Single Of The Week ~ Joanne Shaw Taylor ~ Mud Honey

Hello and welcome to the new segment on my blog called "Single Of The Week". Where every Friday if a song has caught my eye (and it may not be every week) then I'll be writing about it. Doesn't have to be new, its just something I've been really getting into the past week.

Lets get started with the first single of the week that comes from a blues/rock guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor and her single called "Mud Honey" from the new album "The Dirty Truth". She has been rising up through the blues scene since her debut album 'White Sugar' 5 years ago. 

The British blues guitarist's playing has caught the eye of many music giants such as Joe Bonamassa and Stevie Wonder as an impressive feat for an established musician. She has now become the forefront female guitarist in blues, her powerful solo's and grungy rhythm sections are some of the notable things you can find in her playing. The main melody for my single of the week is nice and catchy, but not pop catchy. Just a guitar blues riff that supports the rest of the song and that's how it should be.

Joanne's voice is really captured in this single, husky, yet with a real blues spirit. Its certainly not your average voice from a female vocalist, but this isn't a bad thing. The song has a real energy and vibe throughout the song, Taylor's clear cut guitar solo's are at the forefront of the song. She doesn't hold back incase she makes a mistake, taking a risk in something she does best. 

Check out her new album "The Dirty Truth" and if you like her sound she is also playing live in the UK this November! Here are the dates in a lovely picture form!

I will have a live review of the gig at the Shephards Bush Hall very soon! I hope you can all make it to one of her gigs. 

Thanks for reading and until next time. 

Lewis 

Website: www.joanneshawtaylor.com/

Album Review ~ Prince Fatty Meets Nostalgia 77 ~ In The Kingdom Of Dub

Hello!

Welcome to this weeks main review which will feature a collaboration of two great musical minds that are Nostalgia 77 (Benedict Lamdin) and Prince Fatty (Mike Pelanconi). Nostalgia 77 is a jazz producer from the UK that is signed to the Tru-Thoughts independent label and has recently produced the latest album from Jamie Cullum. Prince Fatty is one of the hottest dub/reggae producers around at the moment in the UK scene. Merging together Nostalgia 77's jazz songs with Prince Fatty's dub remixes, it certainly sounds like an interesting blend of genre's. 

Prince Fatty has taken some classics from Nostalgia 77's catalogue of songs such as 'Quiet Dawn', 'Angel With No Halo' and his cover of 'Seven Nation Army'. He has reworked them and taken jazz into the world of dub and reggae. Fans of Nostalgia 77 can re-live some his his best work, but merged into the form of dub.

The music itself is very clear and distinct, something you'd expect from a dub/reggae album. Its great to hear such smooth guitar 'chanks' throughout a song along with crystal clear drums to sparkle the quality. The session musicians used for each track are top notch and on the money. That note for note quality is a rare sound to find these days. 

Prince Fatty has managed to blend his dub expertise and sounds impressively with Lamdin's jazz work, especially on the tracks such as "Skeletons Dub" and "Little Steps Dub". Working around all the little niche parts from a double bass to a piano solo from the Nostalgia 77 original tracks. Adding in enough elements of dub into the tracks for them to be new and reworked tracks, but not to over-power the originals to make sure people know what is his work and what is Nostalgia 77's work.

It's great to hear guests such as Alice Russell on "Seven Nation Army Dub" really shine through on this record. She has one of the best voices in the industry, but is also a hidden gem. Keeping the strongest elements in a track before you add a dub/reggae feel is something only an experienced producer like Prince Fatty can do, very well. 

The artwork (shown above) is one of my favourite pieces this year alongside with the artwork from Paolo Nutini's 'Caustic Love'. Sometimes I come across new music and want to listen to it purely for the design of the artwork, love the yellow/orange monster. 

I enjoy listening to the jazz influences from the songs such as "Positive Force Dub" being mixed with the dub production. The trumpets sound fantastic on this track and can really turn a notch up in the record. Hearing certain instruments put to the forefront for certain songs in each track just gives the album something to keep a drive going with throughout. For example the drums (especially) and the bass sound amazing in "Skeletons Dub" and really shine through on this particular track.

The album has been played a lot on BBC Radio 6 Music with the single "Medicine Chest Dub" in the 'C' List of the 6 music playlist (as of 29th October). DJs such as Lauren Laverne, Nemone and Tom Ravenscroft have all been playing the songs across the station. 

The tracks that are personal favourites of mine are "Quiet Dawn Dub", "Medicine Chest Dub", "Freedom" and "Skeletons Dub". By all means listen to the whole album, but these are the stand-outs to me. "In The Kingdom Of Dub" is out in all good record stores and the new single from Tru-Thoughts containing "Medicine Chest Dub" and "Skeletons Dub" is out in November!

