Well here are my top five music videos of 2011; 5. Theory Of A Deadman - Lowlife This video was a fantastic one to show the bands return after three years; I love how the video matches with the concept of the song and I think that what we see in my top five videos. Like frontman Tyler Conolly mentions in this interview how the term has a negative connotation but the song is about how being a lowlife can be fun and there is a lowlife in all of us. This video demonstrates that perfectly; it starts with a man living in his trailer and it's obvious he doesn't care what people think of him, I particularly love the caravan exploding at the end with this man and the band walking away.
4. Within Temptation - Where Is The Edge Another band that quite a triumphant return via this song and video; the concept is a little bit darker this time however. The clip is taken from the film Me and Mr Jones which looks at the story from the aftermath of a young girl who was reported missing in Aruba five years. This song matches the mood of this video; intense, a fantastic comeback from Dutch Symphonic metallers I think.
Find Within Temptation on Facebook, Twitter and their official website 3. In Darklight - The Human Race This music video from Andover alternative rockers is in my top three is because it is their first one and they pulled it off quite well. I like the structure of this video is simple but effective; I hope they make more music videos in 2012, you can also check out their brilliant cover of The Police classic Message In A Bottle.
Find In Darklight on Facebook, Twitter and their official website 2. Black Veil Brides - Fallen Angels You either love them or you hate them but with two successful albums and many sold out shows Black Veil Brides have really done well in the music industry. Their music video for their popular song Fallen Angels to speak to everyone on so many levels; to me it shows people coming together to show us who they really are and this song does refer to them as Fallen Angels so I do think this video is a highlight of their career.
Now this music video is my top music video for 2011 because the concept of the song matches the video and Los Angeles goth rockers Dommin portrayed this in such a unique way. Getting the fans to send photos and videos of them showing their idea of what Closure is; I remember back in October last year frontman Kristopher Dommin asking for the fans help for the latest music video and I just thought what a fantastic way to get your fans involved. Especially when the final outcome of the video looked incredible; it was put together really well with footage of the band and the fans.
I did go and see a lot of bands this year all over the south of England (mainly Southampton). Here is my first part of the top ten; click the title to read the full gig review. 10. In Darklight EP launch @ The Clapham Grand; London 19/8/2011 This was possibly the biggest event for Andover three piece alternative/experimental rock band In Darklight; I remember them telling this was their biggest venue they have played at so far and they did a fantastic job. Their new EP was being released too so I think this was a fantastic way to promote it; it was my first time visiting The Clapham Grand so it was a very exciting experience for me. Find In Darklight on Facebook, Twitter and their official website 9. Open Mic night @ The Royal Oak; Southampton 30/10/2011
This was a fantastic opportunity to see just in store what Southampton had to offer in terms of new talent; this particular day was fantastic since it was the first time I got to see this in action. Seeing new talent from the likes of acoustic four piece Simon Says with their happy go lucky tunes that make the world want to join together in song to some hilarious antics from hosts Neil and Mario dressed as two very good looking ladies The Royal has it all. It is described as the ultimate student local and I can definitely see why. Find The Royal Oak on Facebook and their official website Find Simon Says on Facebook and Twitter 8. Die So Fluid @ The Talking Heads; Southampton 5/3/2011
I will definitely describe this show as a night of industrial metal madness; I also became a fan of two new bands that really just blew me away. Dreams Divide providing something original and fresh, Killing For Company giving us something that is easy on the ears and Die So Fluid giving a show stopping performance as the headlining act. That night enforced my love for industrial metal.
Daniel Leigh's beautiful acoustic set was part of an Angry Badger showcase along with other great acts featuring Kodiak Jack and We Caught The Castle. This was the first time me watching Dan without his band New Device and it really emphasised his unique voice. It was also fantastic to hear some new material from him too. Find Daniel Leigh on Facebook, Twitter and his official website 6. Sonata Arctica @ Sub89; Reading 24/3/2011
Sonata Arctica have been in my musical heart for about two years now ever since I listened to Finnish power metal; I really love how their lyrics are very poetic and they add some guitars to the mix to make a fantastic show. Their live performance showed their passion for their music and I love how they interacted with their fans. Performing a selection of songs from Replica to Flag In The Ground the Finnish metallers really know how to get a crowd going. I do hope to see them perform live again very soon. Find Sonata Arctica on Facebook, Twitter and their official website
Well here is my first half of the top ten live shows; be sure to look out for the next half.
