Saturday, 29 December 2012
Admiral Fallow + Olympic Swimmers + Cannon Street, HMV Institute, Birmingham 10/12/12
Thursday, 27 December 2012
Gigs, gigs, gigs
There is absolutely nothing I love more than going to concerts. Since the last update i've seen
- The Vaccines (see below)
- Boat to RowA lovely and remarkably talented band, but I couldn't help but feel that their music was more 'background music.' Brum Notes (one of the magazines I write for) hosted the gig so I felt like it would be wrong for me to miss out. Their music would be perfect if you're on a comfy armchair with a good classic novel and a glass of red wine, not standing in hot cramped room.
- Admiral Fallow
This was a last minute thing because Counteract didn't have a reviewer. I knew their first support act, Cannon Street because I'd seen them at the Oxjam festival. They are truly unbelievably talented.
Admiral Fallow were great too. Spontaneity is always a good thing!
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
'Tis The Season...
I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and filled your ears with great music.
Here's a breathtaking cover of War is Over from the wonderful Jake Bugg
x x x
Sunday, 9 December 2012
The Vaccines + DIIV live in Birmingham
It’s been an immensely successful year for The Vaccines. The band didn’t succumb to the inevitable pressures surrounding the dreaded second album, and instead produced a second work of indie art. The rightfully titled ‘Coming of Age’ appropriately reflects the bands own growth in maturity musically. Birmingham welcomed them with opened arms when they played at the O2 academy nearing the end of their UK tour. New Yorkers, DIIV were the last to support The Vaccines in an attempt to warm up the continuously growing crowd. They successfully eliminated any aggravating boredom that was taking over the fans as they anxiously awaited their teenage icons. DIIV’s 70s psychedelic and 80s new wave sounds infused with a generous helping of 90s grunge echoed throughout the academy, grabbing the attention of the audience. Chaos ensued as soon as The Vaccines took to the stage. To say ‘the crowd went wild’ would be a gross understatement. From the word go, the crowd were fist pumping to ‘No Hope’ and going downright crazy for ‘Wreckin’ Bar.’ The sing-alongs to the slower songs, ‘Wetsuit’ and ‘A Lack of Understanding’ wouldn’t have been out of place in a football stadium! As if the crowd weren’t sweating and bruised enough, after emphatic screams of ‘The Vaccines,’ they came back for an incredible encore where favourites ‘Bad Mood,’ ‘Wolf Pack’ and ‘Norgaard’ caused even more enjoyable havoc. The Vaccines are such a timeless rock ‘n’ roll band; it’s borderline impossible not to let the infectious rhythms of their indie anthems take over your body. Like the rock and roll stars they are, their whole set was energetic from start to finish and they performed with effortless style. Boys, you may be no Frankie Avalon, but you are without doubt somebody’s hero. Front man, Justin Young, interrupted the set to tell us how the last time they’d played in the main room at Birmingham’s O2 academy they were the first of four support bands. This just amplifies how much they’ve grown as a band in just two years. With an arena tour announced for spring next year, The Vaccines are only going to get bigger and better. Published in Counteract Magazine
Labels:
Birmingham,
DIIV,
live,
o2 academy,
review,
The Vaccines
Friday, 30 November 2012
Backstage at the Vaccines
Last night was pretty surreal!
I met Jack, the organiser of Chazzstock, after the Vaccines gig, and he'd amazingly sorted me out with a back stage pass. Ever since Chazzstock things have been really crazy and it's thanks to Jack that I've been able to do all of this. Thank you so much!
A couple of years ago, I'd be the crazed fan waiting in the freezing cold at the stage door for hours after a gig. Now, I get to chat with fantastic musicians and have intelligent conversations with them, rather than just melt and awkwardly ask for photos (although I couldn't resist getting a photo with the guitarist, Freddie).
I look pretty dishelved from moshing all night! Freiddie (left) Jack (right) |
I met Charlie's mum which was really special. It was really moving to hear that this gig was the first she'd been to since he passed away, and the last concert she saw him play was at the o2 in Birmingham when Ou Est Le Swimming Pool supported La Roux. It's weird to think that I was at that gig too. She seemed so genuinely grateful that I went to Chazzstock and she thanked me for my review of the festival too. What a really brave and lovely lady.
