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Delays - "Star Tiger Star Ariel"
 "Star
Tiger, Star Ariel" is the fourth album from Southampton's favourite
indie pop sons Delays. As we've come to expect, it is a departure from
the overly sugary pop of "Everything's The Rush" and sees the
band taking up residence on late night drives around the new forest, ending
up at Southampton's docks resulting in a more Earthy sounding record.
Such a departure however will come as no surprise to long standing fans
of the band.
Debut album "Faded Seaside Glamour" was guitar driven, sunshine
pop which gave way to the more synth driven melodies of "You See
Colour". Third album "Everything's The Rush" moved on again
but overstated their determination to be a pop band and was all too sugary
which leads us to "Star Tiger, Star Ariel", a full on sprint
in the opposite direction. Delays have always tried to do something different
with each album. To some. it is exciting and endlessly intriguing yet
to others, it could be seen as a tiring and somewhat confusing attempt
to keep re-inventing themselves.
Opener "Find A Home (New Forest Shaker)" starts gently with
a soothing repetition of the keys and the distinctively fragile vocals
of Greg Gilbert. It's a slow building song which sets the subtle tone
for the rest of the album. Indeed this comes across as the band's most
personal collection of songs yet. "Hold Fire" is another slow
builder that is the ideal soundtrack to watching the sunrise. "Lost
Estate" boasts the huge, yearning chorus of "Why don't you ask
me to stay?! I want nobody but you" with Greg's stunning voice drenched
in emotion and heartfelt meaning. His distinctive falsetto is also in
fine form for "Rhapsody" and lead single "Unsung"
shows that boys have lost none of their knack of writing a uplifting slice
of 3 minute, radio friendly pop brilliance.
Having said that, the finest moment here is "In Brilliant Sunshine"
which gives Aaron Gilbert his moment in the spotlight. It's synth driven,
upbeat pop at it's best. Arguably the "wo!'s" could be seen
by some as slightly cheesy but they would just be cynical. It's the danciest
moment on the album which was surely written with a sundrenched field
full of festival revellers in mind.
Title song "Star Tiger, Star Ariel" goes completely the other
way. Angry guitar licks and throbbing bass now take centre stage for a
rawer, angrier number than much of their previous stuff that could signal
another change in direction for the next album.
As fine as the stronger moments are here, it again highlights the annoying
achilles heel that we have almost become accustomed too with Delays. There
is still that nagging underlying feeling that Delays are underachieving
somewhat. They have the most distinctive vocalist around with a unique
sound yet something always seems to be missing. They have yet to make
a really GREAT album but each album, not least "Star Tiger, Star
Ariel" has had great moments (think "Hey Girl", "Long
Time Coming" and "One Night Away" from the band's debut
and "Valentine" off of "You See Colours" to pick out
a few). If and when it arrives, the "Best Of" Delays compilation
will be that great collection that the band have always been threatening.
Paul Lane.
Super Adventure Club - Hip
Hop Hot Pot Pot Noodle
 Where
do I start with Super Adventure Club? Having sat through the 3 track CD,
hindsight says 'at the end' would have been preferable.
Described in their press release sheet as "deadly spazz-jazz ninjas"
what I assume is meant to be funny, simply grates with me.
Like a combination of Goldie Lookin' Chain and Green Jelly (or Jello for
any American readers) delivered by Frank Black but without being anywhere
close to as interesting as that sounds.
With a title even the Super Furry Animals would think was too OTT, this
is just nowhere near as clever as it thinks it is and I am not going to
waste anymore of my time on it.
Angry Badger Jules
The
Currents - 100 EP
 Finnish
four piece The Currents, on these shores for a few live dates around Southampton
throughout July, are not what they first appear.
Upon receiving the CD your first expectations (and perhaps the knowledge
they are from Finland doesn't help) are that this is going to be a collection
of straight forward metal tracks, blistering guitar solos and relentless
drums…… but that is not the case.
Barring the opening 'How Does It Feel' with its heavy nod towards Wolfmother
and a more rock edge this is actually a very British sounding EP, taking
elements of The Kooks, The Clash and even a little bit of Terrorvision
(closer 'Love On My Shoulders' borrows a little from 'American TV') and
combining it all into a solid CD.
Each of the 5 tracks on the CD has a familiar feel but still retains a
certain charm all of its own, it is actually refreshing to get an unpretentious,
honest collection of tunes, more concerned with passion than fashion.
Sometimes the gruffness of the vocals can clash with the more indie sound
(Leave The Lights On) and lyrically it is a little clichéd in places
but this is still an enjoyable listen and word on the street is their
live show is energetic and captivating.
Angry Badger Jules
Wolfmother
- Far Away
 From
the opening notes (not a million miles away from 'Today' by Smashing Pumpkins)
you know you are firmly in the good 'ol '4th single' territory. Back when
singles mattered and albums had shelf lives, the 4th single was always
the big ballad, the emotive 'lighters aloft' track, trawled out at the
end to reignite interest in the album it called home.