I mentioned in a post Thursday that I was seeing In Darklight at the biggest venue they have played at so far; I was very happy to be part of something special. They helped me a lot getting my blog know to the vast public and I was really happy to be at The Clapham Grand in London. I had never set foot in Clapham before; due to recent riots happening there I was a bit nervous entering Clapham, but realising the venue was opposite the train station I calmed down.
The venue itself was spectacular; it looked very much like a Victorian Theatre with, what I call, Beauty and the Beast chandeliers, wonderfully vintage furniture and a grand stage for the bands to play. A classic vintage venue that contains the odd modern features such as the bar. Reminded me of the 02 academy in Bournemouth only a bit bigger, would definitely coming back to this venue again. As well as In Darklight's EP launch; there was some more bands in the line up with them. Shoot The Dead, Luke Girvan and headlining band Melic.
Shoot The Dead were a great opening act to introduce the night of rock and roll; I really liked their melodies and music. Lead vocalist Andi Berthiaume had amazing vocal pipes; it's fantastic to hear a powerful voice accompanied by some awesome tunes played by some extremely talented musicians. There were some particular parts of their songs that did remind me of Pendulum and that was a great highligt. They played a fantastic set and I do hope to see/hear more from them.
Singer/songwriter Luke Girvan kept up the fantastic reputation the southern coast of England has for upcoming talent via his mind blowing performance last night. His catchy, upbeat melodies were just enough to get a few of us dancing on the huge dance floor right near the stage; that means he is in my good books already. All I can say to this talented musician is keep up the good work; hope he visits Southampton sometime.
Ever since seeing In Darklight a year ago support London hard rockers New Device I had been watching as many shows from them in the past year and their debut album Dying To Confess was one of my albums of 2010. Last night was the launch for their brand new self titled EP; they could not have picked a better venue to do it at. Talking to the guys it's their biggest venue they have played at and they did a superb job. A lot of the songs they performed I recognised from their new EP, including my favourite Break and ending it on The Police classic Message In A Bottle. I will also add it was their friend's birthday celebration where the theme was English gentlemen; they made their contribution to the theme on stage that I can say top notch to. I am sure that last night's show will mark a huge stepping stone for their music career.
I very much liked Melic's laid back approach to music; sort of a happy go lucky vibe that I think may have been endorsed by the upbeat, feel good songs these guys produced. A lot of the songs they performed last night could easily be seen on early morning music programme Freshly Squeezed where their song would be their Tune Of The Day. Melic show that funk, rock and acoustic can be blended together to create a unique sound that is sure to turn heads in the music industry.
Overall a fantastic night out; I am very glad I travelled to London to hear these new and original sounding bands that will, I hope, make it big in the music business one day. Also wish In Darklight the best of luck with their brand new EP that is now available to purchase.
How are you all? Got to say I am not enjoying the very heavy rain we have had in England today. Floods every and traffic blocking the roads, anyways I thought I'd let you all know that I have passed my driving theory test today (this was my second attempt) so I am one step closer to be driving on the roads. I would also like to congratulate those who recieved their A level results and got to whatever they wanted to do. Anyways; I hope to post more reviews soon now I'm not occupied with house finances and theory test revision. Starting with a gig from one of this blog's favourite bands; Andover Alternative rockers In Darklight, it'll be the biggest venue they've played at so far, Clapham Grand in.....well Clapham that's just outside London. They have a sucessful album and a brand new EP that is just as brilliant, be sure to purchase your copy and buy your ticket for tomorrow night's gig.
Well well it seems like yesterday since I saw these guys for the very first time performing at The Soul Cellar in Southampton as a support act for London hard rockers New Device; I signed to their mailing list and didn't look back. Since their excellent debut Dying To Confess, Andover alternative/experimental rock trio In Darklight do work their magic fingers on the music industry and I am very happy to be reviewing their brand new self titled EP. It includes some favourites of mine that I have heard at their many live shows I have seen; Break, I just love the upbeat bounciness that puts the biggest smile on my face and Slaves, the melody is very catchy and it has a brilliant foot tapping beat. Anyways I can honestly say that this new EP from the boys was definitely worth the wait; a sign of them progressing into the music industry. Cannot wait to see them at Clapham Grand in London on 19th August; click here to buy a ticket and other In Darklight merchandise.