All in all, it was a really amazing night. The gig itself was, as always, phenomenal. The Vaccines still remain in my top 5 live band ever. I'm still bruised, battered and aching but at least I'm not covered in my own and other people's sweat any more. That's what gigging is all about! I'll be writing a review of it for Counteract Magazine so stay tuned.
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Peace - Wraith
I just can't get enough of Peace's upcoming single. It's music like this that makes me proud to be from Birmingham. Every part of this well written track just seems to work perfectly; from the outrageously catchy intro to the familiar screeching guitar sounds typical of Peace, it makes my ears feel satisfied! Whenever that chorus comes on, I just have an overwhelming urge to scream the lyrics, turn it up to full volume and dance the night away, repeating it over and over again. Any song that can do that is quite simply a gem.
Peace are a really incredible band and possibly even revolutionary. Their headline show on the 22nd of December could not come sooner. They'll be playing a special Christmas show at the rainbow with all of the B-Town buddies; it's definitely going to be a night to remember.
Labels:
B Town,
Birmingham,
Christmas,
Peace,
The Rainbow,
Wraith
Interview Feedback
Hey Lauren,
Just a quick note to say thanks for the awesome interviews with both bands they were really great. And both bands seriously happy with them.
Cheers,
Kev
Kev has PR connections with both bands so I've been in contact with him a lot recently. I can't even describe how pleased I am that the bands liked the interviews!
Interview: The Traps
Interview: The Ghosts
Live: The Ghosts at The End, Birmingham
Live: Dog is Dead, Birmingham
No one can describe Dog is Dead as well as they can themselves. The indie pop five piece from Nottingham explain their music to be “an original blend of harmonious, indie-pop in the disco, with a cheeky jazz hint.” After the recent release of their critically acclaimed debut album, ‘All Our Favourite Stories,’ Dog is Dead took to the road on their UK headline tour. The second night saw some of Birmingham’s indie-lovers treated to a real party of a show. The support act, singer songwriter Beans on Toast, definitely succeeding in warming up the crowd. Everyone listened intently to his refreshingly honest lyrics about politics, current affairs, love and drugs, accompanied by his acoustic guitar. As well as being very Frank Turner-esque, Beans on Toast had a lot more humour in his lyrics and the stories he told between songs. Beans on Toast was very memorable, and truly amazing (or should I say ‘MDMAmazing’). From the moment Dog is Dead took to the stage, the crowd were energetically dancing along to incredibly indie guitar riffs and infectious baselines. One of the best things about Dog is Dead is their flawless harmonies. During one of their slower songs, ‘The Well’ the bad gathered together and sung out to the crowd accompanied only by an acoustic guitar; it was a beautiful moment! In the inevitable encore, the crowd went wild for ‘Glockenspiel Song’ as they chorused almost every lyric and riff with passion. There were even shouts of “Trev” in appreciation for the saxophonist. There was a fantastic atmosphere throughout as the fans enjoyed every great indie-pop anthem. All in all, Dog is Dead are a terrifically fun and young band with tonnes of energy, which made for a really fun night. Birmingham definitely enjoyed the party. Photograph by Andy Hughes. I've had my first review published in Counteract Magazine wooooo. Have a look here
Monday, 26 November 2012
http://nicola-audrey.blogspot.co.uk/
I've just had the privilege of coming across my beautiful best friend's blog. Nicola is the blonde bombshell that always appears in my photos after all the gigs and festivals we go to together. I couldn't ask for a better assistant (an official title makes us both sound more professional) but more importantly a better friend to squeal about the latest indie heart throbs or obsess over our new favourite bands.
You should definitely check out her blog now. She's a budding fashionista and she's got heaps of effortless indie style - if only I could be as fashionable as her.
X
Update
With applications to Universities on the go along with an
obscene amount of gigging, things have been pretty crazy recently; hence the
lack of activity on here.
