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

Album Review ~ Joe Bonamassa ~ Different Shades Of Blue

Hello, 

Welcome to blog post 34! Today I will be looking at the blues/rock giant that is Joe Bonamassa and his brand new album 'Different Shades Of Blue'. If anyone knows me personally, I am a huge Bonamassa fan of all his work and his side projects with the likes of Beth Hart and Rock Candy Funk Party (see link below for both reviews on this blog).

The main band for this album is:

Joe Bonamassa - Vocals/Guitar
Carmine Rojas - Bass
Resse Wynans - Keys
Anton Fig - Drums 

The album came out on the 22nd September and has had a range of raving reviews about the record. This has got me massively excited, especially when he was on the Paul Jones show last week on BBC Radio 2 and mentioned that all the songs were originals. In previous records, Joe has done mostly originals, but always put in 2 or 3 covers. This album is all originals which he has never done before and to me seemed a risky move to take, but seems to have paid off. 

There was a lot of speculation around the album as to whether it would be another hit album following the likes of "Driving Towards The Daylight", "Blues Deluxe" and "Had To Cry Today". One reason for this is because he teamed up with writers from Nashville who write hit songs for country singers instead of blues singers.

This didn't seem like the perfect combination, but from the interview with Paul Jones, Joe explained that it was a breath of fresh air for them. The writers had freedom because Joe didn't know what to write. Whereas the writers were used to artists coming in saying "write me a hit"! Although I wouldn't of assumed his producer (who Joe has worked with since his early albums) would let anything slip under his belt that is anything but Joe's sound. 

The beginning of this album is just a short 1 minute and 20 second instrumental to get everyone in the mood for what's to come. The song "Oh Beautiful" reminds me of Led Zeppelin's Black Dog, but obviously a lot more atmospheric and bluesy. Its very different to a lot of things he has done before, in a good way. In the interview with Paul Jones he mentions that the solo in the song was all one take with no edits, very impressive. 

A small handful of the songs on the album aren't exactly what you would call blues/rock, but still have a great sound. Though when you hear songs such as "I Gave Everything Up For You, 'Cept The Blues", that's when you know Joe in his comfort zone. Songs like this stand out from the crowd, easily. Any blues singer would naturally be comfortable with the shuffle groove or 6/8 time signature for that matter.

Songs like "Get My Back Tomorrow", "Never Give All Your Heart" and "Oh Beautiful" are real blues/rock chord based songs, perfect for his live shows which are all about the power. Where as the song "So, What Should I Do" seems a lot more personal and emotional to him and the listener.

The horns are a fantastic edition to the album, they add a new dynamic to Joe's overall sound and just makes the record become bigger and better. The album demonstrates how mature Joe's singing and guitar playing has become since his last album. Its a lot cleaner and easier to hear what he is singing about, but with the same tonalities he posses that make him 'Joe Bonamassa'. Though still with a rifling roar from his solo's on quite a few of the tracks, which most people wanted to hear (including myself).

Overall, this album is worth checking out if you're an fan like myself or want an introduction to his work. Joe's sound has improved over the years, obviously you can't get away from the classics, but there are some in the making on this album. I wouldn't say its his best work, but its a great album none the less with guitar solo's, shuffles and real blues beating throughout.

Different Shades Of Blue is out now and from all good record stores and Itunes etc. If you have the album then let me know what you thought of it! 

Thank you for reading and until next time

Lewis

Rock Candy Funk Party Review - http://justanothermuso.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/rock-candy-funk-party-we-want-grooove.html

Beth Hart Review - http://justanothermuso.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/my-favourite-artists-beth-hart.html


Website: http://jbonamassa.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBonamassa

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/JoeBonamassaTV

*BONUS* Single Review ~ RJ Marks ~ Calling Out

Hello, 

Welcome to blog post 33! Today I have a wicked band from Nottingham called RJ Marks who is an indie/pop four piece that is certainly writing a lot of music that is turning heads. 

RJ Marks is made up of Richard Howell (vocals, guitar), Jake Buckley (lead guitar), Dicky Fountain (bass) and John Schofield (drums).

The band have a few names they are already associated with such as Jake Bugg with the singer Richard Howell playing for him. Both supporting each other at various venues too and with Jake Buckley (guitar) a virtuoso and naturally talented musician, this band are a force to be reckoned with. 

