Let's start this post off, with a bit of news from the world of movies. I went to see the new Robin Williams film, "Man of the Year" and when watching the previews for the new Russell Crowe movie, "A Good Year". What did I hear? It was Athlete playing for most of the preview. So, if you have not gotten BOTH Athlete CD's yet...its time too! My guess its time for them to take off in the way Snow Patrol, Coldplay and Keane have. They are great live band also--so if you get a chance to see them, please do so, before they start playing big venues.
First CD I would like to mention today is from the DUELS, a family affair from Leeds, England! The band are: Jon F on vocals, his brother Jim plays electric guitars and sings support, cousin Katherine plays the keys and also sings support, Jon M plays the electric bass guitar and James plays drums. What can I say about this great debut CD. Titled--"The Bright Lights And What I Should Have Learned" The CD opens with an incredible smash called 'Brothers & Sisters', I have worn out my CD player hitting rewind just to listen this tune. As for the rest of the CD, 'Slow Build' is just a beautiful song that takes your breath away , 'Once in the Night' is another favourite from this fantastic debut CD. Get this CD at Amazon, it is only available as an import at this time here in the US, don't wait for the US version! Duels are one band that you WILL be listening to for a long time to come. A true masterpiece, a CD that you will not soon put away. Rated 93/100!
Next is a crazy 4 piece from Wales called The Automatic. They are Rob- Vocals/Bass, Frost-Guitar, Alex Pennie-Synths, Iwan-Drums. There debut release is import only in the US and is called "Not Accepted Anywhere" These teenagers are an electric 4 someone. Even though the CD opens a bit off for me and the noise of Alex takes some getting used to--this CD is a KEEPER! Actually it more then a keeper it has crept up after every listening to...this is in my TOP 5 right now for the year, even though it has not been released here in the US. These guys are playing to sold out audiences allover the UK right now. One can only hope that they come to the US early next year. Let's get to this CD...every song is a rocket ride that just makes you want to hear more. Starting with 'Raoul','Recover','Monster' 3 indie smashes in a row--they will blow you away and leave you wanting more. One of my favourites is 'By My Side'. These lads have put many styles of music together in their debut release from punk to emo, but one thing is clear, that this CD does not slow down to catch its breath. Rated 95/100!
Now for a change of pace. We are now headed north to Oslo, Norway. Yes, I did say Norway. The land of the Northern Lights and A-HA (a great band and they did one of my favourite songs of all time--The Sun Always Shines On T.V.)! Introducing Asleep! A five piece from Norway. The band are: Fredrik Christie Rødsæther-songwriter, vocal, guitar, keyboard,Johan Back - electric guitar, keyboard, Paul Arve Gronseth-acustic/electric guitar, Geir Dahle-bass and Lars Haugen-drums. There debut album is a work of art, that people will be talking about for a long time to come! "DAYS OF PURE DELIGHT" is out now. What we have here is an amazingly dark and beautifully written CD that will delight your mind and senses. It intertwines the darkness with rays of light that open your mind and leave you wanting more. Think back to the Smiths and House of Love and the music they delivered in the 80's and 90's...Asleep, brings it to us in the 00's with a tremendous first release. The first two songs that I heard were 'I Lost You' and 'Be My Light', both capable of being huge hits in the UK and US for sure. Another gem on the CD is 'The Polish Way' and it might be my favourite on the CD.
Don't let this CD get away. Grab it now and enjoy letting go and remembering when. Rated 96/100!
If you live in the London area, Asleep will be making there UK debut on October, 31 2006 at CARLING ACADEMY ISLINGTON. Make sure you support this incredible band!
Finally this week, an unsigned band called The Draymin from Scotland. I got my hands on a demo CD and fell in love with this band. The Draymin are a 4 piece of 20 something's. Headed by Fraz(Lead Vocals and Guitar), Craig(Vocals, Guitar and Synth), Gec(Bass, Drums, Synth and Backing Vox),Gary(Drums, Bass). In the few songs that I do have in my hands...just think of Oasis with more attitude! As there website says they take inspiration from bands such as The Verve, The Stone Roses, Kasabian, The Coral, South and BRMC to name but a few. And as you listen to them--you can see how they put it together to make a name for themselves. A band to keep a very close eye on for the future for sure!
That's it for this week...next week I am not sure yet completely, but Elgoodo for sure and one more unsigned band to watch for.
2 comments:
"Asleep rise proudly from an English pop tradition, with a unique sound, strong vocals, and the uncompromising ambition to communicate with the audience"
- Magne Furuholmen (a-ha)
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
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