Here Lies a Warning- ‘Frontiers’ (15/07/2012 Self Released)

     Here Lies a Warning are a five-piece Metal/Hardcore band from Fife, Scotland, who’ve been playing together since 2007. They formed because of a desire to get their music heard by as many people as possible and have toured around Scotland for three years non-stop with acts such as Enter Shikari, Flood of Red and Memphis May Fire. Here Lies a Warning released their debut EP ‘In Keeping Faith’ in 2010 and released ‘Frontiers’ in July this year.

    The EP opens with ‘The Escapist’, which, at first listen comes off as a young metal band finding their feet in the music industry by exploring their musical interests and inspirations. That is to say their sound is neither unique or unusual. Leonardus Segerius’ vocals are so intense their almost haunting, but in a way that might make you listen to Here Lies a Warning countless times. ‘Martyr’ continues the record in music the same way; showing no progression or variety from track to track.

     ‘Life of Regret’ and ‘Nothing is Out of Your Hands’ act as an instrumental interludes between the overly-angsty rest of the album. However, the production of ‘Frontiers’ is quite effective because this track seamlessly flows into the following. Although it is a classic trait of metal music, the quintet’s use of emotion is fundamentally very negative, causing the EP to lack diversity severely. And with lyrics such as, ‘Your guards, their shields are slowly coming down, they're getting weaker.’, an interesting use of instruments isn’t focused on.

    Each track is fierce and full of pain, but simply does not translate for an enjoyable listen. Although, ‘Frontiers’ does utilise some decent instrumental breakdowns, classic Metal components and seemingly effortless and natural vocal abilities.

1/5

Half Crown- ‘Enigma’ (23/11/2012 – Self-Released)

      Half Crown are a Brighton-born five piece band who claim to produce a new era of upbeat Indie music. The quintet also make use of R&, Funk, Blues and Rap to make their audience as vast as possible, although they remain unsigned.

    The band’s track ‘Enigma’ has been available to download for free since the 23^rd of November after it was played over 100 times on their Soundcloud page. ‘Engima’ does precisely what any music fan wants from what they listen to; desirability. The track is so catchy and likeable that it’s difficult to not listen again and listen to more of the Half Crown’s work. It also fuses the band’s many influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Blur, Maroon 5, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Kinks.

    Based on this track, it is a wonder the band aren’t already signed, particularly because of their unique flair and energy, as well as their use of unusual instruments you don’t tend to find in mainstream music. ‘Engima’ is peppered with trumpet sections, rapping, hard-hitting gang-style vocals and ridiculously strong solo vocals that bring a really unique and professional element to the track. It is also very well produced right from the discreet guitar-driven beginning, to the blending of different vocal types, right down to the final fade out at the end of the song.

     Even without a huge audience, Half Crown have pin-pointed who they want to be as a band, and have combined the perfect assortment of genres and styles. The track has also earned the band a headline spot on the SQ Magazine stage this coming summer, and is sure to help them in the process of earning the widespread fame they deserve.

     If ‘Engima’ proves anything, it confirms that there are really talented musicians out in the world yet to be discovered, and Half Crown are certain to have a very bright future ahead of them with their distinctive, brash and intelligent music.

4/5

Listen to ‘Engima’ and Half Crown’s other compositions on their Soundcloud page here: http://soundcloud.com/halfcrown

London Commands You- ‘Truth’ (19/11/2012 – End of the Trial Records)

          Promising ‘music with a message’, London Commands You are a new era protest-driven band inspired by the likes of Editors The Killers and Joy Division with a strong, wonderfully Indie sound. Founded just ten months ago, the Brighton-born quintet debuted their very first single ‘On Her Own Again’ in July and just yesterday, ‘Truth’ made it into Amazon’s Top 100 Indie chart and Rock chart, two places above The Rolling Stones. London Commands You plan to be back on the road in January and release their next single, ‘Blue Star’ over the Christmas period.