Thanks for reading and until next time. 

Lewis

Seven Nation Army Dub Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tru-thoughts/seven-nation-army-dub-feat-2

Nostalgia 77 Website: www.nostalgia77.com/

Nostalgia 77 Twitter: www.twitter.com/Nostalgia__77

Prince Fatty Facebook: www.facebook.com/princefatty

Prince Fatty Twitter: www.twitter.com/prince_fatty

Album Review ~ Philip Sayce ~ Influence

Hello!

Welcome to this weeks main review! Today I have a Welsh born musician from Canada 
who goes by the name of Philip Sayce. Sayce is a blues/rock guitarist who has been rising up in the blues scene ever since his debut album 'Innerevolution'. His songwriting style and performance have had music critics singing his praises ever since.

I wanted to start off with a quote that Sayce said in his album trailer. " Music isn't about winning a spot on The Voice or American Idol, it's a life long commitment. It's paying respects to where this music came from". 

'Influence' is packed full of blues/rock that will have you listening to the album from top to bottom. The record displays genuine triumphs of songwriting from the roots of blues and Sayce is displaying the reasons why all music originated from the blues. The album seems to be teeming with guitar riffs with a helping of grunge on the side too. 

The high quality of the songwriting in the record comes down to being well thought out, crafted and countless amounts of hours spent on each song. Sayce and his producer are lovers of vintage instruments and sounds. For this album they managed to sit down and craft out a sound with every vintage piece of equipment they either owned or could get their hands on to get the right sound for the record. 

The overall sound to the album has all the technologies of today, but with that essence of the vintage sound they have been working on. Philip's sound isn't as clear as it could be, but this is definitely a positive point. It gives his voice that edge when he wants to belt some notes out in songs such as "Green Power" and "Sailin' Shoes".

His guitar tone provides a punch throughout and has definitely pulled out everything for this record. With solid beats and fills from the drums, each instrument used in this record keeps everything tight and exciting. The drums shine through on the song 'Evil Woman', as does Philips guitar skills. Powerfully struck chords and double bass work make this song one of the clear stand outs.

Sayce's guitar techniques and tone are thoroughly enjoyed in the instrumental song "Triumph". The amount of raw emotion and effort that has gone into playing that song reminds me a lot of when Hendrix played. You can sense a lot of passion in that song that gives you excitment and love towards the album. Sayce owes this album to many of the artists he grew up with such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton. All of which you need to check out urgently to understand the sound that Philip has created for the album that is very influenced by those artists.

The tracks I would recommend are "Out Of My Mind", "Sailin' Shoes" , "Evil Woman" and "Triumph". These are ones to check out to get a feel of what Sayce's sound and tone is within the album. 

Overall, a blues/rock album that is high up on my list of the best albums of this decade. It displays unique songwriting abilities, the mentality of getting the vintage sounds and dedicating it to some of the best known artists in the business that would all be proud to hear. I was pleasantly surprised when I first heard the album and I hope you will too! Philip Sayce is fast becoming my new favourite guitarist and one that is bringing blues/rock back to the fore-front of music once again.

'Influence' is out now from all good record stores and online for digital download. 

A quick thank you message to Noble PR for hooking me up with Philip's album for this review. Thank you very much for reading and until next time. 

Lewis

Website: http://philipsayce.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilipSayceMusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/philipsayce

*BONUS* Single Review ~ Friars Lantern ~ Introduction

Hello!

Welcome to this bonus post for this week about a band that I have mentioned in the past that now have some new material out that I want to share with you all. Friars Lantern are a duo from Brighton who are aspiring to produce music that is inspired by certain programmes ans films such as American Horror Story and others alike.


Last time I presented to you a single called "Possessive Voices" which was a different tone of music I hadn't heard of that uses a womans voice that is layered ontop of guitar pedals and drums. It produced a quite atmospheric but exciting sound and the duo have now released an Introductory piece to their EP which will be out in 2015.

Titled "Intro" the duo seem to be heading down the same path with their sound and using voices over different instruments. Though the specifications of the sound are the same as the previous single, they have managed to use their instrumentation and knowledge to create something fresh and new.


Is introductory to their EP gives the listener a flavour of what's to come in 2015. Its not too long for an intro and its not too short to not give an idea of their sound. The length is 1:45 and is about right to really give people a chance to question about what they have in store next.


They have released a clever little video to go along with the single which involves footage from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Where you see Charlie open his chocolate to find the golden ticket which everyone knows. Though they have put a dark, but unseemly simple twist to it where they make it out as if Charlie never opened his chocolate. Rewinding the memories and pausing the moment to make it stop happening. A really clever concept for a video.