After watching a cracking performance from the guys in February at The Danebury hotel in Andover I was excited to be interviewing them, unfortunately couldn't do it on the night as intended due to the music being so loud you could hear it at all corners of the hotel so I sent drummer Louis Sellers the questions via Facebook.
This morning I recieved a message from Lou explaining he and his band mates recorded the answers for the interview, for a brief moment I was a tiny bit worried for I hadn't recorded myself asking the questions. Luckily their best friend Roxy Garnett was interviewing them in the studio, this came as a pleasent suprise to me and I was amazed with final outcome of the interview.
Would love to say a massive thank you to Roxy and In Darklight for bringing this interview to life, I shall see them again at my favourite music venue in Southampton The Joiners in April. Can't wait for that.
Went to see In Darklight's first of 2011 last night at the classy Danebury Hotel in Andover; I don't often go to Andover being it's a quite a long way away but going for last nights gig was so totally worth it. Performing fantastic covers of different songs from the likes of The Beatles to Kings Of Leon the night was just phenomenal, also recieving Brownie points for their brand new cover of Green Day's American Idiot. That particular song and band were definately one of the bands that will stick out in my teenage years. They pulled off the show with one man down, the words of Freddie Mercury 'The show must go on'. I wish former bassist Dave the best of luck with whatever he is doing now. As well as the performance being top notch the crowd they got last was possibly the best I have seen so far; full of enery, lots of dancing and singing, it was incredible. I managed to get a person to sign their mailing list that I was quite pleased with, definately a first gig of 2011 that they should be proud of.
This year I saw quite a lot of local gigs which is nice since you're not spending so much money for an big arena gig and trying to get to the venue somewhere that seems like a distant land to you. Here they are in chronological order :D
Lostprohets @ Southampton Guildhall 26/2/2010 - I have been a fan of Lostprophets since Liberation Transmission so I was estatic when I heard they will be coming to Southampton Guildhall to do a live show; even though me and my cousin were seated we still had an awesome time listening to the music. When favourites such as It's Not The End Of The World, Burn Burn and Town Called Hypocrisy we were singing a long like mad. I was suprised but mega chuffed that they performed my ever favourite Lostprophets song Can't Catch Tomorrow. I've just found that one of the support acts were Kids In Glass Houses; after seeing a fantastic live set from them I hope to hear more from them.Hope to see Lostprophets again real soon.
HIM and Dommin @ Bournemouth O2 Academy 18/3/10 - I will say now I am a massive fan of the goth rock scene; dark lyrics with haunting melodies that send shivers down your spine I just love it. Anyways I went to this gig by myself but when I entered the venue I completely forgot about that since I loved warm welcoming vibe the O2 Academy brought; I went to buy some merchandise first before finding the best possible spot to see the bands. Once I did the lights went down for the first band Dommin were due to play first; I had only heard a few songs by Dommin that I really loved so I was looking forward to their set. The smoke made their entrance mysterious, which say a lot about the band, soon the drums were heard; the opening song New was about to play. This entrance was definately one of the best I had seen; they then played one favourite song after another. My Heart Your Hands, Tonight and personal favourite Dark Holiday all performed beautifully. Their closing number I Just Died (In Your Arms Tonight) was just fantastic; the whole crowd were singing along. Waiting for HIM patiently my excitement was gradually buiding up; those particular moments where you are waiting for a band you love to come on stage just make you realise how much you actually love the band. Suddenly the last went to down; my excitement was almost ready to be released. A love song from the 50s played which at the end of HIM appeared and the first few bars of Like St Valentine were heard. From that I knew HIM were well underway. It was truly a wonderful wonderful set; they played classics such as Kiss Of Dawn, Wings Of A Butterfly and Funeral of Hearts along with new album ones such as Heartkiller, Scared To Death and Love The Hardest Way. It was during HIM's set I had met the band Dommin which was amazing; they were so lovely and down to earth. This was definately a magical concert with two brilliant bands.
The Bon Jovi Experience @ The Brooke; Southampton 14/8/10 - This was a couple of months after I had seen Bon Jovi at The O2 Arena. I thought this was a great way to spend a night out with the girls; a lively warm venue, a bar and a band playing tribute to world wide superstars who still rule the earth today with anthemic hits since It's My Life, You Give Love A Bad Name, Bed Of Roses and the show stopper Livin On A Prayer. The lights went down and the girls started to scream, it was as if Bon Jovi were appearing on stage since the frontman looked so much like Jon Bon Jovi. One anthemic hit after another this night will definately be one I will never ever forget.