    The protest fuelled music video for ‘Truth’, with intense red lighting and selection of epic political commentary and public fighting imagery has generated well over 1,000 views and is beautifully precise with regards to editing in line with the melody of the track. ‘Truth’ is composed of rhymes that fit together as simply as those found in a children’s’ nursery rhyme; “The children play, in the sun, sun, sun, in the games we play, see the children talk, as they slip away, but you want to know truth?”, which is an odd concept given the nature of the song’s message.

 London Commands You have clearly worked hard to create something that reaches out to listeners interested in Politics and the overall state of the world today, but they do not make it clear what their specific message is from their music video. In fact, they appear to have negative opinions towards those involved in Politics, large corporations and the military as a whole “Everyday, he loves to hate, and lives a lie…”.  It is also clear that the music video has been cheaply shot which takes away from how well-produced the track is.

     

      ‘Truth’ itself is remarkably upbeat for a song depicting a world crying out for democratic revolution and is made up of all the elements that make an Indie track great. The guitar-driven melody wouldn’t go a miss in a Vaccines song and the repetitive melody and plodding drums seem to be pounding the lyrics into listeners.

    Despite how cyclic the track is and how D.I.Y. the music video appears, London Commands You do have potential to expand their fanbase by making their overall message clear and proving their live show worth to as many people as possible, because their sound is rare, commercial and ironically upbeat.

2/5

You can listen to and watch the music video for London Commands You’s latest single ‘Truth’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ebuLYkoukYc

Melissa and More- ‘Anything’- Single (Self Released)

      ‘Anything’ is the title track from Melissa and More’s EP which also appears on their CD ‘Baby’. Originally from Southampton, the act’s singer/songwriter, Melissa Sullivan’s music covers a huge variety of genres including Rock, Folk, Pop, Jazz and Country. Melissa plays the piano and has been playing the flute for seven years and reached Grade 8 standard with distinction when she was just 14-years-old. After fronting and writing for a number of bands, in 2004 Melissa started performing alongside Dave Wilkes, with her performing vocals, flute and keyboards and Dave taking on both electric and acoustic guitars. In 2011 the band matured into a five-piece act and currently have three self-released EPs along with a live recorded album, and a new album on its way in the next few months!

 

The track certainly lives up to the repertoire Melissa and More seem to have formed for themselves; making use of every genre they know. Although this makes them rather unique, it also makes them hard to place or imagine a firm fanbase for. The rapid tempo and bright vocals are colourful but a little emotionally-lacking. It almost appears as if the band aspires to come across as alternative, which they carry out very well, but have pushed composing poignant or passionate music to one side.                                                                                                  

However, ‘Anything’ is very well produced and really highlights Melissa Sullivan’s great vocal range and individual style, which actually conceals the instrumentation to come across as simply background noise and a swift enough tempo to keep up with her rapid vocals. But it is obvious that there is a lot of thought behind how the vocals come across. The track is very flamboyant and expressive but is certainly not something a listener can really relate to on a personal level.

    With a truly distinctive vocal performance that drowns out the other instruments somewhat, ‘Anything’ is a great example of how intriguing unusual vocal styles can be but also how much they can hinder the other elements of a track. Although Melissa and More claim to blend just about very genre under the sun, in actual fact the track is difficult to place in any style.

1/5

The UK’s Best Christmas Markets

    

     The Christmas period is all about gathering together with your family and friends, eating far too much together and exchanging presents. But how do you go about buying your loved ones presents? Do you feel the need to save all your money for them? Well think again!

     Christmas markets can be found in almost every town and city during the party season, including Bournemouth, York and Edinburgh. The markets spring up all over the UK around November, and there’s nothing better to lift your spirits as the days get shorter and the nights get colder.

    If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not try out a new setting and see what a new city has to offer. If not, there’s sure to be many a unique gift to be found at your local market. From trinkets, to household ornaments, to Christmas decorations, toys and jewellery, you can find the perfect and affordable present for any loved one.

  

Edinburgh:

     This historical Scottish gem celebrates Christmas like nowhere else! Edinburgh is well known for getting into the Christmas mood as soon as summer disappears! It hosts the Great Scottish Santa Run, an annual Giant Snow Globe and carousels galore, as well as three Christmas markets in and around the city centre. There is a German-style street market on the Mound Precinct, where many of those selling products travel from Frankfurt, so everything’s authentically German. Stallholders sell everything from food products, to toys, jewellery and wonderful handmade gifts.