The single called "Calling Out" raises high hopes in the future for the band with obvious signs of great song writing from each of the band members. Adding elements in the song throughout the song keeps the train rolling and the listener staying to hear what they are offering. 

The single starts off with a quiet guitar riff and starts to pick up with some pretty piano lines and powerful guitar chords struck for the verses. The verses are a great time to really focus on Richards vocals which suit the band really well for the style they are playing.

I look forward to hearing what else they can deliver with Richards heart-felt vocals and impressive song writing for such a young band. With a feature on the 'BBC Introducing' show in Nottingham earlier this year as well, I feel like this is the beginning for this band.

The single 'Calling Out' by RJ Marks will be released on the 27th October so make a note in your diaries!

Thank you very much for reading and until next time

Lewis



Website: www.rjmarksmusic.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rjmarksmusic

Twitter: www.twitter.com/rjmarksmusic

Album Review ~ Camera Soul "Not For Ordinary People"

Hello!

Welcome to blog post 32 and I would like to say thank you for all the support with getting near to 3000 views, its insane! Today I'll be celebrating with a fantastic jazz/funk band called Camera Soul and their latest album "Not For Ordinary People". Camera Soul are based from southern Italy (Bali), led by veteran composer brothers Piero and Pippo Lombardo and fronted with the vocals by the wonderful Serena Brancale. 

Piero (one of the composers) messaged me and asked if I could review their latest album and of course I said yes, but I what was in store was about to blow my mind. My ears were in for a rare treat of just pure soul, jazz-fusion and funk from this band that are starting to become more popular across the world. 

Camera Soul are inspired by legendary horn line, soul, R&B and jazz-fusion artists such as Earth, Wind and Fire, The Commodores, Tower of Power and Stevie Wonder. Put all of those together and you have this band. They certainly have a 'Jamiroquai' tone to them, but so much more purity to the sound. 

One song I would recommend to you to sum this band up would be the second track "Mama". It just keeps my head bopping throughout the whole track and enterains throughout with drops and bridges and always has treats in store. The album is very well produced, since this is a large band its difficult to not get anyone lost within the music. They have balanced everything perfectly to make it such a crisp sound which is an absolute delight to the ears. 

Piero and Pippo certainly know what sounds to create from each instrument at which point. You can sit back and really focus on the arrangement of the band and listen to each instrument.  A personal favourite of mine is the jazz guitar and bass lines, it just holds it together and brings a lot of funk to the band. Its left so subtly in the background to just groove around the riff. A good example would be the verses in the song "I Don't Like Roses". Another head bopper might I add!

During the album you can start to hear some Italian characteristics come into the music. Whether its a certain riff from an instrument or genuinely just the feel, it gives the band that difference about them which every band looks for. The band have a great mellow tone during the verses and can really kick up a gear in the chorus. Enough to keep the song exciting to the listener, but not enough to try be too brash which is a nice change. 

Their tight playing and soulful music is making a real dent in the music business and are certainly making a noise about it. In October 2013 this album was 2nd in the UK Soul Charts and spent a gigantic 15 weeks in those charts too which is a fantastic achievement by the band that is well worthy of its place.

The album has got the band a range of awards such as 'Best Instrumental Jazz Solo',' Best Engineered album', 'Producer of the Year',  'Song of the Year' & 'Best R&B Song'. Not a bad collection of awards, but boy do they deserve it. I would agree with all of these especially ' Best Engineered Album' for just the clear sound from every instrument on this album and how balanced everything is. 

The songs that I recommend are 'Not For Ordinary People, 'Mama', 'The Happiest Day' and 'I Don't Like Roses'. The rest of the album is brilliant, but these are the ones to check out for a little taste tester first. 

I hope you all enjoy the music and thank you for reading. 

Until next time

Lewis

Website: http://www.camerasoul.eu/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Camera__Soul

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camerasoul?fref=ts

Top 5 - Well Known Headphone Brands

Hello! 

Welcome to blog post 31! Today I wanted to talk to you all about headphones. We all use them or have done in the past and if anyone is struggling to find a pair for the right price and quality. Then here is my top 5 list of well known brands of headphones that might help you out! I had this post ready for May, but having lots of other people come to me and ask if I could review their music. Now I have room to share this with you, enjoy!

Before I get into this top 5 I wanted to just clear a few things up too. I wanted to do well known brands too that you can find in your local HMV/Currys/Dixons etc instead of choosing brands that are outlet only. This is my personal top 5 choice and I'm only looking at over the ear headphones too. If you think I am wrong or have left out a significant brand then let me know in the comments! What's your top 5!?