New Device @ The Edge Of The Wedge; Portsmouth 15/9/10 - One of my bands of 2010 and hope to see more of in the new year; this gig was my second time seeing them after an outstanding set at The Soul Cellar in Southampton. Wondering down a lonely street trying to find this intimate cosy venue was definately worth it; it was this night where I watched and listened to the south's best up an coming bands. With the likes of MG & The Juggernaughts jumpy, bouncy guitar solos, Toxic Shock's sucessful debut, The Light Divided's melodic, heartfelt tunes and New Device's energetic performance were all enough to make this gig one of Tuomaslotte's best live shows of 2010.
In Darklight @ The Hobbit; Southampton 8/10/10 - Another one of my bands of 2010; seeing them at the same Soul Cellar gig as New Device and loving what they had to offer I went to any gig I could get to. This one will always stick out in my mind as being one of the best with their fresh indie boy look and sound. I loved this enjoyable set of alternative, experimental rock songs that you can just hum to and it's amazing these guys also took a few minutes to sign the album I had bought along. Along with other bands from their record label Angry Badger they are one of the south's best up and coming bands; I think this gives them a great start for 2011.
Dear Superstar @ The Joiners; Southampton 10/12/10 - I wrote a review about this recently; I meant it when I said this was the best gig of 2010 for me. Everything about this gig was just amazing; the lively warm atmosphere, each band performed a distinguished performance and a lot of pleasant people. It was also at this gig where I saw a sight that will definately make history of fans ways to get the attention of bands; the ultimate mosh pyramid, a human pyramid made up of those crazy rockers who moshed to Jenna's Revenge.
Here's a post dedicated to the bands that have become my favourites this year, in no particular order here they are:
New Device: This year a friend told me these guys were to support Bon Jovi at the O2 so she sent me their video for the song Takin Over, which I loved. I decided to download the album from Amazon; I had seen reviews about these guys saying they sounded like Guns 'N' Roses, Van Halen etc and I thought 'Wow great influences there'. The album was so so good, unfortunately I missed them at The O2 but I got to see them twice this year locally in Southampton and Portsmouth. They put on a fantastic live performance, lots of energy and passion behind it; also they are possibly one of the nicest bunch of guys you could ever meet. Looking forward to the new album guys.
Jettblack: I was in my looking for new bands to listen to mode and came across these guys. I think it was via the video for Two Hot Girls; it made me feel awesome, the song is energetic, sexy.....basically so darn good. This song is on their debut album Get Your Hands Dirty; which is one of my albums of 2010. Their live performance at The Joiners was just incredible; most of the songs sounded amazing live, most of their stage moves reminded me a lot of a stadium rock band and finishing with Dangerzone was definately a great suprise. They are also a lovely bunch when I met them at the bar afterwards.
Poets Of The Fall: My friend Charlotte (a.k.a Marcolotte) sent me the song Lift by this band via Facebook; liked it so so much that I downloaded the song. I listen to this song at least a few times every day; I downloaded the rest of the album which was also incredible. Marko's voice is truly wonderful, his voice emphasises with the emotions in the songs very well. My favourites by this band are Dreaming Wide Awake, Lift, Illusion and Dream and Carnival Of Rust. Carnival Of Rust particularly since it has influenced me greatly with the story I am writing for part of my course at university. The video is very surreal and powerful like a lot of their other videos.
In Darklight: I first saw these guys at The Soul Cellar with New Device; they were the first band to play and was entirely impressed. So impressed that I immediately signed their mailing list after the show and pre-ordered their debut album; loved the album as I've mentioned in previous posts. Also sparking up a great friendship with these guys too; we've kept in touch and I have been to more of their shows ever since. I have seen them four times in the past few months (no I don't want a medal :P) Hope to see more of them next year and looking forward to the new EP.
Heaven's Basement: I decided to give Can't Let You Go a listen, which I loved a lot so I downloaded the rest of their EP. The songs that stood out for me were Fear Of Getting Off, Executioner's Day and Graduation; these particular songs were incredibly catchy. Bit like 80s metal songs you hear a lot. Unfortunately missed these guys at The Joiners due to the fact I found these guys way after that hopefully they'll do a UK tour next year.
