ROCK WERCHTER 2012

the line-up I forgot to check.

A host of names will perform this weekend at Belgium's renowned rock festival 'Werchter'. Containing the likes of M83, Anna Calvi, Perfume Genius, the xx, Alabama Shakes, The Maccabees, My Morning Jacket, even The Cure to name but a few. After hearing from friends who visited a few years back I've never followed up the festival just due to its Belgian location, but with a line-up as current, as well as classical it seems to offer a strong and diverse festival. 

Listen below to the best of the bunch:

 

P H O T O

dark party

P H O T O S

hereford

Molly Wolly

Mother & Sister

P H O T O


tanglewood
/ollie

 P H O T O

tanglewood

 V I D E O

Slow Club fan Daniel Radcliffe stars in their latest single 'Beginners' of their latest album 'Paradise'. After seeing Slow Club several year ago as a support for Los Campesinos I was instantly hooked on this perfectly tuned, tight and punchy British band. The harmonies of both Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor are always an ease to listen too and the new record although in my opinion not as addictive as the previous one still offers some superbly constructed songs. The latest video staring the globally recognisable actor is one that excels Radcliffe's performance skills as well as a brilliant example of creative and immersive filming. Definately worth a listen and a watch, if not just to witness Potter being a drunkard in a pub.

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splashh

Hackney band, Splashh are the latest to reach the eyes and ears of the public. With only a few songs available to listen to online these brit-pop classics are set for a good future. With indulgent and immersive vocals paired with steady drums and grungy guitar chords, they offer a distinct sound. A band that follow a chill-wave-esque genre offer something different to the likes of Wild Nothing & Warpaint. The guardian labelled them as 'fuzzy surf/garage' but I'd label them as a grungy chillwave band. A band to definately listen to and keep an eye out for. Listen below to 'All I Wanna Do' and be sure to check out more of the band's record via soundcloud, also below. 

P H O T O

grandfather's camera

A L B U M         R E V I E W

tallest man on earth

'There's No Leaving Now'

Kristian Mattson, also known as the fast emerging Tallest Man on Earth has released his third studio record entitled 'There's No Leaving now'. A record packed with emotional highs and lows, from acoustic ballads to punchy folk, Mattson's variety in acoustic music always draws in a new or regular listener. Previous records are as immersive as the latest release with songs such as '1904' and the album titled track 'There's No Leaving Now' particularly proving Mattson for the strong vocalist and song-writer that he really is. All albums entirely recommended for a Swedish musician that deserves much more public approval than he's given. Performances on Jools Holland - viewed below - proved how even the greats recognise his superb talent. Fortunately the album also came with a free 45, including '1904' and 'Cycles' on side B, a track exempt from the album. An evening at Greenman with this fellow is one that should stick with me. 

****

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wild nothing

Jack Tatum, also known as Wild Nothing returns with his latest track 'Shadow' of forthcoming album 'Noctrune' set for release at the end of August. Wild nothing's previous album 'Gemini' was played throughout last summer for those days of chillwaves in the sun. An album that I have played continously for months and this new release seems to be proving Jack Tatum as the strong solo artist that he is. Witnessed last year with a full band at Greenman 2011. I highly recommend any change you get to see these chillwave lovers, as you won't regret it.

Buy: 'Gemini' Album

         /Look out for 'Noctrune' later in the year.

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F O A L S

The first 10 minutes of a new FOALS mixtape has been released. 
Its different, but I like different. 

Here it is:

P H O T O

Bumblebee

For more photos visit: www.flickr.com/cccharles

L I V E 

DOG IS DEAD

09/06/2012

Dog is Dead delivered a short but sweet set last night at Bournemouth's Summer Ball. With a crowd packed to the rafters with the likes of The Spice Girls, Hippies & Superman the tent was set for a frenzy with drunken students. However the second Dog is Dead walked out the crowd was in ore of their musical genius. 'Young' and 'Glockenspiel Song' sending collections of wigs to bob up and down. Dog is Dead's passion to play is clearly illustrated as they bounce around the stage thoroughly enjoying each others company and musical talent. Vocalist, Robert Milton in particularly pushes a cheeky grin as he sings to a carnival of drunkenness. A band definitely worth seeing and for me it was the second time. Glastonbury 2010 with them just breaking onto the introducing stage and it's nice now to see them as more an accomplished artist that are fast-developing a name for themselves. 

******

This music video created by 'The Blind Club'. A wonderful example of creative imagery.