Okay... lets get started!

5. Beats by Dr.Dre

Well, this brand had to be in the top 5 plainly for its popularity and probably nothing else. These headphones are everywhere and aren't actually that good for sound as they seem. Beats by Dr.Dre have been around now since 2006 and have evolved into quite a few different ranges.

I really don't understand the amount of hype for these. I think a lot of people now go for look rather than sound which is a shame, but I guess people are willing to pay for looks. These headphones have a price range of £150 - £390 which to me personally are extortionate prices. To get their lowest range of product is already more expensive then some of the better quality headphones at mid range produce...

So... in conclusion, you're paying a ton of money for something that looks great, but had incredibly shoddy sound. Thank god there is at least there's free shipping...enjoy!

(all ratings out of 5)

Cost - 2
Design - 5
Sound Quality - 3


4. Philips

The reason I chose Philips in this top 5 is because they actually offer a wide range for many customers. This is something that makes me wonder with such a diverse range of headphones for specific users...is there much difference? 

Well for starters they have entered the realm of bluetooth which is a nice feature to have and shows the company is developing its headphone brands. They also have specific headphones for sports, bass lovers etc and all at a fairly low price. The price range starts from £15 - £120 and for those who don't have a lot of money, this is a great brand to use. If you wanted to go wireless or bluetooth, again its not that expensive coming in at around £60. Not only is it fairly cheap, but the sound isn't bad for what you're paying for either. 

In conclusion...a reasonably priced brand churning out a variety of headphones with some decent sound. Not bad!

Cost - 5
Design - 3
Sound Quality - 3



3. Sennheiser

Next we have the German headphone brand Sennheiser. This brand was a close second, but there are some reasons as to why this came in at number 3 and not 2. Sennheiser offer a quite large range of products and try go that extra mile to appeal to the customer. The first thing I wanted to touch on was the price range because you can't get a bigger price range than this...ready?

Price range: £24.99 - £999.99!?  

Yes that's right, you can get some 'cheapy' headphones, or if you're hella rich, why not grab some German hand assembled HD 800's! This is the descrition for the 800's is "These headphones are top-of-the line audio technology at its finest. Hand assembled in Germany with top quality materials and using the largest transducers ever, these provide an unmatched natural listening experience." At that bloody price I hope so too!!

This is what I meant by them going the distance. They have a nice range with decent sound at around the £160 mark, but I still feel you're not getting enough for what you pay for. Every time I go to put on Sennheiser headphones, something's not right, the sound is a little muffled or the positioning on my ears isn't that comfortable. I'm trying the mid range headphones out too, not the cheap ones too! The fact that you have to spend more for design too is a little bit cheeky because the £24 ones don't look that great, but then again, its what you pay for.

In conclusion, Sennheiser have got the ingredients to be a great headphone brand. they are already pretty popular and have a great sound, but there is something not quite right that I hope they can fix soon.

Cost - 4
Design - 3.5 (4.5 for more expensive brands)
Sound Quality - 3.5


2. Sony

Sony own a wide range of different products including headphones and range from wireless to bluetooth. The money they earn from their other products such as TV's and sound systems gives them the tools to make some great pairs of headphones. They offer a nice range of headphones that look great and have a nice quality even at £25 a pair. 

Its great to see Sony investing in making their cheaper products looking as nice as the £100 + pairs. Obviously quality is different, but to the untrained eye, you can't tell the difference. Although you can grab some snazzy wireless headphones with a wireless transmission for £99 which is a fantastic deal. The price range is from £25 - £449.00 and on their website each set has got great reviews. 

So with Sony is a grand choice you have at either a hefty price coming with the quality, wireless or bluetooth. To the cheaper products which look great on your head and have a reasonable sound quality, but at £25 you can't go wrong!

Cost- 4
Design - 3.5
Sound Quality - 3.5

1. Bose

Now, anyone who knows me personally knows that I am a massive Bose nerd. I love their products and their headphone quality is insane for the price you get them at. Whilst Im writing this, I am using my Bose AE2 headphones that cost £120. Now...that does seem like a lot but hear me out. 

I bought them because I heard so much about their sound quality and how comfy they are. When I'm writing my blog I sometimes forget they're on my head, they're so damn comfy. These are the lower ranged headphones too, so the price doesn't really help, but you definitely get what you pay for! Although they don't look the best which puts quite a few people off, they make it up in sound... by a mile.