I’ve had a pretty amazing month or two though! At the last
update I did, I’d just interviewed the Ghosts. Since then I’ve seen:
- Dry the River
- The Killers
- The Traps
- Spector (best gig ever)
- Mystery Jets
After a bit of an issue with phone malfunctions, I finally met Max
the tour manager, who was interestingly French and looked a bit like Hagrid,
and he led me and Nicola (the blonde girl in all the photos aka my best friend
and assistant) to the Old Crown pub in Digbeth. By that point I was at the brink
of fainting with nerves/excitement. There was no need to be nervous at all; it was all
so amazing. Austin, Higgy and their friend were eating pizza just being cool. Nicola videoed it all so I technically have a video of Higgy eating
haha … creepy but kinda cool. The whole situation was really surreal because I love their music so much. They've clearly got personalities worth loving too. I can't believe how genuine, funny and intelligent they were. Incredible band, incredible interview. I love what I do so much - I get to meet amazing people without coming across as a crazed stalker - fucking brilliant.
Friday, 2 November 2012
Saturday, 27 October 2012
1000 views!
In just 5 months this blog has received 1000 views! Thank you whoever you are.
It means a lot that people are taking the time to read what i'm putting up here!
To celebrate, here's a song that i've been listening to 24/7 x x x x x
It means a lot that people are taking the time to read what i'm putting up here!
To celebrate, here's a song that i've been listening to 24/7 x x x x x
Friday, 26 October 2012
The I.D: Feedback
It makes me feel so great when I get feedback from bands.
Dear Lauren,
Dear Lauren,
What a wonderful review. Thank you very much for your kind words and all.
We're glad to see some people get what we're about. We'll be sure to spread the word.. and keep you updated with any new material.
We're working on an EP with Steve Lyon (Depeche Mode, The Cure) and that should hopefully come out in March.
Have a great weekend.
Best,
Leo & the boys
x
My first interview!
I had such a great night last night. If you remember, a couple of posts ago, I said that I was going to see The Ghosts? Well I did, and they were fantastic. It was in a teeny tiny room which made it even more special.
Remember Chazzstock? Well, the organiser of Chazzstock contacted me to say that I could interview Alex (lead singer of The Ghosts) after the gig and gave me his phone number! I have a famous person's name in my phone book ... (okay so he's not an A list celebrity but still).
Jack (organiser of Chazzstock) ended with this comment: "make sure you ask Alex how he got done by me with a supersoaker and a Krispy Kreme donut x" This made for a very amusing conversation with Alex and a hilarious conversation via twitter after the gig ... look here.
I didn't need to be as nervous as I was! I ended up in the band's dressing room with almost the whole band! I'm really happy with how it went. Alex was so so friendly which really helped. I can't wait to get it published and hopefully I won't ruin Alex's career in the meantime.
Remember Chazzstock? Well, the organiser of Chazzstock contacted me to say that I could interview Alex (lead singer of The Ghosts) after the gig and gave me his phone number! I have a famous person's name in my phone book ... (okay so he's not an A list celebrity but still).
Jack (organiser of Chazzstock) ended with this comment: "make sure you ask Alex how he got done by me with a supersoaker and a Krispy Kreme donut x" This made for a very amusing conversation with Alex and a hilarious conversation via twitter after the gig ... look here.
I didn't need to be as nervous as I was! I ended up in the band's dressing room with almost the whole band! I'm really happy with how it went. Alex was so so friendly which really helped. I can't wait to get it published and hopefully I won't ruin Alex's career in the meantime.
Gig season has started!!
So the infamous gig season has started. I've already been to three and i'm worn out! I've got so many more which means MANY reviews will be coming your way.
Bastille were absolutely amazing last week. I'd been looking forward to their gig for ages and I was definitely not left disapointed; especially as I got to meet half of the amazing Swiss Lips (fantastic support act) and Dan from Bastille himself.