 

P H O T O

Meet Molly

For more photos visit: www.flickr.com/cccharles

N E W        M U S I C

BBNG

badbadnotgood

A completely unique and original take on a new form labelled as 'jazz fusion'. BBNG are believers in jazz music, however instead of traditional jazz they have fused it into a heavier/louder/bassier version of the authentic genre. With a heavier drum sound, elegant keyboard and an unbound bass the band have created an entirely new genre with a vast range of musical covers. Covers such as James Blake's CMYK, Feist's 'Limit to Your Love' and Kanye West's 'Flashing Lights'. An instrumental band totally worth a listen with a rare and controlled sound. 

Listen below:

P H O T O

Pins:

For more photos visit: www.flickr.com/cccharles

N E W          M U S I C

Grizzly Bear Return at last

This week saw the announcement of Grizzly Bear's latest track entitled "Sleeping Ute". With previous albums 'Veckatimest' and 'Yellow House' the new track offers a slightly different side to the atmospheric creations of the previous records. The track that seems to follow a more powerful drum beat but still keeps an authentic and original sound that created such a unique vision for the band. A song worth a play yet at the moment its not hooked me in comparison to the likes of 'Two Weeks' & 'Knife'. Still the Brooklyn-based foursome remain a truly inspirational band with their very unique take on an alternative genre.

Listen Below:

FESTIVALS: G R E E N M A N

The difficulty with festival decision making is that although you pay ludicrous amounts of money-in comparison to previous generations- it all falls down to the perfect line up. With no Glastonbury this year it falls down to other contenders to grab the nations attention. The likes of Lattitude, Reading & Leeds and Bestival to name but a few, all offering a truly unique and distinct line-up to its competitor. However its a medium sized festival which has caught my eye for the second year running. Greenman at Glanusk Park sits this year from 17th to the 19th August and offers a vast range of truly unique and exciting artists. This blog is to explore the line-up of this vast-developing festival.

Greenman goes as my number one priority festival as it offers tonnes of new bands, offers some golden oldies - Dexys/Van Morrison to name a few - and also is perfectly sized, easily accessed and well-created festival. For £125 for a student ticket, its impossible to go wrong with a fast-developing and over-achieving festival.
***** 


GREENMAN TOP 5:

1. Alt-j
Alt-j's year has gone from strength to strength, the recent debut album 'An Awesome Wave' saw them burst onto the music scene with a incredibly powerful and distinct sound in comparison to a very diverse music industry. Songs such as 'Ms', 'Breezebrocks' and 'Dissolve Me' are all particularly distinct from one another giving an overall album that is constantly keeping you on your toes.

2.Toy
Psychedelia punk band 'Toy' have recently began creating a name for themselves. With appearances in the Guardian the five-piece lead by Tom Dougall combines elements of punk, post rock and psychedlia. With only two songs released to date - 'Left Myself Behind' & 'Clock Chime' - both entirely different their performance should give a chance to prove what the band's time away writing has produced. Album set for release in September and a band I am much looking forward to exploring.

3. Tallest Man on Earth

A late night setting with a Swedish fellow and his guitar, not much can beat the soft and also powerful voice of Tallest Man on Earth, or Kristian Matsson. An act that i've longed to see in the flesh, and I presume after watching countless live performances on youtube and also Jools Holland that Matsson will deliver a roller-coaster of a performance.  

4. Michael Kiwanuka

A year that's tumbled Michael Kiwanuka into national acclaim. The sweet and soulful sounds of Kiwanuka have made hearts melt through all ages. A vast fan-base for a man just starting a prosperous career. 'Home Again' giving many tracks that are deep, and rich-filled in emotion. A performance that I can say will be one to admire a man in his greatest form yet.

5.Kwes

Kwes is a brilliantly original electronic artist that songs that were plugged by pitchfork as 'Best New Track' and now a heap of shows in London, including a Boiler Room session means that Kwes is receiving more and more attention from a huge genre in today's industry. Not only does he write for himself he works with many other bands such as the xx, Hot Chip and Damon Albern's Monkey Opera. An electronic artist with a heavy but rewarding workload.

The creation of something new.

With a ever-increasing work load i've taken my expertise in procrastination to take time to create a new blog in order to keep the journalism brain active during a few splendid summer months.

This blog will incorporate Views&Reviews of items that pass me by. Albeit an album/festival/track/LIVE review or perhaps some of my own views on particular subjects. As well as that it'll incorporate my keen interest in photography.

So a new start to a new blog. Welcome to Views&Reviews and my name is Nicholas. xx

Welcome to a cold, overcast Bournemouth morning.