Single Review ~ New Hands ~ Strange Attractor

This weeks single review will be looking at a five piece band called New Hands. Coming from a Canadian/Leeds background, the group have a lot of influences for its style and the way the music is produced from artists such as Caribou. You can check out the song at the bottom of this review.

The electronic blends of guitars and synths bind together to create a pulsing beat to drive the music forward. Using layers of music within each section of the song keeps the listener wanting more... and they get more.The vocals seem to really become a major part of the song when everything is kicked up a gear mid-way through song like some sort of chorus, but doesn't have the major distinct features of a chorus. From simple beat textures added to the baritone vocals, this song has got it all. 

Produced by 'Holy F***s' Graham Walsh, it is clear that the electronic textures used are spaced evenly with a great sound. This track is recommended for headphone users to really get an essence of each layer and texture added to the track. From synthetic melodies to tambourine, its clear that the producer has thought about how to make this song sound big and it has paid off. 

The vocals on the record give the track another dimension, the range makes the whole track seem rather disco-punk, but with the flamboyancy of electronic stages pushing and driving the song forward.

If you enjoy the track, be sure to keep an eye out for the bands debut album release that's due in 2015. With thanks too to Partisan PR for introducing me to the band, I'm looking forward to seeing what is in store for the band in 2015.



Thanks for reading and until next time

Lewis

Soundcloud Link - Strange Attractor

Single Of The Week ~ Skinny Lister ~ Trouble On Oxford Street

This weeks 'Single Of The Week' comes from the band called Skinny Lister. These guys are an English folk infused punk/rock 6 piece band from London that are all about making a scene. They play wherever their hearts desire and they perform it in emphatic fashion. With the likes of double bass and accordion added into the mix of their sound, you're bound to love these guys. 

Having newly signed to Xtra Mile Recordings, (home to the likes of Frank Turner, To Kill A King and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) their new single 'Trouble On Oxford Street' is a very bubbly, happy and good ol' fashioned all round dance folk record. With the vocalists unique blend of English come Londoner accent, it makes for a really interesting track. The song gets right into it from the off with the whole band singing part of the chorus. The verses are telling the tale of a guy who's been in a fight on Oxford Street where he's 'lost a little blood and a couple of teeth'. 

The words to the song could be quite dark, but because of the melody and energy of the track, it makes the whole thing seem like a lot of fun. A little bit like if you went out with your mates one night, things got a little bit out of hand and then the next day you all found it funny. 

The video (which I will leave a the bottom of this review) is again, lots of energy, fun-filled and involves London as a whole. The band play on the streets of what I presume is Oxford Street, playing their song on a bus and at a live venue. With double bass twirling, accordion throwing and lots of dancing between the six of them, its no wonder these guys are making a name for themselves. 

Skinny Lister have announced a massive Spring tour too which starts at the end of April and carries on into May. If their live shows are anything like the video, then you're all in for a treat and I may have to go buy myself a ticket too! 

Here's the tour dates:

22/04 Birmingham   The Rainbow 
23/04 Glasgow       Nice N Sleazy
24/04 Edinburgh     Voodoo Rooms
25/04 Newcastle     Cluny 2
28/04 Manchester   The Deaf Institute 
29/04 Leeds           Brudenell Social Club
30/04 Sheffield       The Leadmill
01/05 Nottingham   Bodega
02/05 Cambridge    J2 @ Cambridge Junction 
05/05 Bristol          The Exchange
06/05 Cardiff          Clwb Ifor Bach
07/05 London         O2 Islington Academy
08/05 Norwich        Waterfront Studio
09/05 Leicester       O2 Academy 2


So head on down to one of these dates next year for what is guaranteed a great night. Their new album lands next April 20th 2015 called 'Down On Deptford Broadway' which I personally cannot wait for! So go on... check out this very energetic and thrilling folk/punk band and have a good ol' dance in your house (or work if you're brave enough).

With thanks also to Partisan PR for introducing me to the band. Thanks for reading and until next time. 

Lewis 

'Trouble On Oxford Street'

Website: http://skinnylister.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/skinnylister

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

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