The sound quality is insane, you can hear everything with the slight noise cancellation in them which gives your ears a real treat in hearing everything in the track. I heard one of my favourite tracks the other day by Frank Turner and noticed a little shaker in the background and someone talking that wouldn't of been picked up with cheaper headphones. They can give you the raw power from the music too, so if its a rock song, it'll deliver the power to your ears!

Now these headphones are the lower part of the range, but the range doesn't go to extortionate heights like Sennheiser. I tried out the latest noise cancelling headphones the 'QuietComfort 3'. To which you put them on and you can hear around you, until you flick a little button (baring in mind I was in a bustling airport) and I couldn't hear anything outside and I had no music on. I was blown away by how they can do that and the sound quality was to die for, although at £300 you'd expect to get the best price!

In conclusion if you want fairly expensive headphones that you can rely on and get what you pay for. Then I would recommend Bose because they do at 2 year warranty on their headphones and then for mine when I took it back (4 days before the warranty was up) they gave me an extra year on the replaced ones. 

Cost - 3.5 
Design - 4.5
Sound Quality - 5*

Bose AE2 Headphones

So...yes this was slightly biased because I love Bose products, but the products from 5 - 2 were my personal choices because I tried all these headphones brands out when I was hoping to get some slightly pricey headphones and Bose was the clear winner by a mile. Though it is all down to personal preference, if you're a sound quality freak like me, you'll go for Bose. If you like headphones that just look nice, you might go for Dr.Dre. 

Let me know what your Top 5 headphone brands are in the comments below or tweet me them! I look forward to seeing your choices! 

Thanks for reading and until next time

Lewis 

*BONUS* Discussion ~ Rock Vs Pop

Hello, 

Welcome to blog post 30. Today I want to expand on my review I published on Wednesday about the new Twin Atlantic album and how they have moved from a real rock band to purposefully writing 'pop' songs for more publicity.

Personally, I feel this is becoming more of a trend than just a one off thing for bands to do. Now, this is just my opinion, I am entitled to it and if you think I am wrong then that's okay, but I just hope you understand my points I will be making in this post. 

So... when I was around 16/17 I was going through a phase of listening to a lot of rock/punk and sometimes metal. The bands that I would listen to constantly would be Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, 30 Seconds To Mars and Alter Bridge. This to me was how people should rock on their albums. Keeping up high tempo most of the time with a lots of guitar rhythms and catchy lines. 

So after listening to albums such as "Riot" and "Brand New Eyes" from Paramore. When it came around to their new album I was pretty excited to hear what they had to offer considering they were now down to 3 members and the singles "Monster" and "Renegade" before the album 'Paramore' got me pumped. 

When the first single from the album came along called "Now", I was disappointed in the sound. I couldn't hear that driving guitar that was so precious in the albums before. I was hoping the second single would provide more promise. Again, I was let down, another 'pop' sound. There were no rock elements to the album at all and I was so disappointed. Especially when Hayley Williams was saying "this is the album we've always wanted to make". 

This example of Paramore isn't the first time that I have been disappointed with new albums from bands that I absolutely adored in my teens. This is starting to become a regular appearance. Its ruining my excitement for new albums if bands just keep producing pop for the larger audiences. I can understand why they want to do it, but people like myself are just getting fed up with every poxy band churning some pop crap out. 

This happened with the new Twin Atlantic album and personally I didn't think it was possible for them because their album 'Free' was insane and I thought building on the foundations of that album, you couldn't go wrong! Oh how wrong I was...

I don't know if I'm the only one that is noticing so many bands lately with a rock 'nature' about them are just producing songs for the charts, for Radio 1 and nothing for the audiences like myself. Its all about getting coverage these days, getting known, but in completely the wrong way. The only way to do this at the moment is create a happy - go - lucky song with some major chords, some kind of trumpet or saxophone playing a catchy riff and the band shouting "YEAAHH, YEAAAHH" or "WOOAAHH", "WOAAAH"...so creative... 

The day that a rock band makes a solid rock album after their successful first one will be the day I can jump in the air and be happy. Right now though, rock is dying out and pop is taking over badly. I have hope and promise still for a few bands such as The Cape Race (check their review out on my blog) and Mallory Knox who are rocking the Radio 1 playlists right now. 