     The Traditional Highland Village Market is close to the Edinburgh Wheel and an ice-rink in East Princes Street Gardens, and showcases the very best that Scotland has to offer. Shoppers can expect great quality food and drink such as cheese, whisky and confectionary, and for a fair-trade and charitable season, the Ethical Christmas Fair is a must go! It is held on Castle and Princes Street in mid-December and plays host to original gifts that your family and friends are sure to love.

York:

     York town centre is home to various market stalls during the winter season, offering a variety of gifts for loved ones and a little something to treat yourself to. If you’re a little bit short for money at the moment, there are also a lot of free samples to be found, so there’s no excuse to get your teeth into the food and drink available. Stalls include accessories, including winter essentials such as scarves and hats, authentic fudge with every flavour under the sun as well as tonnes of other sweet treats, unique clothing items and wonderful Christmas decorations and ornaments.

     On the 29^th of November until the 2^nd of December, York really comes to life with the St. Nicholas Christmas Fayre. Traders dressed in Victorian costume, carol singers and every edible product you can think of that’s perfect for Christmas time. Think roasted chestnuts, Christmas pudding, mulled wine, mince pies and hot drinks with a little alcoholic kick, along with market favourites like crafts, beautiful gifts and top quality local farm produce.

Bournemouth:

       The annual Bournemouth Christmas Festival takes its inspiration from German markets known as Weihnachtsmarkt, but it’s a perfect blend of old-fashioned German and more contemporary English products. It has been running for six years and takes places for 40 days each year. The festival offers great quality gifts, confectionary and a jolly environment that comes to life with custom-built chalets for exhibitors decorated with every kind of Christmas decoration you can think of. As the nights get darker, the Christmas lights scattered around the town create a delightful yule-perfect ambiance. Each trader has been specially selected for their authentic produce, not just from England and Germany, but a number of other European countries as well. From food to toys to gifts, there’s something for every age group, whatever you’re looking for.

     For an added Victorian quality, a carousel is also available in the square, as well as carol singing, karaoke and even a mobile stage offering top-notch entertainment from volunteers in and around the local community. Home FM, Bournemouth’s Christian Radio will also open the stage to local school choirs, musicals and church bands. Whether you’re Christian yourself or not, the Christmas season is rooted in these religious beliefs, so it is something captivating and charming to experience. The market and festival take place from the 15^th of November until the 24^th of December and will run for a further 7 days from the 7^th of January. Bournemouth really has it all wrapped up!

             Many of the markets have continental influences, as well as more local produce and a truly traditional vibe, so there’s no excuse to be a scrooge this year! Even if you don’t need to buy anything, the cheerful atmosphere and amazing entertainment at each market is sure to make a fantastic day out.

Fenrir- ‘Live Like Royalty’ EP (08/09/2012 –Self Released)

Fenrir, an alternate Rock band from Suffolk, who were formed at the tail end of last year, and have spent the last six months recording ‘Live like Royalty’ at Hidden Track Studios in Folkestone with producer Oliver Craggs, who worked previously with Feed The Rhino. The quintet have been touring constantly under the influence of their various heroes, such as Deaf Havana, Maroon 5, Paramore, Patrick Stump and Foo Fighters.

Artwork

    The EP shoots into action with the punchy and rhythmic ‘Haven’t You Heart It Yet?’, which is made up of strong vocals from frontman Ben Slater and an obvious tight musical connection between the members. In fact, the instrumental, tender breakdown towards the end of the track mirrors the likes of a You Me At Six ballad, which sadly begs the question of how unique Fenrir actually are.   

     ‘It's Not Quite the End of The World (But You Can See It From Here)’; is not only a horrendously long song title, but also the most unapologetic twin of a well-known Lostprophets song. But it is now where near as big as the Welsh Rock heavyweights achieved. Fenrir come across as so caught up in their influences, that they forget to pin-point their own style at all. This track is nothing more than a gang-vocal heavy blend of Foo Fighters’ and Lostprophets’ finest moments.   

