Sunday, 19 August 2012

Band of Horses

Band of Horses are an incredible rock band from Seattle, America. Their music is filled with full-throated harmonies and a gentle melancholy that gives them their own unique sound. I predict that given a few years this fantastic band will have risen to the same popularity as Kings of Leon. For all the pitch-perfect retro charm that Band of Horses possess, they play a significant part in the indie country-rock revival along with the likes of Fleet Foxes. Three albums in, Band of Horses still have masses to give...while they create comfort in their familiarity, it can't be argued that this band has a specific brand. I recommend that you listen to their hauntingly fascinating single 'The Funeral'. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMFWFhTFohk
http://www.bandofhorses.com/uk/

Friday, 17 August 2012

Ben Howard

If you haven't yet listened to Ben Howard your only excuse can be that you have been 'living under a rock for the last few months', this rising British talent is set to crack America along with the likes of Adele and Mumford and Sons. His captivating and sensual voice has drawn similarities to Bon Iver, his debut album 'Every Kingdom' is absolutely fantastic, each song is as incredible as the last. Howard's originality comes from his raw intimate lyrics wrapped around strong melodies and exquisite rhythms. This beautiful combinations of the delicate guitar mixed with Howard's haunting vocals is particularly enticing, particularly when combined with the later inclusion of a cello. Through his music Howard, still only in his early twenties, proves that he has the maturity and definitely the ability of his UK folk predecessors. This album is so incredible that there is no excuse for it not to be on your iPod, I can guarantee that the buzz surrounding Ben Howard will only get bigger, this super talented singer-songwriter isn't going anywhere. I recommend you either listening to his beautiful songs 'Only Love' and 'Keep Your Head Up' both from his debut album 'Every Kingdom'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWlKZ6C7cDY 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADP65wbBUpc

Tuesday, 14 August 2012

Birdy

Jasmine van den Bogaerde, also known by her stage name Birdy, at the age of just 16 is a successful musician who is definitely one to watch for the future. Her debut self titles album, is filled with haunting, clever and stripped back covers of well known songs by the likes of Bon Iver, The XX and Cherry Ghost. Her unique and soulful voice injects raw emotion into songs that are written by men twice her age. Her choice in songs to cover to work with her style and voice is impeccable, she turns the works of Bon Iver and The XX into her own songs, making them unrecognisable. You can really see that Birdy can only grow in talent, and we can definitely expect more from her... 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmLNs6zQIHo

Saturday, 11 August 2012

The Lonsdale Boys Club

Lonsdale Boys Club are a three piece rock-pop band from London, their sound has in the past been described as a "fusion of disco funk, rock, soul and a little bit of 90's Brit Pop." The band name 'The Lonsdale Boys Club originates from the road in West London on which they built their own recording studio.  The Lonsdale Boys Club are just one summer feel good hit after another. In each of the songs the melody and chorus are bound to be stuck in your head for days on end, leaving you with their song's on repeat for hours. If you're a fan of Two Door Cinema Club, The Kooks or Foster The People, The Lonsdale Boys Club are definitely for you. I recommend listening to their newest single 'Ready To Go' featuring a cameo from Caggie Dunlop for those sharp eyed viewers...  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2iJqEKy03I 
http://www.lonsdaleboysclub.com/

Wednesday, 8 August 2012

Sunday Girl

This incredible singer-songwriter is definitely one to watch out for; she is a strong addition to the wave of synth-friendly female artists including Bat For Lashes and Florence and The Machine. Against the speculation the stage name Sunday Girl doesn't trace back to the Blondie song, though is a reference to her part time job at a pet store as a youngster. I would recommend listening to her unique music, not only is it not mass produced like the Britney's or Cheryl's of the world but, as well as being incredibly put together, it is fun music. Sunday Girl is an artist who doesn't take herself too seriously, the music is perfect for the summer and makes you want to stop what you are doing and dance. Her wispy and whimsical voice has similarities to Ellie Goulding, so if you are a Goulding fan Sunday Girl is perfect for you. I recommend listening to my personal favourite song, Stop Hey...  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr3Mn2s0YYA
http://www.wearesundaygirl.com/

Monday, 6 August 2012

Metronomy

Metronomy are an electronic music group from Devon, formed back in 1999. They have toured extensively with other similar artists such as Bloc Party and Klaxons. Their most recent album 'The English Rivera' has brought them back onto people's radar. They have swapped the quirks they were known and hated for and replaced them with accessible music. This album has resemblances to a modern day take on the Cure's early music, while their modern take adds a more catchy and upbeat quality. Listen to Metronomy if you are a fan of The Rapture or Klaxons. They are definitely worth listening to, I recommend listening to Heartbreaker.... 