The Cape Race - 'Home,Truths'

I hope everyone now understands my views and points where I am coming from about this issue. Its been playing on my mind for a while now and I thought this was the perfect time to say something especially with the new Twin Atlantic album being a real shocker. 

Thanks for reading and until next time

Lewis

Album Review ~ Twin Atlantic, 'Great Divide'

*Disclaimer* - So this review, isn't going to be the my usual "yeah this albums great" review. I have got negative outlooks on this review, so if you DO like the new Twin Atlantic album then I would advise you to not read if you don't want to hear anything negative. Its not all negative, but I hope you'll understand my points about the album.

Hello!

Welcome to blog post 29! Today I shall be talking about the new album from Twin Atlantic. Their second album was an absolute masterpiece. A great step forward into the business and I was highly anticipating this album to be just as rocky and fulfilling as the last.

Twin Atlantic are a Scottish rock band from Glasgow, who in their last album 'Free', got a lot of success and radio play from Radio 1 and other stations alike. One of the songs was even featured on the video for the highest sky fall that was watched by over 36 million people! Not bad for your second album and now their new album has come around called 'Great Divide'. 

Although the two singles were not winning me over to buy the album, I thought I needed to check out the full album in case I was wrong about their new sound for this album. When I first heard their first single 'Heart and Soul', my immediate reaction was "oh no...another rock band going pop, please no!". Their second single wasn't much help either with quite a simple structure and happy chords although the song itself wasn't too bad. 

So...let me sum up the first three songs to you in three words. Waste. Of. Time. The first three songs nearly put me off listening to the rest of the album. The use of electronic pads and keys is just plain wrong for this band. Wrong. They use the same producer as the other record too, what was the guy thinking!? This to me just seems like a stunt for popularity which nearly cost them the album to me. Just skip to the song 'Fall Into The Party'...

If you listen to the second album 'Free', you'll notice its hard-driving, heavy and fantastic for the boys to perform. You just know from top to bottom on the album 'Free' that these guys pack a punch. Though this 'punch' seems to have been left behind from this album.

There are some flickers of promise at the start of songs, but they don't follow through for the whole song. For example in 'The Ghost of Eddie' you hear the structure twice and think that's everything they have to give, but then the section where he whispers "everybody scream" into quite possibly the heaviest part of the album is a real treat to the ears of the shear noise. This doesn't happen in the new album.

Don't get me wrong some of the songs on this album are good, but its nothing compared to the previous album. That was their second album...one to work from...one to keep moving forward from. Instead it seems like they have moved backwards, there isn't as much creativity or passion in this album. To me the aim was to get as much coverage on Radio 1 as possible and leave old fans to leave them alone.

When I'm listening to the album, I feel like Sam McTrusty's lyrics are trying to get us to learn life lessons. He talks about how "the youth of today have lost their voices" and that to him"music is my therapy"!? He even has the cheek (in a sense) in the song "It's Not Dead" that according to him, 'rock and roll is apart of me'. Go back and listen to "Hold On" and see how 'Rock and Roll' that track is...

Apart from everything else I have mentioned above, I just hope Twin Atlantic can learn from their mistakes from this flop of an album and crank the gears up for album number four to impress all us rockers again.

The tracks I recommend (and could be the only ones) are "Cell Mate", "Fall Into The Party" and "Actions That Echo". Keep to these three and you have a pretty decent EP, how about that!? 

I promise the next review will be back to my jolly self! I might do a little discussion post again on Sunday about how a lot of rock bands are turning to mainstream and leaving their whole 'rock persona' behind just for more coverage.

Until next time and thanks for reading

Lewis

Website: http://www.twinatlantic.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/twinatlantic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/twinatlantic

Album Review ~ The Cornerstones, 'Stand In Line'

Hello! 

Welcome to blog post 27! Today I have a good ol' four piece British band from Uxbridge called The Cornerstones. 

The Cornerstones is made up of Richard Ruth - Vocals / Acoustic, Dan Bennion - Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals, Kyle Radbone - Bass and Carl Sampson - Drums. This alternative band certainly know how to get those feet tapping with the 2nd album from the band. Their debut Album 'Begin To End' and single 'Smack Me In Face' were released under Redemption records and resulted in tours and support slots with Shed - 7, Oasis, Proud Mary, Finlay Quaye and also national airplay.

So now you have a bit of background on the boys, let's see what the album has to offer!