I look forward to hearing their EP that comes out in 2015. You can be sure I will be reviewing it in the near future. Make sure you check the band out and support them too.



Thanks for reading and until next time.


Lewis

Facebook: www.facebook.com/friarslanternband

Album Review ~ Royal Blood ~ Royal Blood

Hello, 

Welcome to blog post 37, today I have a Brighton based two piece band that are rocking the music business to high hell and back! If you haven't heard of Royal Blood yet then you've clearly been cooped up in your room all summer. Their debut album took the summer music scene by a storm and I'm here to tell you why. 

Royal Blood are a two piece rock band formed in 2013 that have a rounded rock sound that is unusually distinctive compared to most rock bands out there. I heard a lot about Royal Blood before they released this album, I'm pretty sure they were practising at Brighton Electric Studios when I was there a few moths beforehand. Their name was floating round Brighton like a black rain cloud that was sure enough to turn into a storm.

Mike Kerr (Vocals, Bass Guitar) and Ben Thatcher (Drums) have released an album that is now at the forefront of rock music. These guys are now the new generation of the rock genre and I wouldn't want it to be any other band. 

The powerful might from "Out Of The Black" to introduce the album really gives you a flavour of what you're in store for. "Come On Over" uses a simple structure but really keeps the tempo going for the album to give listeners like myself a lot of hope for rock in the next few years. "Figure It Out" is the most popular track from the album that has been played a lot on BBC Radio 1 and 6 music. With the catchy riff line to work through and the double time section at the end, its no wonder its the most popular track. 

Once you get to "Blood Hands" you are already halfway through the album surprisingly. The time for the half way mark is 15 minutes and 50 seconds which to most bands is not even onto track 4. The total time for the album is 32 minutes and 42 seconds, very short for an album, but this could be the reason for its success. Brilliant short songs, keeping the listener entertained throughout with no messing around. The longest song is 4:12 and is possibly the weakest song. This could be because its the longest and isn't keeping to the way Royal Blood have recorded the rest of the album.

With the band only being a two piece band, I was worried about there not being enough within the sound to keep the album's momentum up. With the use of space between the guitar and vocals, catchy riffs and heavy drums the band have done a fantastic job. I cannot express how difficult it is to create such an emphatic sound with a 3 piece let alone with bass and drums. 

Mike uses distortion and other pedals alike to create a guitar tone on the bass. This then creates a tone that sounds like its coming from two different guitars.  Ben's hard hitting drums and tight fills compliment the overall sound. 

The one thing I was worried about with this album was that the songs would sound the same. Luckily this doesn't happen and each song has its own characteristics which really made this album for me. Each song doesn't follow the same structure as the last, but every song is still heavy and high tempo. I believe this is one of the reasons that this album has done extremely well this year. There are no sad or slow songs, its all go go go from the word off and its exactly what the rock industry has been needing for some time now.  

In conclusion this album is one to remember for some time and hopefully will be around for many years to come rocking out the industry. Even though it has not been long since their newest release, I look forward to what they hold in store for us next in a few years to come! 

Thanks for reading and until next time!

Lewis

Website: royalbloodband.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RoyalBloodUK

Twitter: twitter.com/royalblooduk

Google+: plus.google.com/+royalblooduk/posts

Album Review ~ We The Kings ~ Somewhere Somehow

Hello!

Welcome to blog post 36! Today I have an album that I have been listening to since its release last year and a band that I've been following for a good 2/3 years. 

We The Kings are a pop-punk band from Florida, USA and have always been a band I can fall back on for some great music. Their previous albums were a fantastic listen, as it was some ace American pop-punk tunes. Catchy, grungy, rocky with that dose of pop sprinkled on it to make me not listen to them.

We The Kings members are:

Travis Clark - Vocals/Guitar
Hunter Thomsen - Guitar/ Backing Vocals
Charles Trippy - Bass
Coley O'Toole - Keys/Backing Vocals/Guitar
Danny Duncan - Drums/ Percussion

I originally got into the band through Youtuber and bassist of the band Charles Trippy (CTFxC) when he had just joined the band (along with Coley O'Toole). I checked them out and I loved their sound they were producing and was surprised they weren't as well known as they were back in 2011. Releasing albums such as "Sunshine State of Mind" and "Smile Kid" they have just been escalating in their fame which is great to see because these guys deserve it! 

I went to see them live at the beginning of 2013 at Scala in London. Its safe to say, these guys rock on stage. The amount of energy they put into their shows is insane. They even made Hunter disappear with the insane amounts of smoke they were churning out in that small venue. A fantastic night and I was lucky enough to meet the band afterwards (expect Travis). 

