Oasis and Bloc Party to Franz Ferdinand and Kasabian playing intimate sets to fans lucky enough to have won tickets to the shows.

Dan Black

Neon is back everyone, strong statement I know, but it’s true. That doesn’t bring a smile to everybody’s face, but when you are presented with a night of Dan Black and La Roux, you make some allowances to trend. The two are a perfect match.

I’d high expectations for Dan Black, as I’ve been listening to the fella for a while now. All dressed up to the max and with a full shebang of colour to the face, he was giving it his all. Being packed out upstairs and down it was great to see fans for both artists showing their full support. However, the sound, oddly for the Roundhouse, was struggling, and sadly put a downer on things somewhat. Yet Black pulling out a couple of my desired choices made up for it all - ‘You and Me’ and ‘Symphonies’ (the radical mix of Rhianna’s Umbrella and Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Hypnotise’, the catchy little number which has marked Dan Black’s name) the two aces up his sleeve.

La Roux

Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid together make up the frenzy that is La Roux. This month’s most talked about act kept people waiting, leading to impatient clapping, yet when they ascended to the stage people seemed to instantly forget the long wait and started flashing their cameras.

Glows sticks emerged out of nowhere, and the games commenced. Holding on to the well known hits for some time, they took us through their debut LP, La Roux, a record which revels in one song sounding like another.

You have to remember how new to the big leagues La Roux are, and as such it’s understandable that the film crews and huge audiences seemed to make Ms. Jackson a little nervous. That said, her interaction with the crowd both physically and verbally was charming, and will have only won her more admirers.

Saturday 11 July 2009

The Laden Showroom



To those that haven't heard about it already, The Laden Showroom is one of its kind. A niche if you like to say.. Covering over 55 designers in its variable sized closets giving you a million to one options in garms.It has been given the thumbs up by Heat and Time Out magazine and paraded by the likes of Sienna Miller to Gok Wan.


It’s located in the heart of Brick Lane in the position of 103. Welcomed by staff who know their bits and pieces, they can help you from your head down to your toes. Most of the items in the showroom are one only piece in a few variable sizes, so you can be relieved to know you can strut your stuff without a mimic behind you.


For all you workaholics out there, The Laden Showroom is open 7 days a week, what convenience. So make sure you stop by.

If you can’t no sweat, a selection of exclusive designers have teamed up with ASOS so check on line.

http://www.ladenshowroom.co.uk/


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