The album starts off nice and strong with the song 'Drag Me Down' to then move onto 'My Mind' which both have a similar drive to it. You get a good feel for the kind of vibe you're getting from the album. Its now just a case of seeing where the band go from the third song to the last to keep the audience fixated until the dying seconds. 

They keep this album going in emphatic fashion with one of the better songs from the album personally called 'Stand In Line'. Its got more grit and power in the chorus' which give the band a reason to play with dynamics and adds a whole new feel. 

The vocals from Ruth are really shone through in the song 'Ground', his naturally soft tone makes you feel at ease. It doesn't take too much to love his voice, the higher notes are reached with ease and has one of those distinctive voices. The album starts to gain in volume and power at this point which is nice to hear and gives it some great energy!

The start of 'Erased' has one of those beginnings that you know its going to be a good song. Any song that starts with harmonica is a good song and adds a new element to this brilliant track. A sort of more happy-go-lucky tune, but works really well with the harmonica. 

So as we get into the latter stages of the album 

The album has nice little gems if you listen carefully to most of the songs. Its either little guitar licks hidden in the shadows of the tracks, subtle backing vocals or acoustic guitar playing the chords. I like albums that don't show everything to you, it leaves nothing to discover. Its like an island with all its treasure chests uncovered and dug up for you. 

One of the more popular of the slower songs 'Try To Hide' has some harmonica playing that is to die for. Its very mesmerising and can put your mind at ease to listen to for those brief few minutes which is a great feeling. 'Try To Hide' keeps things very simple throughout with the usual line-up, but subtly brings in the electric guitar for the chorus and leaves the acoustics and harmonica to its devices, beautiful. 

The single 'Smack Me In The Face' is a song that you can really immerse into quite easily with some cool guitar licks and vocals. Its different to the other tracks on the album in a good way. Coming to the final few tracks its like a plane landing, you know when you're coming to the end of your journey, but the captains make sure you land safely. The last 3 tracks are simple a great way to bring the album to an end. 

In conclusion, the album has quite a few strengths to it. Nice licks and ideas streaming through the album. Beautiful harmonica playing. A lot of promise for album three and the music is open to a wide audience which is a very strong position to be in!

Go check this album out and support this UK band!

Lewis


Website: http://www.thecornerstones.co.uk/

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thecornerstones

Album Review - Lost Midas, "Off The Course"

Hello, 

Welcome to blog post 26! Today I'm going to be letting you all know about an artists who goes by the name of 'Lost Midas' aka Jason Trikakis. An artist who started out as a rated hip-hop drummer in his 20's, is now a fully fledged producer of his own electronica beats. Signed to the label Tru-Thoughts, his debut album "Off Course" has caught the attention of many radio DJ's from the likes of XFM and BBC Radio 6 Music. 

He has been writing music all his life, but hasn't had the opportunity to express his musicality when he was drumming for other bands. So once he decided to climb aboard his solo career and also learn many other instruments, he managed to find his sound he has been searching for as "Lost Midas".

His music is described as "electrofusion" to which he describes it as because there simply is no other word or description of his music to him. With electronic production becoming his main love, as well as a passion for playing keys. Trikakis found himself in LA where his over-lapping sounds have created a vibrant and unique sound. 

Each individual track displays his unique blends of electronic production and songwriting. I enjoy the guest appearances on the album to give it more of a dynamic range throughout the record. The album features appearances from Audris, Taylor O'Donnell and NuTrik. 

The track "Head Games ft. Audris" has impressed many DJ's and magazines alike such as DJ magazine and Radio 6 Music. Other tracks that have been in the radar of radio is "Archetype Forgotten" with plays from Huey Morgan and Steve Lamacq. "Head Games" is a personal favourite of mine because the vocals are given a lot of space in the track to which then the audience can listen to the music being produced too. 

Lost Midas is a very gifted musician with a lot of ideas and knowledge to create his own sound. Using pads, keyboards and the drum kit all at once when he performs requires a lot of concentration and perfection to get the right sound. I really admire Trikakis' admiration and ambition towards his music.

This is what other people are saying about the rise of 'Lost Midas':

“Beautiful, dreamy sounds coming out of LA courtesy of Lost Midas.”... “Amazing… absolutely brilliant.”- BBC R6Music Lauren Laverne’s Headphone Moment and MPFree  “This is fluorescent, fragrant electronic music.” - CLASH


Lost Midas will be doing a mini tour in October starting off at Low End Theory. Then ending up at the Tru-Thoughts 15th Anniversary show featuring The Seshen and Alice Russell as headline act at the Skirball Cultural Centre in LA on 24th October 2014.You can grab his debut album from the Tru-Thoughts Etch Shop and Itunes.