     Unfortunately, this trend fails to deteriorate in penultimate track ‘The Puppeteer’, which despite its use of various effective musical elements, such as a wide-range of vocal techniques, assorted melodies and volume changes, is just another replica of some great Paramore and The Blackout tracks. Fenrir clearly know their inspirations by heart, but the lack of personal or honest emotion in their compositions come across stronger than the respectable features nabbed from the brilliance of their muses.

Fenrir's logo

    The fact that final track ‘Click’ follows in the limp footsteps of the other tracks of ‘Live like Royalty’ is no surprise. But what is surprising is the fact that Fenrir clearly have a vast array of musical gifts between them, but banish those talents by failing to be rare in any way.

1/5

Mumford & Sons- Babel(21/10/2012- Island/Glassnote Records)

    Mumford & Sons were formed back in December 2007 and after their first album ‘Sigh No More’ reached number one in the Irish and Australian album charts, and eventually peaked at number two in the UK after selling over five million copies, the band were propelled into the limelight. Having already been awarded the ARIA Music Award for Most Popular International Artist in 2010, the Brit Award in 2011 for Best British Album and a European Border Breakers Award for their international success in 2001, the Indie-Folkers had a great deal riding on their second record.

   Unusually, Markus Dravs produced ‘Babel’, who has worked previously with Coldplay and Arcade Fire, begins with the title track, which is full of the most stunning echoed harmonies and the leading banjo Mumford fans are used to. Marcus Mumford’s voice is full of soul, potency and intensity, but still retains a sentimental and honest element through his nature-associated lyrical choices ‘Winds will howl…slip into the clouds.’

Artwork: 'Babel'

     Although there is a similar structure to each track on the album, each is powerful enough to potentially stand alone as a single, which is something very rarely found in an album. Each song breaks down towards the end, which constantly works extremely well because of Marcus Mumford’s wonderful vocals. And let’s face it; you know you found a good song when you’re disappointed when it ends!

    The relatable lyrics in ‘Whispers in the Dark’ come across as compelling and full of passion because of how fervent the instrumentation is; ‘I’m worried I blew my only chance.’ Despite how potent ‘I Will Wait’ is, it is difficult to decipher it as the album’s single because of how effective the entire album is. However, the track was released on the 7^th of August this year and peaked at number twelve in the UK Singles Chart. The track is as lurid, yet fresh and organic, despite its ‘I Would Do Anything for Love’-esque piano sections. But as listeners have come to expect nothing but perfection from Mumford & Sons, that is what is delivered, with the most descriptive and hard-hitting lyrics, ‘Paint my spirit gold.’

Mumford & Sons

    Through ‘Holland Road’, Mumford & Sons have proven they are capable of something very unusual; they have managed to not only preserve their unique style, but also seem as refreshing as ever. They have more than broken the cliché of how difficult releasing a successful second record can be after an excellent debut.  Additionally, ‘Ghosts That We Know’ begins with an almost acapella style, that is sharp but very gentle through its harmonies, and is driven by the most sensitive and moving lyrics; ‘‘I’ll give you hope all of your life, just promise me we’ll be alight.’

    Piano-led ‘Lover of The Light’ is something quite unusual for the band. Yet it is still has a flamboyant, gorgeous rhythmic melody that evolves into involving more instruments and a dramatic finish. The start-stop motion of ‘Lover’s Eyes’ is so captivating, and when intertwined with various rhythms and melodies onto of one another, you can’t help but keep listening. Mumford & Sons have composed something as classic and reliable as a Bible to a Christian. Speaking of which, the number of sweeping Biblical references in ‘Babel’ is astounding, but what is even more astounding is the fact that they fail to isolate the listener if they aren't that way inclined.

    Rustic and Indie, ‘Reminder’ and ‘Hopeless Wanderer’ are worlds apart of the bulk of popular, auto-tuned, white-wash music. The tracks are full of melodramatic build-ups, various breakdowns and constant shifts from eerily calm to downright erratically loud at times. The anger of ‘Broken Crown’ (so anger fuelled it uses a certain F-word!), but still manages to merge perfectly with the tender notions of ‘Below My Feet.’ In fact, it is so mellow yet intoxicating; it’s almost hymn-like.