Remember The Carpels? Well, they supported Reverend at the Makers at the o2 academy last week. I was looking forward more to The Carpels than I was for Reverend and the Makers, but I was pleasantly surprised; I enjoyed The Revs way more than I thought I would, despite the fact I looked completely out of place in a sea of 'proper' men (they all looked like they were members in Bikers groups - tattoos, the hair, the piercings, the leather jackets etc).
Ian McClure did an impromptu gig outside the academy once the main show was over. It was such a special moment, and he didn't get nicked (major bonus seeing as though we were surrounded by riot vans). Watch this video (it's not mine - all credit to 'I am Birmingham').
On Wednesday, I saw Dog is Dead - great band with loads of energy! I'm not as in to their music as a lot of the people there were, but it was still a great gig nonetheless. A highlight was one of their support acts, Beans on Toast (yes, the act is really called Beans on Toast). Beans on Toast is made up on one witty, talented, amazing man (or should I say MDMAmazing)...
NB - It's always the same two faces in these pictures, so just to let you know, I'm the Brunette.
Thanks for reading to the end! That was a long one
Stay tuned as reviews of ALL these gigs will be uploaded and published asap x
Bastille were absolutely amazing last week. I'd been looking forward to their gig for ages and I was definitely not left disapointed; especially as I got to meet half of the amazing Swiss Lips (fantastic support act) and Dan from Bastille himself.
Remember The Carpels? Well, they supported Reverend at the Makers at the o2 academy last week. I was looking forward more to The Carpels than I was for Reverend and the Makers, but I was pleasantly surprised; I enjoyed The Revs way more than I thought I would, despite the fact I looked completely out of place in a sea of 'proper' men (they all looked like they were members in Bikers groups - tattoos, the hair, the piercings, the leather jackets etc).
Ian McClure did an impromptu gig outside the academy once the main show was over. It was such a special moment, and he didn't get nicked (major bonus seeing as though we were surrounded by riot vans). Watch this video (it's not mine - all credit to 'I am Birmingham').
On Wednesday, I saw Dog is Dead - great band with loads of energy! I'm not as in to their music as a lot of the people there were, but it was still a great gig nonetheless. A highlight was one of their support acts, Beans on Toast (yes, the act is really called Beans on Toast). Beans on Toast is made up on one witty, talented, amazing man (or should I say MDMAmazing)...
NB - It's always the same two faces in these pictures, so just to let you know, I'm the Brunette.
Thanks for reading to the end! That was a long one
Stay tuned as reviews of ALL these gigs will be uploaded and published asap x
Picture Book EP - Songs About Aimee
Picture Book has got to
be one of the most exciting yet desperately underrated bands around at the
moment. New York born brothers, Dario Darnell
and Lorne Ashley, have had a whirlwind of a year. After their debut EP release
in January earlier this year, they caught the attention of the masses,
including Coca Cola, as they played a show remixing and reworking songs on the
fly. After showcasing their true talents as they cleverly re-interpreted Mark
Ronson’s and Katy B’s song, ‘Anywhere in the world’ they were handpicked to
play shows in conjunction with the Olympics along with other big names such as Dizzee
Rascal and Katy B.
Their second EP, ‘Songs About Aimee’
was released on 15th October, produced by the band themselves and
remixed by House legend, Tony Senghore. I don’t know about you, but I find that
House music typically has hollow and generic lyrics that don’t really mean
anything at all. Picture Book on the other hand, don’t just write music that’s
easy to dance too, but their songs are works of lyrical genius’.
The tunes on ‘Songs About Aimee’ are
cleverly written and structured; The EP takes you on a journey with the band,
travelling through the cycle of familiar feelings during a relationship. The
first track ‘Being in Love (For the First Time)’ discusses those infamous
butterflies that you get in the pit of your stomach when you fall in love and
the stage in the relationship where their annoying little habits are for now,
what makes them perfect. The brother’s atmospheric harmonies over a driving
techno beat makes for a perfect pop hit.
‘In my head’ is the lead single on
the EP. With a noticeably darker tone, but still in keep with the familiar
techno beats and infectious melody, the track goes through the stage where
their annoying habits are making you ‘despise’ them. Although you’d rather say
it to them, it’s best to keep them ‘In your head.’
