Single Review: 'Sittin' Here'- Dizzee Rascal ft. Fezzy (Universal Records- 21/08/2003)

Even after getting kicked out of four schools, losing his dad at a young age, Dylan Mills always had a knack for songwriting and music production and was encouraged by a school teacher to produce his music on the school computers. Dizzee Rascal was just 18 years old when 'Sittin' Here'  hit the shelves as the opening track on 'Boy In Da Corner'. He was also just 15 when he self-produced and released his debut track 'I Luv U'.   

'Sittin'  Here'  has a bouncy, almost Oriental, twinkling opening with a dark Grime vibe acting as a back-bet throughout the track even as a strong and steady thump comes into the mix. Fekky adds to
the gloomy allure with his rapping input and brings Dizzee Rascal's originality to light.

Lyrically, he makes an effort to try to connect with fans by reminiscing about his childhood with sharp-tongued lyrics such as, 'Only yesterday life was a touch more sweet.' It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but 'Sittin' Here'  illustrates modern youth life in East London with the bitterness of brutal honesty and integrity as a songwriter. In fact, little of what Dizzee Rascal describes is positive, from harsh Police, teenage pregnancy, choosing between living on the dole or going to university to losing a friend to a life of cash and crime. He really captures the fragility and danger of life for many people. Throughout the song, he is an observer watching ruefully as gunshots rattle and sirens blast through the East end.

Exploding with anger and disappointment, Dizzee Rascal's gutter-garage, raw edge is incredibly vigorous. It's also easy to tell that he is a rapper/MC-producer as he really knows his stuff; he really knows how he wants his work to sound and really knows what works well at each stage of creation and production.

Dizzee Rascal's voice seems to explode like a firecracker through the song, and his music and message are widely unique, particularly his lyrical mix of the hardships of life and lust for the innocence of childhood. His music is born in isolation; it sounds like nothing else. At times, however, the song becomes a little repetitive, especially for a grime artist who's become so mainstream and has recently collaborated with the likes of Robbie Williams and Calvin Harris.   

Since the rise of Garage, many MCs have become stars in their own right and Dizzee Rascal is no exception; he hits you right between the eyes with lyrics such as, 'Sittin' here thinkin' wagwan'. Lyrics such as this also make listeners feel they are part of London culture and the fabric of the track. His blends if rhythms, sound effects (such as Police sirens) and lyrics are liquid; effortlessly put together.

It's only right that over the last seven or eight years, Dizzee Rascal has deservedly carved his own name in rap, and his production skill throughout 'Sittin' Here'. A multi-talented MC with a sharp,  honest and witty tongue, it's no wonder Dizzee Rascal has come so far from producing his work on school computers.

4/5

Single Review: Oli Spleen- Brother Let Me Live

As frontman of Pink Narcissus and previously The Flesh Happening and Machine, Brighton boy Oli Spleen likes to keep himselft busy. He's also a solo artist in his own right and will release his debut record 'Fag Machine' this coming Autumn. Previously branded as 'queer electro pop' and personally labelling his music as Faggoth / Pink Rock / Eclectro / Post Spunk, Oli is very quirky with his sense of style, sexualised persona and general sound as an artist. He makes no apologies for expressing himself or indirectly offending anyone.

His latest single 'Brother Let Me Live' was released on 5th January 2014 and it's certainly safe to say, Oli has started the New Year with a bang! Taking and blending influences from the music of the 1970’s and 80’s (from glam to punk, goth, electro, pop and disco) Spleen combined his influences to create a new sound that complimentes his ideas. He mainly aims to explore issues and themes he has abandoned in the past with Pink Narcissus, such as his sexuality and a sense of alienation.

With his bleak, monotone vocals, Spleen expresses his awkward emotions throughout 'Brother Let Me Live' by being seemingly emotionless on the outside. Even the music video for this track takes on a no-frills idea. Filmed at this year's Gay Pride (most likely in Brighton), Oli stands in front of the roaring, raging crowds, suggesting that he feels he even fails to merge with the gay scene at times.
The angsty, grunge melody is just subtle enough to allow Oli's vocals to come across as hazy and montonous yet mesmerising- almost as if he's aiming to tap into his listeners minds and emotions.

The concept and perspective of the song is dark yet expresses Spleen’s overriding urge to be uncompromisingly himself. His style is unapologetically British in the sense that is subtly expresses is negative sense of self-worth but encourages listeners to 'free their tortured soul...".

'Brother Let Me Live', with its musicality as repetive as Oli Spleen's overall message and concepts, is also underwhelming is the best sense- with an added bite. Its subtly is really what makes it and carries the message strongly.