Thank you very much and until next time

Lewis

Website: http://www.lostmidas.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lostmidas

*BONUS* Single Review - Antriksh Bali, 'Daze Blue (feat. Nikita Sailesh)

Hello,

Welcome to blog post 25 and an extra post for all you lovely people this week! Though this won't be as extensive as my main Wednesday posts, I'm sure you'll all love this artist that I have for you today anyway.

So, the artist I have for you today goes by the name of Antriksh Bali and is from New Delhi, India. When he contacted me about his single he wanted me to review, I was so captured by the fact he was from New Delhi! This blog goes all the way around the world!

Bali is an electronic/alternative musician that is inspired by a wide and peculiar range of elements in music. From sonic experiments to urban and dissonant orchestral scores, he has the mind set where there are no boundaries or genres. 

His music is very captivating to listen to and whilst doing my internship at Tru-Thoughts currently, its given me a great ear for this sort of electronica music to understand the true meaning behind it. With over-lays and fantastic scores for various instruments on this song, its definitely up there with the best. 

The song is about the phase that an artist goes through many a time in their career which is 'writers/creative block'. This song is about the conflicts and expression of turmoil that artist has when they cannot think of anything creative to put into a song they feel so attached to. 

The single is available on Bandcamp, Ok Listen and Reverbnation along with an extra song called "We Don't Need War, We Need More Satallites", which is a more remixed chilled song. Check out Antriksh Bali's single and support his work!

Until next time

Lewis

Website: www.antrikshbali.com/

Bandcamp: antrikshbali.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/antrikshmusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/antrikshbali

Single Review - The Courtesans, 'Genius'

Hello!

Welcome to blog post 24! Today I am letting you all know about a female indie/alternative four piece band that are hitting the music business hard and not being portrayed as you're typical girl band. These girls are throwing the book out of the window on 'how to be the perfect girl band' by twisting and bending it in such a spectacular fashion that its caught the attention of many people. 

The Courtesans are Sinead Le Bella (vocals), Saffire Sanchez (guitar), Agnes D. Jones (bass) and Victoria Brown (drums). The single is the first song off their new album that will be released on 8th September called '1917'. Until then, the latest single 'Genius' is looking at the portrayal of the 'perfect girl' and that never ending search for her. Thus seeing young teens falling for the cheap lipstick, botoxing, slimming pill versions rather than one of those less genuine natural girls that get hidden in the darkness. 

From the first couple of lines in this song, you can tell this isn't your average girl band song. 

"Holding a gun to his head, she says

Do you love me? 

Do you love me?

Counting down the bullets she says

One for you, One for me

One for you, One for me"

Now, does that sound like something that Little Mix or The Saturdays will sing!? I love this dark side to the such loved cliché for a band. These girls have a fantastic image too that'll have you looking twice...once in shock and two in awe of their adventurousness. Their hair style is brilliant for the band image. Thick, long hair that has colours of red, bright blue, blonde and black, the perfect mix!

The start of the song, sounds like something from any ordinary song and then the struck of a chord on a guitar changes the mood completely. I do like the fact that all the girls in the band play a different instrument and don't all just sing otherwise that wouldn't make this band so unique. I do think that in recent years, girl bands are making a comeback for the greater good and The Courtesans are setting a great example to bring back the image in style!

Don't just take my word for this band, here are some other people's thoughts too:

"...dripping with a melodrama, intellect and wispy mystery not heard around these parts since early Garbage and Shakespeare's Sister" God Is In The TV Zine
"they're tight, they're funky and they’re absolutely terrifying" Never Enough Notes
"a sensual 4 piece audio and visual experience", Hellhound Music
"..saw The Courtesans live and still have not recovered" The Von Pip Musical Express

 Looks like that's all I've got time for today! Do go check the band out and watch the video down below. Another quick thank you to everyone who has been viewing my blog and got it over the 2000 milestone! Amazing, I cannot thank you enough! 

If any artist/managers want to contact me for reviews, then my email is in the 'contact me' section up the top of the page, these guys came to me with open arms and of course I agreed! Yours could be next too!?

Until next time!

Lewis

Wesbite: http://www.thecourtesans.org/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_courtesans

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CatrionaVillenhardt/videos