Featured, Record Reviews

Built To Spill – There Is No Enemy

Written off by many, for no real reason, we "welcome" back the band that never actually left, and find Built To Spill firing on all cylinders...

Featured, Interviews

TLOBF Interview :: Magnetic Fields

Sebastian Reynolds catches up with Stephin Merritt to talk new albums, the fear of touring and how he's always played with synthesizers...

Featured, Record Reviews

Joel Alme – Waiting For The Bells

Joel Alme has created an album with one foot firmly in the past; a record of warmth, heart and emotion. When it comes to Swedish crooners, Jens Lekman is no longer the only name on the list.

Featured, Record Reviews

Midlake – The Courage Of Others

Four years on from their masterpiece The Trials of Van Occupanther, can Midlake do it again on their highly anticipated follow-up?

Featured, Record Reviews

Los Campesinos! – Romance Is Boring

The Tweexcore Underground gatekeepers have turned into a (nearly) Brecon Social Scene. Simon Tyers evaluated the lively septet's darker second proper album.

Informational

Field Day 2010 is GO: Phoenix, Caribou, Memory Tapes, Gold Panda & More!

Posted on 09 February 2010

Saturday 31st July 2010 will see the return of Field Day to London’s leafy green corner of Victoria Park, and they've announced an impressive first list of bands who'll be playing... Continue Reading

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Record Reviews

Moonface – Dreamland EP: marimba and shit-drums

Posted on 09 February 2010

A single twenty-minute track, built using only the two titular instruments and a loop pedal, with lyrics Krug claims were inspired by some clearly batshit insane dreams. Continue Reading

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Record Reviews

Lightspeed Champion – Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You

Posted on 09 February 2010

Musically, Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You is a fine example of how to prolong success after a well-acclaimed debut release. Sadly, Hynes fails to move forward lyrically in the same way. Amy Pay reviews. Continue Reading

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Informational

Cooperative Music presents MultiMix Club Night – win stuff inside!

Posted on 08 February 2010

This Friday - Cooperative present DJ sets from Caribou, Rough Trade, Heavenly Jukebox and TLOBF. Win CD's from Phoenix, BlakRoc and The Soft Pack inside. Continue Reading

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Downloads, Song Of The Day

Song Of The Day #4 // Active Child: “Wilderness”

Posted on 08 February 2010

Today we've got a massive treat for you in the shape of the beautiful and ethereal vocal stylings of Pat Grossi or 'Active Child' who conjures up another side to the ever evolving L.A scene with a darkly haunting sound. Continue Reading

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Live Reviews

Esben and The Witch – The Hobby Horse, London 04/02/10

Posted on 08 February 2010

There's a carefully managed conceit at work somewhere in the heart of Esben and the Witch. Their mission - to make "intriguing, ambitious and innovative music" - involves an indulgent foray into the extemporaneous. Continue Reading

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Informational

The Chemical Brothers announce new London shows

Posted on 08 February 2010

The Chemical Brothers are set to play their first gigs in nearly eighteen months with the announcement of two headline shows at London’s Roundhouse. Continue Reading

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Live Reviews

Vampire Weekend – De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill 05/02/10

Posted on 08 February 2010

“This is a pretty historic and beautiful building we're in right now. This ones for all the architecture geeks.” Tonight Bexhill, tomorrow the world. Continue Reading

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Downloads, Song Of The Day

Song Of The Day #3 // The Radio Dept.: “Heaven’s On Fire”

Posted on 05 February 2010

A dream like mist of shuffling drums, jangling guitar and the unmistakeable croon of Johan Duncanson. Joyous, yet heartbreaking: "Heaven's On Fire" is essential listening. Continue Reading

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Record Reviews

Lindstrøm & Christabelle – Real Life Is No Cool

Posted on 05 February 2010

Lindstrøm shows off his deft virtuosity throughout the proceedings, but reigns his vision in enough to keep these songs taut and lively, which results in a very smooth, stylish record. Continue Reading

Comments (2)

Live Reviews

[Photos] Smoke Fairies – Lexington, London 01/02/10

Posted on 05 February 2010

Valerio Berdini is at the Smoke Fairies gig in London, and shows us why they were Jack White's first signing on his new label... Continue Reading

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Record Reviews

RJD2 – The Colossus

Posted on 05 February 2010

So, who is this album for then, other than RJD2 himself? Andrew Taylor investigates... Continue Reading

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Informational

Flying Lotus get all Cosmogramma on new LP

Posted on 05 February 2010

Flying Lotus has unveiled details of his new album: a "space opera" that features collaborations with Erykah Badu, Thom Yorke and Laura Darlington. Continue Reading

Comments (2)

Record Reviews

Paperplain – Entering Pale Town

Posted on 05 February 2010

Entering Pale Town’s twee aesthetic is so utterly absorbing, it’s impossible not to allow yourself to drift off into a sepia-tinted, pleasantly snug daydream – something akin to the centrespread of a Cath Kidston catalogue. Continue Reading

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Live Reviews

SHIFT FESTIVAL: Robyn Hitchcock presents a Maritime Evening

Posted on 05 February 2010

Robyn Hitchcock is joined by KT Tunstall, Kathryn Williams and Graham Coxon at a Climate Awareness night at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Ro Cemm was there. Continue Reading

