Carry On The Grudge by Jamie T

Oh how I've missed Jamie T. I was 14 when I was first introduced to the master that the man is by my boyfriend of the time and I haven't fallen out of love with him since. Jamie T, that is. A respected lyrical genius, Jamie T has always been in a league of his own and after a long five year hiatus, he is finally back with third album, Carry On The Grudge. 

His sound has changed, not beyond recognition, but there is definitely something more grown up and refined about this album. There's no shouts of "lightweight prick" but the conversation of drugs, love and life is still abundant and there is still aggression driving the music forward. His sound is mostly less frantic and more calm and allows him to take a stage without having to bounce back and forward like he's a teenage boy. I was lucky enough to catch his surprise set at Reading Festival this year and it was clear that his hiatus has revived him. He stood behind his mic with his guitar and powered through classics and new songs alike and it filled the crowd with energy. Jamie T continues to be loved because his simplicity is engaging and there's not a lot of artists who can stand and sing with passion alone and create hysteria among a huge crowd.

Singles, Some Of The Time (which is a massive grower, in fact, it's now one of my favourite) and Zombie sit well on the album; they add dynamics that the album would otherwise lack. The Prophet is just gorgeous. Then you hear Trouble and the dynamic is changed once again. This song has elements of second album Kings and Queens and gets you dancing; it's groovy. Same can be said of Rabbit Hole. Peter has the catchiest lyrics on the album and restores the griminess that Jamie T does so well. I could quite happily, and nearly have, praised every song on this album but I'll leave you with my favourite lyric on the album: "Love is only a heartbeat away but it's saved for the darkest of your days." Jamie T, you beautiful man, welcome back.

Listen to: Peter

7/10

Carry On The Grudge is available to buy now.
You can catch Jamie T on tour this October/November with support from the glorious Slaves.

A tailored version of this review is also available in the October 2014 print of Quench Magazine.

Band of the Week: Seahaven

Seahaven are that band that you fall in love with the moment you hear them. They're four boys from California who have been making some of the most beautiful gloom on the other side of the pond since 2009. In the five years they have been together they have released a few EPs and two albums, each of which make you swoon, smile and cry in equal measures. They ocassionally make you want to mosh and dance but this band are truly at their best when they leave you captivated by their lyrics.

Vocalist Kyle Soto has the voice of an angel shrouded in angst and sadness whilst fellow band mates, Michael Craver (guitar), Mike DeBartolo (bass) and James Phillips (drums) create noise around the sadness to produce something pretty spine-tingling and unique. There aren't many bands out there which sound like Seahaven do. If you crossed the indie-folk sound that is Stornoway with the beautiful melodic hardcore group, Basement, you'd get somewhere close to what Seahaven are like. They have that softness to their sound which makes them shine through the crowd of alternative, hardcore, indie, rock, punk groups that are so prominent in the present day. They are a band who deserve to be so much bigger than they actually are so please go show these boys some support. They are simply beautiful.

Listen to: Winter Forever, the whole album, now.

Catch the boys on tour in the UK supporting the brilliant Balance and Composure in October.

The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets by Marmozets

Marmozets debut album, The Weird and Wonderful, left me unsure on a first listen. Female fronted rock has always been a difficult thing for consumers so I thought maybe I just needed to adjust to Becca's voice. I gave it a second listen, a third listen, a fourth and before I knew it I was listening to this album on repeat. It's amazing and is an example of the power and talent this band have. It's also a shining light which many a female rockstar can be guided by.

There's many anthems on the album such as first track Born Young and Free and single Why Do You Hate Me? From these two tracks the album just grows and explodes. Is It Horrible? is the perfect contradiction in that it is a loud song about a time when you just want quiet: the morning after the night of drunken madness. However, it is nowhere near as loud as the awesome Particle. The bass intro is insanely insane and sandwiches it's chorus, which is soft by comparison, beautifully. Cry, an odd ballad number, could easily be skipped because it's the next two songs, Weird and Wonderful and Vibetech, which really makes this album what it is. Between the two you get fun, you get thrash and you get exactly what you want from Marmozets: addictive noise. Song after song continues to boast riffs and lyrics that you just fall in love with and it's when you hear Move, Shake, Hide, you really see how far this band have come.