3/5

You Me At Six– Lover Boy (25/09/2011 Virgin Records)

 You Me At Six, a pop punk band from Weybridge, Surrey are set to release their third album on 3^rd October this year. The first single from which, ‘Lover Boy’ will be released 8 days prior and an official music video is expected over the next couple of weeks.

     ‘Lover Boy’ is fans’ first taste of what is to come from up-and-coming ‘Sinners Never Sleep’, and if it is anything to go by they will not be disappointed! Firing up with somewhat bland gang vocals, the track takes off when the thumping blues bass line begins. Despite it being simplistic, it sets the stage perfectly for a gritty and intense first verse. Written by the band themselves, this track is personal and bitter without being over the top. It defines some progression from the band’s previous compilation ‘Hold Me Down’ without varying their sound completely, which can be difficult to achieve.

'Lover Boy': Artwork

    The verses of ‘Lover Boy’ illustrate frontman Josh Franceshi’s astounding vocal abilities, proving the possibility of being an earth-shattering singer without being technically flawless. Serious You Me At Six fans will spot Franceshi’s live techniques shining through within the chorus, such as a trace of his Weybridge accent, ‘Don’t you feel bad, don’t you feel bad?’, as well as an insinuation of the original, post-hardcore You Me At Six, ‘of course I would...’.

     Overall, the likeability of this debut single from ‘Sinners Never Sleep’ is unquestionable and the temper filled edge of it lacks sentiment, which is something that adds to a worthy catchy song, ‘this is the night you’ll regret in the morning...’. If nothing else, the band prove opportunity for more artists and bands to write and release memorable material that is not pop based. You Me At Six have done well with regards to writing a relatable track for their fans, without being whiney, soppy, heartless and without screeching about sex, drugs and booze every other lyric.

You Me At Six

     With the gritty and grainy guitar solo and gang vocals, the track is also gig-perfect, particularly for an opener. Additionally, the boys have managed to avoid default pop mode like other bands of a similar genre and have successfully charted their progress as musicians, and undoubtedly people from previous work, despite ‘Lover Boy’ being described as the most similar to the sound of ‘Hold Me Down’.

4/5

Listen to the track here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1slKomFgYBI

Coldplay – Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall (03/06/2011– Parlophone)

      Coldplay, probably the most famous alternative rock band on the planet, released ‘Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall’ a few days ago to give fans a taste of what is to come when their yet-to-be-named album eventually drops in the next few months. If this song track is anything to go by, the London-based band has hit the jackpot yet again.

'Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall': Graffiti-Inspired Artwork

           Written by the entire band, with assistance from various co-writers, a monster track has been formed. Coldplay have always done admirably with writing timeless tunes, full of vim and vigour, and never selling out. Yet to be honest, when I heard the first lyric of ‘Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall’, my heart sunk, ‘I turn the music up, I got my records on...’. And despite the seemingly morbid title, the track is uplifting to say the least, with one of Jonny Buckland’s infamous riffs and a strong and steady backbeat of military marching drums driving the piece, as found in ‘Viva La Vida’.

      The band are also well known for being one of the first emo bands with their depressive undercurrent, but although their sound has not varied considerably since most recent album ‘Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends’ , there is something comforting and calming about this song. Along with their timeless qualities, Coldplay manage to compose music for any person of any age; just someone who simply appreciates their inspiring lyrics and stunning melodies, this song being no exception. Although, fans of the band will note the lack of leading piano on this track, adding to its optimism. Commenting on a true love for music, ‘I feel my heart start beating to my favourite song...’ the track can make a connection to so many people.

Promo Shots: Coldplay

           Additionally, with elements from the 1976 song ‘I Go To Rio’, Coldplay, this pop song laced with rock ‘n’ roll elements is both moving and blissful. Having received many a Radiohead comparison through the years, Coldplay have turned a ‘poppier’, repetitive corner over the last few years. ‘Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall’ marks a continuation of the bands high standards of produce, with a track that is bold, bright and when placed with harmonic layers and Chris Martin’s wonderful vocals, it’s a killer.

      Coldplay happen one of my favourite bands of all time, but I listened to this track neutrally and was not disappointed. Whether you are a Coldplay lover or hater, this single is undoubtedly addictive and escapist, and you can practically hear a sold-out chanting arena.


5/5

All Time Low- I Feel Like Dancin’ (05/04/2011– Interscope Records)

     Baltimore born Pop Punk band All Time Low have released this, their first single from upcoming third studio album ‘Dirty Work’. Co-written with Weezer’s frontman Rivers Cuomo (along with the All Time Low’s own Alex Gaskarth), this track is everything most people expect from a Pop Punk band; harmless.