    The multi-instrumental quartet bring ‘Babel’ home with ‘Not With Haste’, which certainly does what it says on the tin! But is is still as provoking and undeniably full of heart. Like the rest of the album, even when emotional, it is toe-tappingly warm and comforting somehow. ‘Babel’ is a modern Folk classic, and so much more than a hoe-down soundtrack.

5/5

Blaqk Audio- ‘Black Bright Heaven’ (24/09/2012- Superball Music/Big Death)

     Ever wondered what the Pet Shop Boys and Patrick Wolf would sound like together? Well Blaqk Audio are the answer. The band’s origins lie primarily in electronic dance music, inspired by the likes of Depeche Mode. Blaqk Audio’s line up consists of Davey Havok and Jade Puget (current members of AFI),who never considered the band as a side project, and pride themselves on the music they having been creating since last September.

    ‘Black Bright Heaven’ is perceived by the band as an expansion of their debut ‘Cex Cells’. But fundamentally, the album is repetitive and a little limp considering if is dance music. There seems to be very little emotion or sentiment thrown into the interesting mixes in ‘Cold War’ or ‘Fade to White’. However, the use of vocals in ‘Faith Healer’ really steps up and is more captivating, along with a simpler song structure.

Artwork

    Blaqk Audio make use of their inspriations throughout their work, and the pop and electronic blends fit together well in tracks like ‘Deconstructing God’. Although the vocal tones are quite Rock-based, the Dance style elements are similar to some of Radiohead’s work. However, ‘Everybody’s Friends’ is almost identical to the beats found in the biggest clubbing songs around.

   At times it seems a shame Blaqk Audio want to tamper with decent vocals by adding cyclic components and excessive editing techniques. Lyrically, the album lacks any kind of strong theme or storyline, aside from sex and relationships in general, which makes it difficult to engage with. The song structures of some tracks are also hard to follow. Blaqk Audio need to pinpoint what type of electronic dance band they are aiming to be, as some of the Dance style sounds are quite strong and swift, whereas some are unhurried.

   The synthesised parts of ‘Bliss’ and ‘Bon Voyeurs’ pick up the pace somewhat, but it is clear that this Electronic-Rock album was not written to specifically appeal to fans of AFI. ‘Say Red’ is so hasty that it reflects the idea that Puget and Havok are getting their love for electronic music of their chests without actually creating anything spectacular. However, the harmonies and dance elements work very well together and bonus track ‘Lit Ships’ provides a beautiful piano led finish.

Blaqk Audio

    Blaqk Audio is essentially a secondary project for two members of a successful Rock band, and appears to be unpolished, under-produced and lacking in emotion severely. The best song the album has to offer is the bonus track which is made up of piano, vocals and gentle backbeats.

1/5

The Vaccines- Come of Age (03/09/2012- Sony/Columbia Records)

     English Indie band The Vaccines, were formed in 2010 in West London and released their debut record ‘What Did You Expect from the Vaccines’ just last March. It peaked at number 4 in the UK Album Chart and spawned seven of the eleven track album as singles, including ‘Nørgaard’, ‘If You Wanna’, ‘Wetsuit’ and ‘Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’. The band have been compared to the likes of The Ramones and The Strokes, despite their fist-pumping Indie-Pop style.

    Having already peaked at number 1 in the UK Album Chart, has already awarded The Vaccines with fantastic commercial success. ‘No Hope’ is as festival-perfect as ‘Nørgaard’,and as Indie as ever, if a little dreary and half-hearted. Justin Young’s vocals also come across as drab and lazy, and ‘I Always Knew’ shows very little progression over the last year, and the band’s unfortunate complacence. They appear to have done the bare minimum with regards to varying their flair and the tracks are repetitive, but as catchy as eczema.