The Weird and Wonderful is a massive showcase of just how much this band have developed since they started releasing music little over two years. It is packed with every idea the band have had yet this album is not overflowing. It is tight and it is most definitely weird and wonderful; it's one of the best albums you will hear all year. If you do one thing today, listen to The Weird and Wonderful, it's stunning.

8/10

Listen to: Weird and Wonderful

'The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets' is available to buy today.
Catch the band on The Big Cheese Tour with Lonely The Brave and Allusondrugs this October.

Band of the Week: American Fangs

Texas boys, American Fangs, are a self-confessed rock 'n' roll band. Through chance and repeated meetings they eventually made the move to get together and make music. It was a great move. Chris, Micah, Gabe, Kenyon and Kyle are full of energy and their debut self-titled album, American Fangs, is an 11 track collection of digestible rock 'n' roll fun. Last year they supported Papa Roach which just goes to show that their music has potential to reach the same heights as the big boys in the rock game. Although their sound is classic it feels quite fresh as it boasts proper rock. It has rideable riffs and catchy choruses that just make you cut loose. Singles such as Pomona and Man In The Sun are awesome examples of that and with a bit more support, American Fangs could explode.

The album 'American Fangs' is available to buy now.

This Is All Yours by alt-J

This Is All Yours is the most haunting thing you'll hear all year. In traditional alt-J style, their
second full length album boasts the unusual and the ethereal and it will stick with you for a long time to come. Their 2012 debut, An Awesome Wave, breathed a fresh wave of life into the lungs of NME lovers everywhere and over the past two years their fanbase has expanded and as this newest offering shows, so has their sound.

Never ones to shy away from an experiment, alt-J open with Intro which has enough reverb in it's bass to make the ground shake. But not in a drum and bass style way. It's oddly soft and eases gently into the rest of the album. Not too far in we reach Left Hand Free which has been previously released and it still takes you back to a time you didn't live in. It doesn't feel like a classic alt-J song but it's full of groove and funk. From there, it's not long until Hunger of the Pine is found. Unfortunately, I've never been a fan of the single and even on the album, it's still not great. Fair play to the quartet for going where not many dare, Miley Cyrus' musical catalogue, but I've concluded it is Marmite and definitely not the best song here. The album quickly returns to heights higher than London Bridge's Shard (yeah, dodgy analogy I know): The Gospel of John Hurt is incredible and eventually Bloodflood Pt. II kicks in. Bloodflood, from alt-J's first album, is one of my favourite songs so I was instantly excited seeing this title and it does not disappoint. As a whole, the album fills it's listener with calm and peace, it's almost transcendent: it takes you to another place. I've never known a band to do that through a speaker alone which puts alt-J on a unique pedestal.

At 55 minutes long this album had potential to bore and become a niche purchase but it doesn't and that is why it's clear that This Is All Yours is pure magic. Joe Newman's voice still electrifies and haunts whilst Gus, Gwill and Thom's many talents with instruments leaves hairs you didn't even know existed stood on end. If you haven't listened to alt-J before, it's time to leave the box your sat in and listen to something new. You won't regret it. This album is an awesome wave all of it's own.

8/10

Listen to: Warm Foothills

'This Is All Yours' is available to buy now.

Quench.

Recently I've started writing for my university newspaper's music section, Quench. Don't worry, I'm not abandoning this blog, you'll still be getting regular posts here but I'll also be linking you to online reviews every now and again so you can read reviews of some of the bigger albums out and about in the months to come! Earlier in the month, Pulled Apart By Horses released their third studio album and Lonely The Brave released their debut album. Just click on the bands names to be linked to my review. Later this month, Lower Than Atlantis will be releasing a new album too  and I've been able to listen to it early, check out what I think by following the link above too. Enjoy!