‘Why Are We Wasting Our Time’
discusses how the ‘summer romance has died’ and, as the press release perfectly
puts, ‘articulates the inner strength that is needed to acknowledge the end of
a relationship.’ This track hits you with a sudden burst of heavier beats that
instantly makes you want to get up and dance.
At the End of the EP, we’re back to the
butterfly feelings of hope for a future relationship after we’ve established
that there’s ‘Nothing Wrong With Saying Goodbye’ despite how painful it might
be at the time. This track is much softer, slower and delicate, complete again
with beautifully atmospheric harmonies.
I hope to and inevitably expect to
hear much more from these talented brothers in the near future. Their cleverly
written songs are easy to relate to and easy to dance to; I’m struggling to
think of a more perfect combination.
http://www.picturebookmusic.com/
http://www.soundcloud.com/picture_book
http://www.facebook.com/PictureBookMusic
http://www.twitter.com/picture_book
http://www.picturebookmusic.tumblr.com/
http://www.soundcloud.com/picture_book
http://www.facebook.com/PictureBookMusic
http://www.twitter.com/picture_book
http://www.picturebookmusic.tumblr.com/
You can also read an edited review of this article in this week's Tellin Tunes Issue here (skip to the review section).
Labels:
EP,
House,
indie,
Katy B,
Love,
Mark Ronson,
Picture Book,
Songs About Aimee,
Techno
Thursday, 25 October 2012
The I.D
There really has been
a huge bout of new music recently, with new bands emerging left right and
centre. Admittedly, most of these bands belong to the ever growing ‘hipster’
movement. However, The I.D are a refreshing post-punk four piece based in London.
Their sound is raw and unrefined good old fashioned guitar rock complete with
typically ‘punky’ heavy riffs.
The heavy and
distorted guitar along with the alluringly deep vocals in ‘Age Anti Age’ is Joy
Division-esque and reminds me somewhat of their song ‘Shadowplay.’ ‘Age Anti
Age’ moves into a horrendously catchy chorus with a more upbeat melody that you
will, without doubt, be singing all day long. Ian Curtis-esque vocals and
catchy choruses seem to be a theme throughout all of their available tracks.
There’s even a really cool and extremely arty video to accompany ‘Age Anti Age’
– this band have got everything sorted.
‘Bloodsweat and
Honour’ and ‘Own Designed Love’ fall into the category of songs that just need to
be blasted through your bedroom walls at full volume, and when your parents
come and tell you to turn that racket down, you’ll be there with your ‘teen
angst’ face on, air guitar-ing and fist pumping to the infectious punk anthems.
Both will be available on iTunes on October 29th.
The band introduced
themselves to me as "a Swiss born, two Welsh cakes and a good lad from Reading
who sometimes plays chess"; so a witty personality to add to their well written
music – what could be better?
Keep an ear out for
this band; they’ve got real potential!
You can see an edited version of this review in this weeks issue of Tellin Tunes
You'll need to skip to the reviews section
You'll need to skip to the reviews section
Emails
I absolutely love getting contacted by bands and PR companies!
A new band called The I.D contacted me after finding Lazy Ukulele and told me about themselves.
I had an email from a PR guy who found my review of The Ghosts and told me how much he liked it! I'm off to see The Ghosts in Birmingham tonight because of it - super excited! He's also told me about some pretty cool Birmingham bands that are around at the minute. The Traps are playing at a really cool pub in Birmingham called the Flapper next week - looking forward to that too! Big up B-town
Gig season has started so expect to see lots of reviews and the like!
x
A new band called The I.D contacted me after finding Lazy Ukulele and told me about themselves.
I had an email from a PR guy who found my review of The Ghosts and told me how much he liked it! I'm off to see The Ghosts in Birmingham tonight because of it - super excited! He's also told me about some pretty cool Birmingham bands that are around at the minute. The Traps are playing at a really cool pub in Birmingham called the Flapper next week - looking forward to that too! Big up B-town
Gig season has started so expect to see lots of reviews and the like!
x
Thursday, 18 October 2012
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