So when the announcement of "Somewhere Somehow" was being announced I was really looking forward to some more music from the band. My first impressions on the album was certainly that it was...different. They have definitely matured with their sound, but I can't help but feel its lost its 'punk' side to the other albums and the sound that I was so familiar with. 


Giving the album some time, I have grown to love the album personally. Yes it does sound a lot different to the older albums, but they have always had that 'pop' persona about their sound. Songs like "Feel Alive" and "See You In My Dreams" have great chorus' that you can still head bang to, but not with so much grunge or punk. That doesn't mean they've lost their rock taste or that their live performances have numbed down...oh no!

At points I do personally feel like its moved too far away from the punk sides in songs such as 'Live Young Die Forever'. Purely for the fact that its electronic drums being used and as a drummer myself, I personally think acoustic has such a more powerful effect on songs. This is just personal preference though. 

I think some bands need that change to really make it in the business. This album has given the biggest step forward so far for the 5 piece and its easy to see why. The band have produced a fantastic record full of catchy rhythms, powerful chorus' and an all round lovable record to listen to. 

If I could describe the album in one it would be 'Fun'. The reason for this is just because each song doesn't make me really focus on anything too seriously. Each song has a 'fun' tone and has this vibe throughout to reflects on the bands live performance too. 

I have to give some major credit to the vocalist Travis for his wicked voice and great songwriting. If you look up the lyrics for each of the songs on any album, they have been really thought about and fit with each song We The Kings have released. That isn't easy to do either, but he makes it look easy!

The songs you should go check out are "Find You There", "Feel Alive", "Just Keep Breathing" and "Art Of War". All the others are great, but these are the ones to check out if you don't have time. 

Somewhere Somehow is out now in all good record stores and let me know what you thought of the songs/album if you've heard it! 

Thanks for reading and until next time

Lewis 

Website: wethekingsmusic.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wethekings

Twitter: www.twitter.com/wethekings

EP Review ~ Scribble Victory ~ Confidence

Hello!

Welcome to blog post 35 and happy 1st October too! Today I have a two piece from Derby called Scribble Victory. These guys have been going through the ranks of the business with numerous tours with some big artists and with the EP coming out next Friday, I'm expecting these boys to go to great heights. 

Recently the business has been overtaken with two piece bands such as Royal Blood and Honeyblood taking over BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music. It still baffles me how such an incredible sound can come from a duo and its the same with this band. 

Scribble Victory are:

Jamie Thompson - Vocals, Guitar
Tomas Ward - Vocals, Drums

Scribble Victory are an acoustic folk-rock duo that blend their harmonies with melodic rhythms and meandering guitar licks. For two people to create such an authentic sound is very impressive. In some stages of the EP it sounds quite minimalistic, but still keeps that aura about the band that they give throughout the EP. 

One of the stand out tracks to me is "Stalemate", its just such a catchy tune from just a few instruments. The acoustic guitar brings a lot to the table with the rhythm that you could hum along to easily. This track is a great example of the harmonising between Jamie and Tomas. Both blend together to make a really nice tone. 

The song writing for each song has been well thought out. I give credit to both members of the band for creating rhythms and tones that keep each song flowing. Give this EP a few listens and you'll start to really listen to the acoustic guitar especially. I think after about 4 runs through the EP I really got to know the songs so I could appreciate and take in the great guitar skills. 

Scribble Victory have been touring with a lot of names to shout about such as Johnny Foreigner, Tall Ships and Laura Stevenson. If they are securing fantastic opportunities such as this before this EP has been released then I am looking forward to following the band in their new adventures. 

The songs I would recommend to you if you haven't got time to listen to all 6 tracks are "You Wouldn't Change A Thing" and "Stalemate". The others are just as good, but these are the clear stand out tracks on this EP. 

In conclusion I really like this EP, I haven't heard a duo sound quite like this before. Its something I can't quite explain apart from saying the acoustic tones and strong drums keep the energy throughout with the distinctive vocals keeping the drive. I hope you all take the time to listen to the EP when it comes out on October 10th because these guys deserve a lot of support!

To get a flavour of the band, I'll leave the bandcamp link which has their last self-titled EP on there. This too is a fantastic edition to their overall music collection. Also a quick special thanks to Angela from Muddy Paw PR who introduced me to the band and asked me to review them. 

Thank you for reading and until next time.

Lewis

This is a song from their last self-titled EP called "Baby Steps"

Website -  www.scribblevictory.com

Bandcamp - http://scribblevictory.bandcamp.com/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/ScribbleVictory

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/scribblevictory (Warning! Profile picture may contain Chuckle Brothers)

Soundcloud - soundcloud.com/scribblevictory