'The Balcony' by Catfish and the Bottlemen

As a previous band of the week of mine, I was expecting big things from these boys when releasing their debut album. Over the past year, Catfish and the Bottlemen have been putting out consistently good tunes which have been hitting charts left right and center and all they have done is continued that with what is quite honestly a staple indie album. 'The Balcony' is full of songs which get your head bobbing and your body swaying and it has only made me fall more in love with them more. Imagine The Neighbourhood mixed with a bit of The Kooks and a bit of The Courteeners. But then times that by ten, and put it in a different league. Because unlike a lot of bands in this genre, the North Waleian quartet have managed to produce an album which doesn't have a dull moment on it.

The albums sees not only firm favourites such as 'Kathleen' and 'Fallout' get blasted out and hairbrush sung to, but it sees old B-sides like 'Rango' get a revival and it also sees new songs such as opener 'Homesick' and the punchy '26' become adored just as much. Closer 'Tyrants' is another goregous song. "Nothing's alright, believe me" moans Van McCann. The album has been a chance for Catfish and the Bottlemen to showcase other strings in their bow too and 'Hourglass' is definitely an example of that. Sat in the middle of the album, this song is an illustration of the softer sounds the band can create and it's a beautiful glimpse into what else can be done with such an infectious sound. I certainly don't think this is all they boys are capable of. The songs exude promise and I think this is a band who can pioneer the start of a new era for guitar and indie bands.

'The Balcony' is available to buy now.
You can catch Catfish and the Bottlemen on tour in the UK throughout November.

Gnarwolves: the debut album.

Brighton trio, Gnarwolves have been attacking the ears of kids in skateparks for a couple of years
now. Since 2012, Thom, Charlie and Max have been creating skate punk tunes which are the definition of an oxymoron: their brutally infectious and infectiously brutal. Their songs are loud and can cause the biggest of moshpits but they're also a classic sing-a-long type of group, similar to the likes of The Story So Far. It's been an incredible journey for Gnarwolves as it's taken them just two years to get to a place where they can open the Main Stage at Reading Festival. Yeah, that actually happened, and it actually happened to a overjoyed and adoring crowd. Now, on the cusp of what seems domination of the UK skate punk scene, the band have released a brand new record, and it's bloody good.

Forget 'History Is Bunk' and 'Decay' from earlier EPs because there is an unreal amount of new favourites on Gnarwolves latest offering, including the earlier released 'Day Man'. It's a song which showcases all of the talent Gnarwolves possess; there's riffs, there's fast bits, slow bits and a few catchy lyrics. Similar in style, 'Hate Me (Don't Stand Still)' showcases a broad range of skill and is also the sort of song you don't want to end. The couplet of 'Ebb' and 'Flow' are definitions of the sound which weaves itself through the album in that the highs and the lows of the tempo and the emotion do just that: they ebb and they flow. The sound remains a constant however. This debut full length LP is frantic and catchy and it just makes you want more; it is unmistakably Gnarwolves and it makes them stand out among the many bands who are trying to revive punk in all it's forms. With a headline tour later in the year, Gnarwolves look like they are only set to get bigger and with music like this, that's very good news indeed.

Debut album 'Gnarwolves' is available to buy now.
You can also catch the boys on tour in the UK through December.

2 days. 2 videos.

'Daydream' - Bloody Knees

Sam Conway is my hero. How he starts Bloody Knees' videos is hysterical and 'Daydream' is no different. Running on with a wheelbarrow for an introduction... it's awkward and it's genius and I love it. The video, much like Sam, is also a bit mental. It sees Brad enter a terrifying series of journeys where he is confronted by his bandmates in various states. In one scene he is being tortured by the human embodiment of Norwegian death metal. In another he is confronted by a Ketamine party and in a third he finds himself stuck in a relentless KFC eating situation. It's all very weird and much like the video for 'Bedtomb' it is hard not to watch it because you just want to know what is going to happen. The band explained that Brad actually enters an anus which is apparently the gateway to the soul? Yeah, I'm not quite sure either but you can see that hilarious explanation here. Anyway, it's another great video of a great single from a great band and it is more than worth checking out.