Dommin: If I'm right Dommin were the first of my 2010 findings back in late January early February and have been a favourite of 2010 ever since. I started to look for this band's music when I heard they were to support HIM on their UK tour; the first thing I do when I find out the support band. It's straight to YouTube, type the name of the band in the 'Search' box and you click on the first link. This particular first link lead me to My Heart Your Hands; the first enticingly haunting song I listened to by this band. With that in mind I found more and more of their songs, all of which I really loved. They put on such a spell bindingly brilliant live performance too, in my opinion they were a bit better than HIM but I'm glad I walked out of Bournemouth O2 Academy a Dommin fan that night. I also had the opportunity to meet them too; they didn't mind me coming over more than once. All such lovely guys; hope to see them in the new year.
Uniklubi: Another band from Finland that have stood out to me this year, they sing in their native lannguage that does not stop me listening to them. I love the melodies these guys produce; they are very very versatile whether it'd be a mellow acoustic track such as Kukka or a hauntingly heavy track such as Huomenna. Finland's metal heads are also well known for being incredibly gourgeous; in my eyes anyway but of course it's not about the appearances it's about the beautiful music they write.
We Are The Fallen: I am always interested when there is a female fronted metal band on the scene, I can't stress how big my respect is for female musicians. Considering the music industry particularly rock is usually male dominated so it's brilliant to see female faces in the picture. Anyways this band popped up on Dommin radio on Last.FM and loved the song that played; I think it was called St John, immediately downloaded the album from iTunes. Carly Smitheson's voice has more beauty than a priceless diamond sitting on a velvet cushion behind glass in a jewellery shop, it complements well with the heavy distorted guitars and in the softer tracks an elegant piano. Hope they travel across the pond to the UK sometime.
Dear Superstar: I saw that these guys were to play a gig at The Joiners so I listened to Brothers In Blood; to be honest I didn't really like it at first but after hearing the track a few times it grew on me. Heartless is a great album; Brink Of Destruction, Signposts to Bedpost and Live, Love Lie were few of many tracks that I loved on that album. Like Heaven's Basement and New Device these guys were influenced by 80s rock giants and I could hear the same kind of melodic guitar riffs and easy on the ears vocals. Their energetic live performance will also be something that will stick out in my mind definately and lovely lovely guys. Hope to see them in the new year and look forward to the new album.
I have decided to start an annual top ten chart for all the albums that make my year. For this post I am starting with the top ten albums that have been my personal highlights of 2010, so here they are in reverse order:
I really love this is album, it had me listening from beginning to end. I loved the unique approach to music and Skin does really have the most fantastic voice. The songs are also very cleverly written and it also has a Blondie/Paramore vibe about it. If you're a fan of dance indy and punk rock then this is the album for you.
For fans of: Blondie and Paramore
Stand out tracks: You Saved Me, It Doesn't Matter and Would You?
This album right here became known as the start of a great friendship I now have with this band. To be completely honest the kind of rock on this album wouldn't have originally been my first choice. When I listened to it in fact it was very different to what I was expecting, I really liked the opening track What's Happening? (now my favourite). I also liked the cool sci fi like sounds these guys used, I hadn't heard it anywhere else before so it was nice to hear a new sound. Can't wait for the new EP boys.
For fans of: Idlewild and Jimmy Eat World
Stand out tracks: What's Happening?, Leave Me Here and In Control (Of Not Being In Control)
This particular band are a perfect example of why you should not judge bands by their appearance. When I saw Grog the lead vocalist for the first time I was intrigued by her myterious Japanese anime goth look and thought the genre would be some heavy screamo that would be hard on the ears...not that I would have minded that. I was wrong of course; the music was very melodic and the vamperic like vocals from Grog added the mystery behind the album. Of course she is the bass player too; she was phenomenal at that and thanks to this album she is one of my favourite musicians now.
For fans of: The Birthday Massacre and I Am Ghost
Stand out tracks: Mercury, Hearts Are Too Hollow and If Wishes Were Bullets
Originally not being the biggest fan of Paramore, I had only heard songs such as Misery Business and CrushCrushCrush that I liked very much. Some of my friends really love this album so I decided to give it listen. It was certainly a great cure for travel sickness on the way to Gloucester. The first song Careful being particularly spectacular and my personal favourite track on the album; I listen to that song at least five times a day :P. With Haley William's beautiful voice enticing me every step of the way; her voice works on any track whether it being a nice heartfelt slow track such as The Only Exception and Misguided Ghosts or a very energetic track such as Ignorance. Overall a truly amazing album, although it's official release was last year this album was a highlight this year.