All Time Low

     In recent interviews, the band have expressed a delight in composing their new album with more personal and emotional songs, and unfortunately, this track utterly undermines that concept. The tune appears to be
‘borrowed’ from Joan Jett and The Blackhearts’ ‘I Love Rock And Roll’, as well as ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ by Def Leppard’. Undeniably, both are catchy, impressive songs, but cloning of them is unnecessary.

     Beginning with the word ‘shawty’ followed by ‘crunk’, the boys have managed to construct a real ‘facepalm’ moments for themselves.  As the song progresses, some of All Time Low’s edge and vigour return, with mischievous lyrics (if a little immature), ‘Everybody get kinda awesome...’, and an infectious chorus. Any fan of the band can recognise that this track will be nothing compared to previous work live as it has none of the punch as, for instance, ‘Damned If I Do Ya (Damned If I Don’t’) (Nothing Personal, 2009), but its likeability makes it impossible to completely hate. All Time Low have never come across as a serious (emotional) band, but this song fails to even capture the party-mode they tend to embrace so well.

'I Feel Like Dancin': Artwork

     Lyrically, this track is a train wreck; without depth or hint of sentiment. Of course bands experiment all the time, so let’s hope this is recognised as an unsuccessful one by the guys, and not a new sound. However, it has been reported that Gaskarth wrote the song as a joke to make am ironic joke of mainstream music and the tedious party songs many people adore. But why write a song embracing it...and then release it as the first single from a brand new, more poignant album?

     Only time will tell if All Time Low have produced an album bursting with tracks like this and return to their lovable characters so many know and love.


2/5


 Watch the official music video for ‘I Feel Like Dancin’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTJkE8Ki3Gg

Panic! At The Disco- The Ballad of Mona Lisa (01/02/2011 Fuelled By Ramen/Decaydance Records)

‘The Ballad of Mona Lisa’ has been described as ‘...sounding a whole lot like ‘A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out’, and with this being Panic At The Disco’s best (but sadly, least successful in terms of chart positioning) album to date, this can only be at thing! The storytelling and incredibly stylistic format of the track is something I am sure many a Panic fan has missed greatly. The ‘new’ sound, which frontman Brendon Urie has named ‘a new beginning’, of is down to Ryan Ross and Jon Walker leaving the band on July 6^th 2009, (and not forgetting that of Brent Wilson in May 2006), as well as heavy influences from the likes of Muse (listen attentively to the drum beat) and Fall Out Boy, especially within the chorus. Having stated that, this could be due to Fall Out Boy (R.I.P) bassist, Pete Wentz’s influence upon it with Panic being signed to his label.

     Although the lyrics appear to not be aimed at a particular individual, the track remains personal because it was wholly written by (if that’s possible in a band consisting of two members), Brendon Urie. Urie has been quoted saying he originally wrote the song to express his apparently infinite struggle with his personal convictions, ‘...the inner struggle...growing pains.’ It was actually written before the band had begun to piece together their third album ‘Vices & Virtues’, on which, ‘The Ballad of Mona Lisa’ is featured.

     The track itself describes the difficulty of a relationship with a person who refuses to physically portray their emotions. It also pin-points the habit of over thinking, ‘Her words are spinning through his ears again...’. Although Urie, with his charmingly smooth vocals, has conjoined his personal woes to an imaginary story, the track, specifically the haunting chorus, is lingeringly memorable, smart and a massive punch in the face for any past critics. It is clear no one can accuse Panic of being sell outs with the eerie pop style they utilise. The song is incredibly anthemic, do the point where you can practically hear the festival crowds shouting back.

     It has long been difficult for critics to place Panic! At The Disco within a genre of sort, so fans have settled for definitions such as ‘Emo’ and ‘Baroque Pop’, which remains so with help from this new track. Something that is certain is that, judging by the reception at the band’s ‘comeback’ gig on 8^th February in London, is that this is something the fans embrace. Unusually, there is nothing cheesy about the track, despite it concerning complicated relationships. Urie’s voice in particular, is full of energy, charisma and charm, which are three aspects that simply cannot be taught.

     Panic! At The Disco have retained their unique, enchanting style, although they appear to have matured since 2005. But there is defiantly something surrealist and supernatural about Panic’s style; something that cannot be defined, which is sure to keep ears pricked for years to come.

     Watch the full music video of Panic! At The Disco’s brand new single ‘The Ballad of Mona Lisa’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOgpdp3lP8M&feature=branded . Their new album ‘Vices & Virtues’, with ten brand new tracks including ‘The Ballad of Mona Lisa’ is set for release on 29^th March this year.



4/5