'Far Away' is exactly this, in the same vein as November Rain (but not
as good) Andrew Stockdale wrings the emotion out of the 'I believe that
love is gonna last forever' refrain to the strains of an earnest power
ballad beat.
Big chorus, guitar solos, wind machine (probably) and 'rock' piano all
equal a pleasant, if slightly uninspiring whole.
A good tune, clearly made to appeal to the masses and shift a few more
albums but not as good as the Led Zep stomp we are used to from the likes
of 'Woman' or 'Joker And The Thief'.
Angry Badger Jules
States
Of Emotion - The Unsung
 Essex
quartet States Of Emotion seem to be making the right moves and impressing
the right people, 'The Unsung' is the follow up to the first single 'Fight
Them On The Beaches' released earlier this year.
The back press release boosts the usual Kasabian/The Stone Roses influences
but these are not the names that spring instantly to mind when listening
to 'The Unsung' and it is better without these touchstones.
Whilst it does feel very serious, a sentiment mirrored by the earnest
band picture accompanying the CD it is not a joyless experience and is
actually quite a good tune.
Building to the obligatory rousing chorus of "We are the unsung,
we are the unsung" this carries on the tradition of the rallying
cry for the underdog that has been a staple for indie bands since the
dawn of skinny jeans.
There are enough signs here to suggest the best is yet to come.
Angry Badger Jules
Holy
State - Holy State EP
 The
first 'proper' EP release to come from Holy State following on from a
couple of tracks featured on earlier Dance To The Radio/Holy Roar compilations.
It is an intriguing four track introduction to a band that clearly has
potential and is influenced by something other than the usual Kasabian/Oasis/Stone
Roses template.
Each track simmers with a barely contained urgency, wanting to make a
racket but holding back enough to remember the tune is important.
The general air is of paranoia and confusion, At the Drive-In meets The
Strokes at a Fugazi gig, garage rock guitars and a throaty wail.
'Skull On Skull' with the ominous 'face to face/skull on skull' mantra
provides the change in pace and is at once both unsettling yet accessible.
Holy State look to be another fascinating find by the Leeds based DIY
kings Dance To The Radio, if you like your indie edgy you could do a lot
worse than this.
Angry Badger Jules
Goldhawks
- Trick Of Light
 Striding
out from West London are Goldhawks with their well-rounded debut album
Trick Of The Light. Named after a street where several of them reside
debut single 'Where In The World' introduced us to the band earlier this
year and the album builds on the foundations laid.
Confident opener 'Everytime I See You Cry' bursts into life like the love
child of U2 and The Killers and it is no surprise to find it is the only
track on the album produced by Flood, it shimmers in the same way tracks
from Zooropa or Pop do and this lends a not unwelcome familiarity to proceedings.
The remainder of the album is handled by Gil Norton, a man who has produced
such classics as Terrorvisions's How To Make Friends and Influence People,
Foo Fighters' Colour And The Shape and The Pixies Doolittle to name but
a few and it is his deft production that makes the whole album sound a
lot more assured than your usual debut offering.
Vocalist Bobby Cook evokes the spirit of Ian McCullloch and The Boss and
clearly Springsteen has been a big influence in sound and content of the
songs with many nods to Born In The USA era…. Plus plenty of metaphorical
fires (Where In The World and Keep The Fire).
'This Time Next Year' and 'Satellites' close the album on a high and whilst
we may not be breaking new ground 'Trick Of The Light' is a solid collection
of tunes and there is plenty here to point towards an interesting future.
Picking at the best bits of Echo And the Bunnymen and even Springsteen,
Goldhawks have offered up 11 tracks of pop-rock goodness, each track has
a sheen without being too slick and the pace of the album works well.
This is big, mass appeal indie, designed for the charts and taken on these
terms it works very well.
Angry Badger Jules
Astral
Planes - Sit Still Child
 Thank
goodness for the Astral Planes, a band so effortlessly good it just brings
a smile to your face…. Or as close as I ever get to a smile anyway.
OK, the name is not great, they have recently changed it from Paper Planes
which wasn't much better, but who cares about the moniker when the songs
are this good.
Dirty surf pop, from Scotland, with an American accent? Not the most well
known genre and very possibly I have just invented the category, but this
is somewhere close to a pigeon hole for this EP. I should stress it is
a genuine American accent, not some faux attempt at adding spice to the
recordings.
Imagine Blondie, covering the Beach Boys with The Cramps and you can get
an idea of what we have here. Add in some rather fine densely layered
Spector-esque production and the end result is nothing short of brilliant.