'The Devil In I' - Slipknot

Slipknot videos always seem to leave me on edge. Like, they really make me uncomfortable. It's great. 'The Devil In I', the band's second single since returning from a six year break, took a while to get my approval. I wasn't overly impressed the way I was with first single 'The Negative One' but the release of the video has caused me to listen to song over and over and I now love it as much as I do their other singles. The video sees some new masks, and some old, and they're all still as creepy as the first time you ever saw the Iowa legends. As their trademark, introducing new masks could have been a bad move but with the introduction of two new members it feels right and as I suggested, they're insanely cool and creepy. The video also sees two figures draped in red bed sheets with eye holes cut out, much the way you dress up when you want to be a ghost on Halloween and have no money. They're cool but what's really cool (in the creepiest way possible) is the ripping apart of faces and the eating of human flesh, the blowing themselves up and the brutal stabbing of masked individuals. It's traditional Slipknot style and it's awesome to see them back to what they do best.

'Centuries' by Fall Out Boy

Surprise heartthrobs and worldwide rockers Fall Out Boy, announced that they would be releasing new single 'Centuries' just a few days ago. Naturally they did so in a super cool rock 'n' roll way, Morse code... Thankfully, we didn't have to decode that ourselves (someone got there first)! Anyway, September 8th 2014 has finally rolled around and 'Centuries' has had it's exclusive premiere as Zane Lowe's Hottest Record In The World.

Pete Wentz said prior to the records first spin that it's a record for the David and Goliath type battles a lot of kids face and that sometimes it's okay for David to win. "We wanted to write a song that empowered people who are a little weird" said Pete and in traditional Fall Out Boy fashion, it is certainly an anthem which does just that. "We'll go down in history" belts out Patrick Stump, "You'll remember me for centuries" and as cliched as it sounds, it really is Fall Out Boy who will be remembered for centuries with the music they are now making. I have no doubt that this record will serve its purpose in being a song that reassures and supports many a person who needs strength to be someone of importance, even if it's just recognising themselves as important. Asides from its emotional foundations, it's sound is just as big as anything they've ever created, particularly when you place it next to the songs on 'Save Rock And Roll'. It has the classic Fall Out Boy breakdown-build up structure and it explodes around the chorus in the same way that songs like 'My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark' does. It also features beautifully high octaves from Patrick Stump, how he keeps doing it, who knows!? I absolutely love it. It's crazy awesome and I'm going to have it on repeat for ages.

'Centuries' is available to download very soon.
Fall Out Boy have also hinted at a new album in early 2015.

'Fireproof' by One Direction

16.41pm on this glorious September afternoon, I received an email: "1D Announce NEW Album +

Free Track!" Firstly, yes, I am signed up to the One Direction mailing list and yes I am slightly ashamed of it. Secondly, well, this announcement has come from what feels like nowhere. Whilst you're getting over the shock that I'm actually a pretty big 1D fan (again, I am ashamed but hey, guilty pleasures come in all forms!), I'll put this news in context. One Direction released their third, more grown up, album mid-2013 to the applause of fans and critics alike. They then went on a huge world tour which saw them do a string of headline shows at stadiums across the UK early this summer. They've said here and there they've been doing some writing and some recording whilst on the road but a whole album hasn't been officially spoken of. Yet, here it is! The brand new album, aptly named 'Four', will be released on November 17th and the debut single from that album, 'Fireproof' is exclusively downloadable for free until 1pm tomorrow afternoon.

'Fireproof' is unmistakably a song by the biggest boyband in the world but it is also a continued maturation of the sound that the five X Factor boys have been working on since they've had more creative control over their music. It is far removed from the earliest of singles such as 'Up All Night' and it even feels quite different from the more recent of singles 'You And I'. It is catchy and it is simplistic and it's ever so chilled out. It makes you want to sway but with a smile on your face. I can imagine it soundtracking slow-motioned videos of people's happy summers, cheesy and cliched but actually kind of sweet. It features the harmonies that work so well for One Direction and something about it reminds me of Foster The People and Vampire Weekend; it has soft vocals and melodies that just work. 'Fireproof' is almost the definition of easy-listening and whilst it's not overly exciting or vibrant, it's a nice song and an illustration of how One Direction are still evolving.

