Swim Deep + Jaws live review

Check out this review from the February edition of Brum notes

Live | NME Awards Tour | Birmingham

The annual NME Awards Tour, which felt more like a mini festival, returned to Birmingham to showcase the best indie acts around at the moment.

Local Brummie boys Peace kicked of the show proudly waving the flag for B-Town. They started with some relatively new songs; ‘Higher Than The Sun’ and ‘Scumbag’ which had the crowd enthusiastically swaying. However, as soon as soon as the opening riff of ‘Bloodshake’ was heard, the crowd erupted into a mass of energy. Considering the fact that the last time Peace played in their hometown it was at a significantly smaller venue, it’s not surprising that Harrison was “struggling to get [his] head around it.” Peace looked at home on the big stage and not at all out of place. They looked like true rockstars; so much so that it wasn't hard to imagine them headlining the whole show! Peace have got a great bunch of songs under their belt. From the slower ‘California Daze’ to the more upbeat ‘Follow Baby,’ they were performed with effortless precision and were received exceptionally well. Their short but sweet set proved that Peace are ready some kind of music-world domination.

Palma Violets were next on. After making the front cover of NME twice even before the release of an album, it was easy to assume that this band had been over hyped. However, these four lads lived up to the immensely high expectations. Their set fast, furious, and seriously rock ‘n’ roll. It was impossible not to get caught up in the moment and start fist pumping, moshing or screaming the lyrics to crowd favourite, ‘Best of Friends.’ Palma Violets, heavily influenced by the likes of The Libertines and The Ramones, proved themselves at the show to be everything they were supposed to be and more. Their debut album is set for release later this month and will no doubt be very promising.

Miles Kane kept the energy flowing with his set. Miles’ 60s inspired songs really got the crowd dancing as Miles’ passion and energy was effortlessly transferred onto the audience. Amongst the classic favourites like ‘Inhaler’ and ‘Rearrange,’ Miles performed new songs such as ‘Give Up’ which were received with the same enthusiasm. Judging by the new tracks and the crowd’s reaction, his second album is set to be a corker. Miles finished his lively set with some audience participation. He had the whole room chanting the ‘Woah ahh’ parts from another favourite, ‘Come Closer.’

Django Django had a lot to live up to if they were going to top the previous three acts. Although the crowd dynamic had changed slightly, the band won over the doubters with their innovative sound and captivating live performance. After the last two hours of guitar rock it was refreshing to hear the psychedelic sounds from the band’s critically acclaimed self titled debut album. Django Django are perhaps the most pioneering band on the bill. They set the scene with ‘Hail Bop’ with its intricate beats and Beach Boys-esque sweet harmonies. Although borderline impossible to ‘mosh’ to Django Django just like the crowd had been doing for the previous acts, they were equally engaged by favourites ‘Storm’ and ‘Waveforms.’ Their set finished on a high as the perfect harmonies along with the incredibly catchy riff of ‘WOR’ filled the room.

A congratulations is in order for NME for putting on another spectacular show.

Published in Counteract Magazine here

Swim Deep fan girl

I met Higgy after Swim Deep's first ever headline show in Birmingham. It was a really great show; I felt proud! Higgy was such a cutie, and he remembered me from the interview which was a bonus. He enjoyed the cookie/gingerbread/biscuit thing that I got them haha!

I'm writing up the review now which will be in next month's issue of Brum Notes, woo. I'm also dancing around my room to Palma Violets getting all psyched up about tonight. Peace, Palma Violets and Miles Kane tonight, omg my body is so ready; excited doesn't even cut it!

x

James Blake | Retrograde

James Blake, The King of ‘post-dubstep,’ has returned with his stunning new single ‘Retrograde’ which is the first single to be taken from his upcoming album, Overgrown. Blake is known for his groundbreaking and boundary pushing sounds and he certainly hasn’t disappointed with his new track.

James has gone on a journey of self discovery in the years since his debut album. ‘Retrograde’ exudes maturity and sounds like a confidently structured piece in contrast to the experimental style of ‘The Wilhelm Scream’ and ‘Limit To Your Love.’ This track has everything that a song from a second album should have. His signature style hasn’t wavered as the new single is full of lyrical loops, clever technical devices and a prominent snare drum. Nevertheless the sound is different enough to show James’ growth as an artist. ‘Retrograde’ has more of an emphasis on Blake’s soulful voice than typical dubstep techniques.

Granted, ‘Retrograde’ is not an easy listen but that’s exactly what makes this unique and genre defying singer songwriter so interesting and gripping to listen to. James Blake’s hotly anticipated second album Overgrown will be released on April 8.

Published in Counteract Magazine here

Swim Deep Interview

I caught up with my favourite brummies, Swim Deep, back in November in a pub in Digbeth just before their gig supporting Mystery Jets. Lucky me also got to have a phone interview with Austin (lead singer) recently to catch up with what they'd been up do. The interview has been published in this month's edition of Brum Notes magazine which can picked up all around Birmingham - have a read of it at the bottom of this post!

It's incredibly exciting that I had the opportunity to meet them and speak to them. I can't wait to see them live again next week! They are such a great band and have so much success ahead of them. Big up Swim Deep

Interview  at a pub in Digbeth. I have a ten minute video of
Higgy eating pizza ... is that weird?

I am now known as the cookie girl

Austin is an absolute babe 

If that doesn't work, feast your eyes upon the normal online version here