These 6 tracks are all post-punk pop gems but last year's debut single
'Doris Day' is a filthy little stomper with the strutting beat and glorious
shout along "How absurd! How Obscene!" chorus.
It is always exciting to find new bands that reignite your love of music
and Astral Planes are a timely reminder of just how good music can be.
Angry Badger Jules
The Rising - Hey You EP
 Sex
Pistols, The Stone Roses and Oasis. Three of the greatest British bands
of all time. Fact. So imagine all of the elements that made those bands
so special during their respective peaks, mash them together and hey presto!
Ladies and gentlemen, meet The Rising.
Having recently been on the receiving end of an impressed nod and firm
handshake from Alan McGee, The Rising can rightly expect their first release
for Angry Badger Records to be the start of something big.
The EP's title track "Hey You" is a slow burning gem. It builds
up to a fantastic, arms aloft climax with singer Tommy Overrington stating
that we can all get "to where we wanna go". If listening to
this on your MP3 player whilst out for a summer stroll, you may feel your
stride get more purposeful with more of a swagger to it, the more the
song goes on.
"Think Tank" is the band's best moment. It's psychedelic 60s
styled shuffle bounces along menacingly and is just about the right length
to leave you baying for more. "Story Of My Life" is another
well crafted anthem, lyrically touching on those everyday things that
we can all relate to one way or another. The epic "Strangers In The
Night" brings the curtain down in electric fashion. It's the most
heartfelt lyric here too. After sharing "cheap champagne", it
sees Tommy telling the young lady in question that things "They haven't
been too good/Since you've been gone" backed by a raucous yet irresistible
rock n roll racket and electrifying guitar solo from Jimmy Hayes who,
like all great guitarists, has his own distinctive style.
The Rising write songs, stick 'em down on tape and then put them out to
stand or fall in the public's cruel gaze. The fact that too much heartfelt
emotion, ingenious belief and song writing intelligence is on evidence
here for it not to be real. This songs and this band are too good.
This
presents itself to anyone who has been lucky enough to have seen The Rising
play live this year. Any potential doubters who are all too ready to shrug
the band off as yet another group of Oasis wannabes soon come to realise
that this is rock as she was meant to be rolled.
As a debut release, "Hey You" is a perfect snapshot of where
The Rising are at right now and it is the sound of a band who will improve
with every release. Their self imposed bar has been set at an impressively
high level. Let the good times roll.
(The Rising's EP Launch Night takes place on 23rd July at Talking Heads
with support from The Retake, Gideon's Demise and The Docks)
Paul Lane
Rivers
Of Sound - Lost Property EP
 Portsmouth
based four piece Rivers Of Sound have been quietly going about their business,
picking up enthusiastic reviews along the way and steadily getting better
and better as a band.
This new self released 3 track EP is a definite step on from 2008's "A
New Good Feeling". The wiry and raw sound that the band go for recalls
a lighter and poppier version of "The Back Room"-era Editors.
Opener "Lost Property" is a terrific song. It sees the band
giving a really tight performance and Lewis Brown's vocal is emotive without
being over the top. "The Show" is melodic, jangly indie with
a jagged edge. "Carpe Diem" however is the darkest moment here.
Opening with sparse drums, gloomy bass and a weary vocal, the echoey yet
simplistic guitars add a deliciously angsty crunch.
The EP is a record that hops from hopelessness to hopefulness. Rivers
Of Sound come across as a band who are aware that the world around them
can be a pretty shitty place and that life can be cruel. But so what?
There's a likeable diligence there that says let's have a pop at crafting
some beauty and some salvation. The Rivers Of Sound embrace the light
and the dark, therefore creating an EP that will impress and endure.
Paul Lane.
Dlugokecki
- 10 Years Of Dlugokecki
 With
thousands of albums sold, live shows in New York's "Harlem"
and having shared the stage with the likes of Snow Patrol, David Gray,
The Proclaimers and Starsailor, it is fair to say that it has been an
eventful ten years for Southampton band Dlugokecki. Always good value
live, a compilation of the band's finest moments on one album is a pleasing
proposition.
Indeed this 34 track collection - spread over two discs - does exactly
what it says on the tin and has you nodding away to yourself as you recall
how many strong pop songs that Ben Dlugokecki has written over the past
ten years.
Live favourites like the shining pop beacon that is "Save My Soul"
(a Top Ten hit that never was, surely?), the touching "A Heaven To
Believe In", the singlalong anthem that is "Let This Be Right",
the electrifying "Go Go Go", the colossal climax to "Too
Many Borders", the achingly lovely "Hope Song"....the list
goes on.
It's
not groundbreaking or terribly new or original. What we have here are
solid, timeless pop nuggets that, once in your head, will not leave quietly.
Whilst the first disc takes care of the favourites and the better known
songs, the second disc introduces us to those Dlugokecki moments we may
not know quite so well. Moments like "Howitzer", "Super
Human" and "Perfectionisitical" show a band who have plenty
of great tunes left in their locker.