Thursday, 2 August 2012

Kyla La Grange

With comparisons to Florence and The Machine and Kate Bush flying around it's about time you listening to the majestic sounds of Kyla La Grange. This singer-songwriter from Watford has just released her debut album and it is well worth listening to. Her music involves a mixture of loud guitar riffs that do wonders of amplifying and complimenting her captivating and unique voice. The album is filled to the brim of anthems just waiting to escape and get out. I recommend listening to Vampire Smile...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWNRRnXmGKs

Monday, 30 July 2012

Joshua Radin

With Joshua Radin's fourth album, Underwater, released today and him being one of my all time favourite singer-songwriters I seized the opportunity to write about this incredible collection of new songs. After two albums that couldn't live up to his first, We Were Here, his musical talent has excelled in Underwater. He's stripped back his music to the basic and raw sound that we all know and love him for. Not only is the collection of lyrics credible, but it is the fantastic musical quality that keeps calling me back for another listen. I have honestly had this album on repeat all day and am yet to become bored of it. The new album is largely compiled of songs to showcase Radin's vocals against his well know gently strummed acoustic guitar to create the relaxing and soothing sound that makes this album unmissable. I really can't recommend the album enough or do it justice, being a huge Radin fan, I may be bias but, this is perhaps one of the best new releases I have heard all year. Listen to if you are a fan of John Mayer, they both share a unique sound and quality of their music. I recommend listening to the title song Underwater... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWKlay7HyKc http://us.joshuaradin.com/landing/

Saturday, 28 July 2012

Frank Turner

This folk singer from Winchester has been flung into the limelight since his breakthrough opportunity thousands would have killed for, preforming at the London 2012 Olympic games opening ceremony. To date, Turner has released four solo albums, which are each equally fantastic, his earthly voice echoing in each of the tracks, giving them his own unique stamp. Turner, as a boy, attended Eton College, where he studied alongside Prince William. This is what makes it so surprising that he has only just got his big break in the music world. His music is well worth listening to, his flowing song-writing talents are a joy to hear, I would definitely recommend buying his albums, especially if your a fan of Mumford and Sons, the similarities are uncanny. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKkIysX2Bow&feature=relmfu
http://www.frank-turner.com/


Wednesday, 25 July 2012

Passion Pit

Whilst Passion Pit aren't a new or scarcely known band, I felt that with the release of their new album yesterday I couldn't miss the opportunity to mention their incredible new album, Gossamer. This is Passion Pit's second full-length release which comes nearly three years after their debut album, Manners. I didn't think that they could live up to the reputation they built for themselves after the incredible single 'Sleepyhead' but this album really has excelled them in my opinion. Michael Angelakos has achieved so much with this album, not only did he write and co-produce all of the songs on this album, but he did this while suffering with his bipolar disorder, having to spend time in a mental hospital over summer. Album opener which is also the single 'Take a Walk' talks about the effects of the recession on America this serious subject is discussed behind impressive synths and a huge chorus that will be stuck in your mind all day. This really describes the whole album, gritty and serious lyrics hidden behind their usual upbeat energetic sound that we all love Passion Pit for. I would definitely recommend buying or listening to the album, they haven't disappointed with this incredible release, it has been well worth the three year wait. I recommend you listening to 'Take a Walk'...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZX6Q-Bj_xg

Monday, 23 July 2012

The Lumineers

The Lumineers are an American folk rock band from Denver, Colorado. Their self-titled album was recently released on April 3, 2012, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart. The Lumineers have a similar folk sound to Edward Sharp and The Magnetic Zeros and The Head and The Heart, the quality of this band really is undeniable. Their best song by far is their single 'Ho Hey', it sounds on a first listen like a feel-good song, whilst on closer inspection the lyrics reference to a lost love, filled with eternal regret. It is this quality of hiding underlying meanings and multiple layers to their songs that makes The Lumineers so special. Their album is well worth buying and is the best debut album I've heard in years. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJN-rzytlYI&feature=fvwrel
http://thelumineers.com/