For fans of: Fall Out Boy and No Doubt Stand out tracks: Careful, Playing With God and The Only Exception
I had only discovered these guys this year at a recent gig at The Joiners this year and thought they were phenomenal so I purchased this album. If Kurt Cobain with grunge pioneers, Nirvana, had listened to this I'd say he'd be proud; this album proves that grunge rock, an epic genre (possibly one of the best) still walks this earth. If you like Lostprophets and Nirvana then this album is really for you as lead vocalist does sound a bit like Ian Watkins in some of these songs.
For fans of: Lostprophets, Nirvana and Foo Fighters
Stand out tracks: Long Distance, Strength In Numbers and This Body Is In Danger
This was one of few female fronted rock bands that caught my eye this year and it's thanks to this album. Carly Smitheson's enticingly beautiful vocals, brilliant guitar solos and haunting melodies really make up this album; the poetically written songs also have the power to touch feelings and empathise with people. The use of orchestral instruments also earn it Brownie points.
For fans of: Evanescence and Lacuna Coil
Stand out tracks: Sleep Well My Angel, Without You and St John
Engery, sexy male vocals from Jon Dow and Will Stapleton singing some the most epic tunes of all time are the secret ingriedents that make Get Your Hands Dirty so awesome. Usually I have to listen to an album more than once to get into it but I knew I loved this band at the first listen. Reasons why I like this album is because most of the songs make girls feel great about themselves; particularly heartfelt War Between Us, the acoustic version of this song is beautiful. I will be seeing these guys live in less then a few weeks, I am looking forward to it very muchly since most of these will sound great live.
For fans of: Dear Superstar and New Device
Stand out tracks: Get Your Hands Dirty, Chasing Love and Two Hot Girls
It's quite hard to choose a top three when you have so many favourites you want to put here but this album here is definately top three material. Like Brand New Eyes this album's official release was last year, however I found it this year and has been a great album find in 2010. Being that they were to be supporting Bon Jovi this year I decided to download this album off Amazon. I decided to listen to it on the bus to town after I had finished my last A Level exam so I was feeling pretty chuffed anyway. This album boosted my good mood; Make My Day was the perfect way to open the album with its catchy guitar riffs, clear crisp vocals from Mr Daniel Leigh and the band's positive, energetic approach to music. Can definately listen to this album from beginning to end and have the biggest grin on my face; even the heartfelt love ballad In The Fading Light has the power to put a smile on my face.
For fans of: Guns 'N' Roses and Van Halen Stand out tracks: Make My Day, You've Got It Coming and On Fire
I'd be lying if I said this album wasn't a highlight of 2010, Los Angeles goth rockers Dommin win 2nd place of my top albums this year. Dark haunting melodies that just send shivers down your spine and powerful, unique vocal work from Kristopher Dommin are what make this album truly remarkable. Whenever I play this album it's like I'm put under a magic spell that puts me in a trance that makes me forget reality.
For fans of: HIM and Lacuna Coil Stand Out Tracks: My Heart Your Hands, Dark Holiday and New
It was incredibly hard to pick a number one album for this year, I chose this one for a number of reasons. I had heard about Finnish five piece pop/rock girl group Indica via Nightwish when I heard Erämaan Viimeinen that featured Indica's charismatic, fairy like vocalist Jonsu. This lead me to songs such as Ikuinen Virta and Vuorien Taa, from then on Indica became one of my favourite bands. When I heard they were going to be re-recording some of those songs in English I was very excited so I immediately preordered this album. Kicking off with the ever mysterious Islands Of Light (orignally Vuorien Taa) this was a wonderful to start the magical journey this album takes you on. Beautiful poetical lyrics, musical arrangements that make you feel like part of a film and me as a listener can just use your imagination to visualise what could be going on. Some of these songs sounded better in English; Scissor Paper Rock (orignally Ikuinen Virta) had a more rocky vibe to it and In Passing (originally Valoissa) had so much more mystery behind it. This album is one of so many reasons why Finland has had such an outstanding reputation for music.
For fans of: Nightwish, Finnish Music
Stand Out Tracks: In Passing, Islands Of Light and Scissor Paper Rock
I was very much looking forward to this event; my main intention was to see In Darklight, who I had seen before and have become really good friends with. Southampton based Indie Rock record company, Angry Badger Records, has bred some fresh up coming rock bands from the south such as Timshel and Kodiak Jack. This event took place at the student union bar at my university so it was in a familiar envrionment where I didn't feel claustrophobic and a generally intimate, friendly atomosphere made me feel at home.