Artwork: 'Come of Age'

    ‘Teenage Icon’ is more produced than other tracks however, proving that The Vaccines care more for success through singles than the album itself, or the music they actually create. ‘All in Vein’ conveys a hint of Surf Rock, but tedious and underdeveloped lyrics; ‘You can’t hold a gun to my head/ ‘cause baby I would just refuse.’ (Surely that goes without saying in a relationship?) ‘Ghost Town’, certainly does what it says on the tin to begin with, with a gloomy intro and lifeless melody, and when played live, it’s about as energetic as road kill. The best thing about it is that it’s barely two tedious minutes long!

   Yet another lacklustre track, ‘Aftershave Ocean’ is begging for a response as to why the band refused to take more time to develop musically, and as people between albums. ‘Weirdo’ is very monotonous and Justin Young’s vocals are simply not strong enough to carry such a simply produced song. Out of the darkness of a dry, lifeless heap of tracks come ‘Bad Mood’, ‘Change of Heart Pt. 2’ and ‘I Wish I was a Girl,’ which still make use of classic Indie influences like the rest of the tracks, but less in the style of The Strokes and more of a Foo Fighters flair. It still lacks charm lyrically, but the instrumentation is, particularly the guitaring.

The Vaccines

    The track design of ‘Come of Age’ is appalling; soaring from some great Indie-pop singles, to mind-numbing compositions, and right back to bright and bubbly songs towards the end. Very little production-effort has been put into the five tracks that make up the middle of the album, which really lets it down. Along with weak vocals, mostly drab melodies and just one emotion-based track ‘Lonely World’,(which, in itself is excessively instrumental) ‘Come of Age’ is definitely nothing to write home about!

2/5

Two Door Cinema Club- Beacon (31/08/2012- Kitsuné)

     Formed just five years ago, Northern Irish trio Two Door Cinema Club have enjoyed vast success over the last few years with their debut album ‘Tourist History’, which was released in 2010. Singles from the upbeat Indie band’s debut did incredibly well, and the single from ‘Beacon’ ‘Sleep Alone’ has already peaked at 64 in UK charts.  

   With their less pop based, more chirpy, dance-worthy Indie tracks ‘Beacon’ reflects a new found confidence from the band with their own style. They know how commercially successful their last record was, and want to give their fans something new. ‘Next Year’ is a spectacular opener to another great album, telling a story of the hardship of loneliness when on tour. The experimental cocktail of electronic sounds in ‘Handshake’ is bursting with energy and instrumentals, and as radio and advert or jingle friendly as their previous work. It is fundamentally a harsh love letter, which shows a jump from ‘Tourist History’s’ classroom-whisper based lyrics.  

'Beacon's' Artwork

   Two Door Cinema Club have managed to pin-point the exact balance between being commercial, faithful to fans and unique, and ‘Wake Up’ is no different. It is as catchy as anything you’d expect from the trio and illustrates the fantastic work of Irish producer Garret ‘Jacknife’ Lee, who has previously worked with U2, R.E.M., Snow Patrol and Editors. ‘Sun’ makes use of some brass; clearly an influence from a great producer and mixer.

    The rhythmic, polished and gig-perfect ‘Someday’ is quirky and explosive, but lacks emotion lyrically. ‘Sleep Alone’ perfectly overlaps different tempos and rhythms and is a textbook Indie single in the best way possible. With its seamless and epic backbeats and acapella sections, Two Door Cinema Club’s progression is unavoidable. ‘The World is Watching’ utilises old-school style harmonies used by the likes of The Beach Boys, all wrapped together with the input of unspoiled female vocals from Valentina. String-based segments add a new dynamic twist into the mix, especially when conjoined to high pitched electronic sounds.

Two Door Cinema Club at NME magazine this month.

     The constant mood and rhythm change in ‘Settle’ and ‘Spring’ both portray a more sophisticated and mature style, and ‘Pyramid’ is driven by the most beautiful, dancey back beat. Title track ‘Beacon’ begins with thumping bass, not dissimilar from The Vaccines’ ‘A Lack of Understanding’, but it quickly evolves into a gentle, echoing Indie song with adaptable and emotional lyrics; ‘Standing right in front of you is where I need to be’.