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Live Reviews

Ardentjohn – Bull and Gate, London 30/01/10

Posted on 05 February 2010

It could be argued that on another night Ardentjohn could stuggle to inspire such a response such is the drowsy nature of some of their songs, but tonight this is a band on fire. Continue Reading

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Record Reviews

Ceephax Acid Crew – United Acid Emirates

Posted on 05 February 2010

Ceephax Acid Crew's latest album is a whirlwind concoction of thumping technicolour sound layered with synthetic arpeggios that thunder through it like a Bull at Pamplona. Continue Reading

Comments (1)

Downloads, Song Of The Day

Song Of The Day #2 // Victoria & Jacob “With No Certainty”

Posted on 04 February 2010

Manipulated vocals, textured beats and an altogether more focused musicality ushers out the twee thrift shop electro-pop of previous singles. Continue Reading

Comments (3)

Informational

Sisterworld Reinterpretations gets full tracklisting

Posted on 04 February 2010

The Liars bonus disc has a confirmed tracklisting - see which track Thom Yorke, Bradford Cox and more cover... Continue Reading

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Informational

Zun Zun Egui and John Parish head up Bristol-based Haiti appeal

Posted on 04 February 2010

On 6th March, John Parish, Zun Zun Egui and a host of other Bristol greats (full line-up inside) will play across two venues to raise funds for the Haiti Kids Kino Project. Continue Reading

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Informational, TLOBF.COM Events

ILL FIT 16.2 w/ Maple Bee + Acrylics + Fitness Club Fiasco

Posted on 04 February 2010

The Line Of Best Fit and London label Something In Constriction are back for yet another (by now, legendary) ILL FIT. Oh yes. Full details inside. Continue Reading

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Record Reviews

Skullflower – Strange Keys To Untune God’s Firmament

Posted on 04 February 2010

Strange Keys To Untune God's Firmament is an utter riot in which to immerse yourself, a cacophony of messages all sounding off at once. Continue Reading

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Informational, Video

Rachael Dadd tours with Alessi’s Ark, unveils video & mini LP

Posted on 04 February 2010

The wonderful Rachael Dadd has unveiled a series of tour dates around the UK in support of her mini album, Moth in the Motor. Continue Reading

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Record Reviews

Motorpsycho – Heavy Metal Fruit

Posted on 04 February 2010

The first essential rock album of the decade? Quite possibly. Continue Reading

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Downloads, Informational

1986 return with full-length Everybody Is Whatever I Think They Are

Posted on 04 February 2010

1986 is the project of Giorgio Angelini and Cully Symington. Two names you might not recognised, but if you've heard Bishop Allen, The Rosebuds, The Gutter Twins, Cursive, or Okkervil River then you've seen their work. Continue Reading

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Informational

Xiu Xiu and Deerhoof to Perform Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures

Posted on 04 February 2010

Xiu Xiu and Deerhoof will perform Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures on April 29th at the Donaufestival in April... the first reason to move to Austria? Continue Reading

Comments (6)

Record Reviews

Infinite Body – Carve Out the Face of My God

Posted on 04 February 2010

Gina Louise wonders whether the infinite sound of Infinite Body's drone LP is something to get excited about... Continue Reading

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Downloads, Song Of The Day

Song Of The Day #1 // Caribou: “Odessa”

Posted on 03 February 2010

Bubbling with spikey funk basslines, pepperings of percussion and lead by the Erlend Øye-esque vocals, the song rolls in and out of a plastic fantastic indie dream. Continue Reading

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Interviews

Ja Ja Ja :: Ungdomskulen

Posted on 03 February 2010

Since the release of Cry Baby, Ungdomskulen has toured the globe, including two UK tour with their biggest fans, Young Knives and shows at CMJ and SXSW festivals in the US. Continue Reading

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Record Reviews

The Album Leaf – A Chorus Of Storytellers

Posted on 03 February 2010

A Chorus of Storytellers sees The Album Leaf recording as a band, and it’ll certainly be interesting to see where The Album Leaf go next... Continue Reading

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Record Reviews

Danton Eeprom – Yes Is More

Posted on 03 February 2010

Dark, subtle and eclectic, Danton Eeprom is a smooth operator, and a hugely talented chap to boot. Sean Bamberger reviews. Continue Reading

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Informational

Soft core 80’s pop from NYC: Acrylics

Posted on 03 February 2010

Ever wondered what the Shout Out Louds would sound like if they had a female vocalist and listened to Tango in the Night on repeat? Continue Reading

Comments (0)

Informational

Colour of Birmingham announce trio of shows

Posted on 03 February 2010

Willy Vlautin, The Declining Winter with Fieldhead and Woodenbox With a Fistful of Fivers have announced shows under the Colour promoter banner in Birmingham Continue Reading

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Record Reviews

Tempelhof – We Were Not There From The Beginning…

Posted on 03 February 2010

Tempelhof have created a hazy mess of sound to immerse yourself in completely, and have done it rather well, says Gina Louise. Continue Reading

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Live Reviews

[Photos] Ja Ja Ja Club Night – The Lexington, London 21/01/10

Posted on 02 February 2010

The third TLOBF sponsored Ja Ja Ja night, curated by Sean Adams of Drowned In Sound featuring Leaves, Simon Says No and Sudden Weather Change. All photographs by Paul Bridgewater. Continue Reading

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