First up were In Darklight, who never fail to impress me with kick ass riffs and indie boy vocals did me proud once again. Starting the set off with songs I assume may be on the new upcoming EP, I could wrong in that department, one of which I had in my head all week; it reminds me of one my favourite songs by punk rockers Cobra Starship. They also earn Brownie points for performing my personal favourite off their debut album What's Happening? Speaking of personal favourites, I found a new one last night in the form of the song Break. I just love how bouncy the melody is and the lyrics are cleverly written.
Lost Morals were next to play, I recognised lead vocalist Jono Powell from the New Device gig at The Soul Cellar. I remember it was just him on his own since his band were called in at the last minute but he mangaged to pull it off by himself. Anyways last night it was great seeing him with his band Lost Morals, some of the songs I could have sworn I have heard on the radio before. Songs Get Down and She's A Policeman may have been my favourites, I really loved the poetical metaphor of She's A Policeman; a clever way to write about nosy exes :D In Darklight brothers Ben and Lou Sellers mentioned that they sounded like The Jam and Jono had Paul Wellar look about him; I immediately agreed, I could hear Paul Wellar's voice. I bought their EP afterwards, expect to see a post about it soon.
Pompey rockers Moody Tuesday were the next of Angry Badgers finest to play, they very much reminded me of The Who. One of their opening songs made me think of Pinball Wizard, one of my personal favourite songs ever so I was feeling quite excited. I had recieved invites to see them play in local places, which I may attend after seeing an enjoyable set from them last night. There was also a hint of classic rock and roll with a hint of modern day indie, a bit like The Who mixing with Radiohead. There will be an album release as well which you will see me buy :)
The last to play were The Rising, unfortunately I could only catch one song by this band since I had to catch the last train home so I couldn't stay for the whole set. I saw on their page they have an Oasis like sound and I found that description to be accurate after hearing the song on Cloud Nine, but I'll have a better insight of their music once I hear their EP.
Despite a few techinal problems with the sounds, the bands all played very very well and showed Angry Badger records has great new talent to offer. I must confess I used my own noggin to write this today, without notes. Last night I made the vital mistake a journalist should never make; leaving my Blackberry which I use to take notes about gigs and albums....well it's better then carry a big chunky notebook and it's more convient. Luckily I have quite a good memory :)
I saw these guys support New Device at The Soul Cellar and thought they gave a great performance so I decided to buy their album. It was the perfect thing to listen to on the bus to Southampton one lovely sunny morning and I can personally say it was the highlight of my journey. What's Happening? was a perfect opener for the album and a personal favourite song of mine, I also loved the backing tracks introducing the songs too. In The Red had a big impact on me, bought a tear to my eye in fact....for some reason I could relate to the lyrics. I love the fresh new sound, not like any band I have heard so far.
Stand out tracks: What's Happening?, In Control (Of Not Being In Control), The Human Race and In The Red
This album is availiable to buy or download now :)
Yesterday I went to The Hobbit, somewhere I had never been before until yesterday, I can honestly say I loved the warm lively atmosphere of the venue.....I'm a Southampton Solent student so I'm interested in getting to know all the student friendly pubs and music venues in Southampton since I love gigs.
Anyway after a 15 min wait for a drink, the queue at the bar was manic, I headed downstairs to where the band were playing that evening. This was my third time seeing them and I was waiting paitiently as they were doing sound checks before they started.
Once they had done soundcheck In Darklight were well under way beginning with a very studio like performance of In Control (Of Not Being In Control) only a bit louder giving off the fresh indie rock band vibe with indie boy vocals and catchy guitar riffs that you could be humming all day long. Along with ones off their debut albumDying To Confess (which is avaliable to download or buy now) they performed some new ones of their upcoming album, some of which I recognised from previous gigs. Particulalrly one song (I think it was Quickfire) where lead vocalist Ben Sellers got the audience to sing back, which I unfortunately couldn't due to a bad throat. I got particularly excited when they performed my personal favourite What's Happening?, the opening track of the album.
The guys also signed my album which I was very pleased with and well let's just say it has a special place in my bedroom :D
Overall the guys performed a great show and I'm hoping to see them again soon......maybe at Reading Festival who knows?