    Although it can be a little repetitive at times, ‘Beacon’ smashes the stereotype of second albums being difficult to compose due to an overload of pressure from fans. But Two Door Cinema Club have retained their ridiculously catchy beats, great electronic riffs and crisp, well produced tracks.

4/5

Maroon 5- Overexposed (26/06/2012 A&M/Octone Records)

     Overexposed is the fourth studio album of Los Angeles based Funk Rock band Maroon 5. After the phenomenal commercial success of single ‘Moves like Jagger’, which peaked at number 2 in the UK Singles Chart and number 1 in the US, expectations are high for the success to transfer to Overexposed.

    The band describes the album as their poppiest record to date since their debut a decade ago with ‘Harder to Breathe’. Adam Levine’s distinct vocals burst into play on ‘One More Night’ that propels the pop basis of the record into action. With strong  Reggae Pop influences and Adam Levine’s taste of solo limelight as a judge on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ has sparked many a rumour of the band splitting, and this album may be a taster of what we can expect in the future.

Artwork

    Released on the 17^th of April, as the lead single from Overexposed, ‘Payphone’, featuring rapper Wiz Khalifa peaked at number 1 in the UK charts and is an upbeat track of relationship loss. It also brings Maroon 5’s Rock roots back into play. Its lyrics of pain and regret; ‘If happy ever after did exist, I wish to be holding you like this…’ are relatable yet commercial, and has been labelled the new ‘She Will Be Loved’. I don’t know about that, but it is certainly emotion fuelled.

     Ever wondered what a sentimental Black Eyed Peas song sounds like? ‘Daylight’ is the answer! It retains the personal lyrics that band Rock fans adore as well as the trendy back beats of great Pop songs. The bittersweet track was co-produced by Levine himself and depicts influences from the likes of Coldplay’s frontman and lead vocalist Chris Martin. ‘Lucky Strike’ reverts back to Maroon 5’s collective origins but also illustrates the inputs of Pop producers Max Martin and Benny Blanco with its upbeat, if a little fragmented and repetitive.

    The Man Who Never Lied is so rapid it comes across as rushed and overly compressed, and Love Somebody is somewhat overproduced which takes away from Adam Levine’s striking vocals. In tracks like this, it’s difficult to tell if the rest of the band is involved at all, and what has been formed is hardly spectacular. It is as if Maroon 5 enjoyed the commercial success of ‘Moves like Jagger’ so much that they’re doing anything they can to recapture it throughout Overexposed.

Maroon 5

    With its Michael Jackson style, ‘Ladykiller’ also boasts a guitar solo of sort. But there is nothing organic about this track in the slightest. And ‘Fortune Teller’ is no better as it harnesses Maroon 5’s flair with the likes of Britney Spears of Rihanna, which, unsurprinsgly, doesn’t merge well. Although ‘Sad’ brings Maroon 5 fans the lyrical talent they expect from the band, it still comes across as a solo track, despite its sense of passion. Many Maroon 5 fans also adore the blend of Pop, Rock and Funk, as well as sexual frustration, difficult relationships and break-ups that the band do so well, which comes alive in ‘Tickets’ and somewhat in ‘Doin’ Dirt’.

     The feeling and sensitivity injected into ‘Beautiful Goodbye’ brings a sense of relief to the Pop rollercoaster that most of Overexposed is made up of, that is, before ‘Moves Like Jagger ’ featuring Christina Aguilera appears as the final track on the record. However, it is full of Funk and vigour, and ridiculously joyful.

   Overall, the album is hit-seeking but doesn’t quite nail the criteria of successful Pop music, or the Rock/Funk field Maroon 5 are famous for.

3/5

Ducking Punches - I am Arturo Bandini? (EP)

    A self-proclaimed hard-working band, Ducking Punches are currently on a European tour, which includes the 2000 Trees Festival.
 
    The Punk / Folk group gently entice the listener to appreciate the subtle folk sounds they utilise. The input of female vocals, especially in Burnt Matches comes across as so angelic that the track could be comfortably played in a church. Athough the vocals are great, the instrumentation is really atmospheric and easily captures the emotion of the listener. The band'sMumford and Sons vibe is very current, giving them great potential for future sucess.
  