He may be no oil painting and he may have a name that no bugger can say
properly but let's be thankful that Ben Dlugokecki is around. The man
knows how to write a tune and his band are amongst the tightest there
are.
Here's to the next 10 years.
Paul Lane.
Kula
Shaker - Pilgrims Progress
 During
the heyday of Britpop, Kula Shaker's own brand of Indian-influenced rock
saw their debut album "K" go double-platinum and gave them some
relative success in the USA. The band disbanded in September 1999 after
their second album "Peasants, Pigs and Astronauts" sold disappointingly.
Keyboard player Jay Darlington went on to play keyboards for Oasis whilst
frontman Crispian Mills formed The Jeevas who enjoyed success in Japan
and moderate success in the UK. In December 2002, Sony released a best
of album with Mills compiling the tracklisting for the release and approving
the sleevenotes.
Kula Shaker's reformation has its origins in sessions for a charity album
made with the New Braja Village School (a private school in Badger, California
for young people which includes as part of the curriculum teachings about
Krishna and devotional music). The album "School of Braja" was
recorded in 2004 and finally saw release in late 2006.
Crispian Mills masterminded the album and arranged not only that The Jeevas
played on two tracks, but he also got in touch with his old Kula Shaker
bandmate, Alonza Bevan. The two worked together on a song together for
the album, "Braj Mandala", to which Paul Winter-Hart added drums.
Darlington was asked to be part of the sessions, but declined the opportunity.
At the time of the recording, this was announced on the official Jeevas
website as Kula Shaker having reformed to contribute a song to the album,
and was referred to by Mills as a Kula Shaker reunion in subsequent interviews.
Additionally, the "School of Braja" album credits state that
Kula Shaker appear on the track "Braj Mandala". The sessions
for the track went so well that Mills and Bevan began writing together
again, and making plans for a full-on Kula Shaker comeback that would
involve live touring and the further release of new material.
This resulted in the belated third Kula Shaker album "Strangefolk"
being released in 2007. Now, three years on, a fourth Kula Shaker album
- "Pilgrims Progress" - is upon us.
For those hoping that Kula Shaker are still producing the raw, swirling
rock n roll sounds of "Hush" and "Tattva", 'Pilgrims
Progress' will come as a shock to the system. The band's sound is much
more organic and Earthy here. It is folk drenched in influences. Opening
track and lead single "Peter Pan RIP" recalls Richard Ashcroft's
solo output and the likes of "Ophelia" and "Modern Blues",
easily one of the better tracks on offer here, sounding like The Levellers.
"Barbara Ella" features a chilled out retro soul tone whilst
"Winter's Call" makes for a satisfying finale. Crispian Mills'
delivery is elegant throughout, the angst driven vocals of "Hey Dude"
and "Sound Of Drums" seem a long and distant memory.
"Pilgrims Progress" is not a poor record by any stretch of the
imagination. Far from it. It is a very natural sounding record of a band
developing into other areas. For this, Kula Shaker should be commended.
They have avoided trying to remake "K" which could have been
an easy route towards recapturing former glories. More power to them.
Paul Lane.
Feeder
- Call Out
 CRUNCH!
Heavier than ever (maybe?), Feeder's new single ploughs through the speakers
like a rabid juggernaut. Musically "Call Out" sounds like the
cousin of "Echo Park" that needs serious anger management counselling.
Yes, the excitedness is something we have long associated with Feeder
and despite the loud(er) guitars and that slightly desperate need to come
across as edgy, this is still distinctively Feeder. That is not a bad
thing by any means but you get the feeling that the band want to be a
bit more without really knowing how to go about it.
Turning the guitars up a notch or three does not change the band's essence.
Their distinctive sound is still there, it's just got out of bed the wrong
side and a bit of headache. Take it for what it is though. It is solid,
meat and potatoes rock and will ensue plenty of air guitar heroics upon
listening. Personally I would much rather have Feeder doing this kind
of thing as opposed to the tedious weepy power ballads that they have
dabbled with in the not too distant past.
Paul Lane.
The
Revellions - "Sigh's"
 Before
we go any further, the poor grammar in the title is not my error. This
is how it was written in the press release and there is no plausible explanation
for this schoolboy error. OK? Good.
The Revellions have spent the last two years playing live across Europe.
The Dublin based band's second album is due for release later on this
year.
The song itself is drenched in 60's psychedelia, swirling Hammond organ
and some angst ridden growling. It sounds like something from a soundtrack
to a long lost 60's cult movie. It is interesting but sometimes just being
interesting is not quite enough. There is potential here for The Revellions
to make something really good. You get the feeling that the album could
well be worth a listen but this is not the right song to wet the public's
appetite.
Paul Lane.
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