'Fireproof' can be downloaded for free from the band's website now (24 hours only).
Album 'Four' is available to pre-order now and is due for release on November 17th.
You can also see One Direction's 'Where We Are' tour at selected cinemas on October 11th and 12th.

Band of the Week: Slaves

Fresh faced garage punk duo Slaves, are fresh out of Kent and ready to rip you to pieces with their old school sound. Reminiscent of actual punk from back in the day (I know, it's alien to the much of the current youth), Slaves bring a heavy and punchy noise that gets deep beneath your skin. I was told to listen to them by my brother after he heard them for the first time live at Reading festival just a few weeks back and I think we are both more than glad that this happened. How we both discovered them and stuck with them is a testament to how instantly loveable Slaves are on a first listen and what's for sure is that Isaac Holman and Laurie Vincent are breathing fresh life into a dying genre and it's great. Not only do they sound awesome but day to day they dress to impress (live is an exception, it gets sweaty, their forgiven!) Also, a point of interest is that drummer Isaac also takes lead vocals, a difficult and impressive feat. 

Although still young in their ways, the boys already have a full length LP out in the big wide world and it is more than worthy of your hard earned cash. 'Sugar Coated Bitter Truth' is an album true to its name, much the way punk should be, and with boasting tracks such as 'Beauty Quest' and 'White Knuckle Ride' it's looking like Slaves could start releasing loud and successful albums regularly (the debut came out in 2012). Since said offering and the start of 2014, two singles have emerged. The infectious 'Where's Your Car, Debbie?' and new clanger 'Hey' are the symbol of things to come, I'm sure, and here's to hoping a new album will emerge any time soon!

'Sugar Coated Bitter Truth' is available to buy now.

'I Am King' by Code Orange

'I Am King' is the debut album from Code Orange. Well, it's kind of the bands second album seeing as they released an album under their previous name Code Orange Kids. Why the name change? I don't know. Anyway, transition aside, 'I Am King' is a confused offering from a band who are usually on top form. 

The album lacks an identity. It's all kind of muddled riffs and muddy vocals and it just doesn't seem to make sense. Don't get me wrong, it's packed full of hardcore elements as it's loud and fast and heavy and there are moments which shine such as album opener 'I Am King' and closer 'Mercy.' But all in all the experimentation of structure in this record just doesn't make sense. Tracks such as 'Starve' start with a sound that you find enjoyable but then comes in this weird echo of chorus and it just kills the track. Same can be said of the 5 minutes long 'Dreams In Inertia' which should be awesome but instead just lacks everything it needs.

Maybe it's just me. Looking elsewhere, the album has been described as incredible, but I can't hear it. All I can hear is a poor mans Trash Talk and if you're heading for a hardcore sound like theirs, you've got to get it spot on. 2012's 'Love Is Love//Return To Dust' was an album of a band full of energy and promise but 'I Am King' extinguishes the excitement that was left burning within fans after that album and is quite frankly difficult to sit through. Yes, it's supposed to be all noise and abuse and that's something I'm quite often a fan of, but here it's just not working. Code Orange just aren't living up to Code Orange Kids and it sucks.

'I Am King' is available to buy now.

Band of the Week: Lyger

Ealing three piece, Lyger have just supported Jane's Addiction in Manchester. That's right. American rock superstars, Jane's Addiction. For a small band from a small town with a small following they have truly entered a big thing in supporting Jane's Addiction. But in all fairness, this shouldn't be such a big shock because Lyger are awesome and their sound is as big as their achievements. Whilst the trio have only released two songs, those two songs are big and bold and are full of promise. First single 'Stroke' is frantic and moany and grizzly whilst latest single 'Power Struggle' maintains a moany vocal but becomes more anthemic, boasting a gnarly riff and catchy chorus. The seismic nature of what they create is sure to pull curious crowds when they play live too. It is super exciting to see a band with such a raucous alt-rock sound grow. Where to next? Only time will tell!

Both 'Power Struggle' and 'Stroke' are available to download now.