     The simplistic melody Ducking Punches give them a very natural and approachable quality, especially with anger and irony based lyrics, such as "You're the worm in the apple". Being fundamentally Indie, Ducking Puncheshave a great commercial appeal to a wide audience and the input of gang vocals reflects how hard the band have worked on the production of this EP, as well as how relaxed they are musically. It is as if the flair comes naturally to them.
  
    Through the astonishing sucess of the likes of Frank Turner over recent years, there is a fantastic available market for Indie and Folk lovers to fall in love with this band. Chirpy lyrics and wonderfully rythmic melodies build up to melodramatic riffs blended with the effortless vocals, made authentic by a Peterborough accent. 
  
    I Am Artuto Bandini? has been availiable since the 6th of July this year and Marching Among Giants reflects how hard Ducking Punches have worked on this EP, as well as the fact that the lead vocalist often gigs on his own as a solo artist, relfected in his strength throughout the record.
   
     With their angry and emotionally driven style, the group have composed the tracks through their simple love of the Indie and Punk styles of music, moulded by their rich talents and hard work together. 

Blink 182 @ o2 Arena, London (08/06/2012)

    Eleven years ago, Pop Punk heroes Blink-182, Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker took to the charts with their debut album Cheshire Chat, in 2004, the same year Barker actually joined the band. The o2 Arena, London, with its 16,000 capacity venue held host to hordes of Blink fans of all ages who were welcomed with a fantastic night from the Pop Punk trio.

    With support from Four Years Strong and All-American Rejects, both of which really warmed the crowd of and were perfectly selected for the audience in hand. It’s clear, after their 2005 break-up, and re-launch four years later, as well as postponing the show for a year, fans were more than welcome to finally welcome the trio to the stage. The wide range of tracks on the setlist proves the promise that Blink would play as many songs from their latest album Neighborhoods, as it was the reason they gave for putting the tour off last year. And after all this waiting, the crowd is chock-a-block with anticipation.

Blink-182

    The lights and visual displays the band and their management have created for the tour were incredible, as just the right amount of enhancement to the set. The grey and black colour scheme, humours images and monstrous confetti match the much improved live musical ability of the threesome.

    Opening with ‘Feeling This’, ‘Up All Night’ and ‘The Rock Show’, Blink 182 are as spectacular at the start as they are at the end of the start. Despite the members well and truly meeting middle age and parenthood, their talent and light-hearted spirit that have carried them through all these years, dragging fans with them, shines through. Although the crowd isn’t as frantic and sweaty as younger Pop Punk audiences, it only reflects how the fans have matured along with the band, but still love to enjoy old Blink classics like ‘What’s My Age Again?’ and ‘Down.’

    Fresher tracks like ‘Wishing Well’, ‘After Midnight’, ‘Heart’s All Gone’ and ‘Ghost on the Dancefloor’ go down a storm however and the crowd look alive from start to finish. The improvement in the bands technical live skill is immense, even since shows just a couple of years ago, proving that they really work to please their fans. The band’s quirky, childish humour fit seamlessly with fan favourites such as ‘I Miss You’, ‘Blow Job Song’, ‘Dumpweed’, ‘Violence’ and ‘Always’.

       Although the sound is not fantastic in the o2, Blink 182 always know how to keep the crowd interested and cater to all. ‘First Date’, ‘Man Overboard’, ‘Fuck a Dog’, ‘All the Small Things’ and ‘Josie’ bring the set to a close, after which Mark Hoppus lightly explains that the band will go off stage for a while and pretend the show’s over, keeping the jokey, young feeling alive. The encore, with a classic Travis Barker drum solo of ‘Can the Drummer Yet Some’ reflects that he’s easily the most talented member of the band, despite his apparent quiet personality.

   Ending with ‘Carosel’, Damnit’ and ‘Family Reunion’, as well as floods of slow-falling confetti, Blink 182 have really brought the house down and show they really deserve their heroic status.