Yuck are immensely likeable. They are fantastic live, they clearly have a solid sense of melody, and there is much to be said for the DIY approach they have taken. The problem, though, is that regression of this magnitude can only be forgiven if it is done to perfection. This would make a solid EP, but over 12 tracks it is ultimately unsuccessful.
February, 2011
UNKLE unveil new EP
Featuring guest vocals from Nick Cave and The Duke Spirit chanteuse Liela Moss, UNKLE’s new EP is due out on April 4.
TLOBF Introducing // Marcus Foster
Singer-songwriter Marcus Foster’s EP Tumble Down is a glorious fusion of Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits and The Band. TLOBF finds out about the man without asking him about his BFF, Robert Pattinson. We fail. However, we do find out that Foster is a self-proclaimed “cheat, liar, miserable thieving bastard”. So that’s something at least.
ANR confirm new single
Due out via Something In Construction Records, ‘Big Problem’ will be the second single to be taken from the duo’s debut album.
Various Artists – Kitsuné Parisien
The latest compilation from Kitsuné Maison in Paris arrives to give us an insightful peek into the underground dance sounds coming out of dimly lit Parisian basements, as well as the thriving electro club scene. Francine Gorman reviews.
Treefight For Sunlight reveal UK tour
Having released their eponymous debut full length just over a week ago, Bella Union signing Treefight For Sunlight have revealed a string of live dates across the UK. April 3 – Thekla, Bristol 5 – Hoxton Square Bare & Kitchen London 6 – Deaf Institute, Manchester 7 – Bodega, Nottingham 9 – Cockpit, Leeds Tickets [...]
AXXONN – Let’s Get It Straight
The kind of thrill ride that leaves you stuffed full of adrenaline, gasping for breath and with a mile-wide smile on your kisser. AXXONN throws everything into the mix – kitchen sink the lot. the results are varied yet ultimately thrilling writes John Skibeat.
[Photos] Gruff Rhys Hotel Shampoo Launch in Blackpool
More from our exclusive Sunday away at the seaside with Gruff Rhys and co. Sébastien Dehesdin provides the pictures.
Gruff Rhys – “Hotel Shampoo launch” @ Gresham Hotel, Blackpool 13/02/11
“We’re in this shit together / Let’s let each other live” – sometimes, it seems all that’s needed are three chords and the Gruff. TLOBF head to Blackpool for a weekend of fun and frolics with Gruff Rhys, Y Niwl and a sunken-cheeked crackhead dressed like a nu-rave lollipop lady.
Star Slinger: ‘Mornin’
Darren Williams, aka Star Slinger – the young producer who puts the p in prolific releases yet another free EP online and debuts the video from lead track ‘Mornin’ taken from his debut LP, Volume 1.
psychologist: ‘Comes In Waves’
Waves of OK, the debut release from London’s psychologist hit me like a ten ton of bricks. The sheer emotional weight of the five tracks numbed me for hours after listening. Over and over and over I reimmersed myself. It was an incredibly cathartic experience to say the least. Watch the debut video for ‘Comes In Waves’ inside.
Yellowbirds – The Color
Yellowbirds is the moniker of New Yorker Sam Cohen, formerly of psych-rock collective Apollo Sunshine, and The Color – according to Cohen – has been a long time in the making. Matt Dando reviews.
Sean Rowe – Magic
Sean Rowe’s back story and soulful voice make for an interesting listen, but his new record is let down by a series of lyrical missteps. Andrew Hannah reviews the latest release from the ANTI- Records stable.
Giant Sand – Long Stem Rant / Swerve (25th Anniversary Reissues)
Long Stem Rant and Swerve are not perfect. Neither are they the obvious or easy entry point to the world of Giant Sand, but they certainly give an insight into how the band have developed in their own inimitable style over the years.
SOTD #206 // [mpFree Premiere] Friends: Friend Crush
“I wanna be your friend / Wanna ask your advice on a weekday / Wanna plan something nice for the weekend”. Brooklyn newcomers Friends bring a strangely enticing brand of sideways-looking pop, courtesy of Lucky Number, for today’s exclusive track.
Ben Ottewell – Shapes & Shadows
Ottewell has proved his songwriting chops in the past and his ability isn’t in question. He clearly knows what he wants to do now, but it’s just that for this old, occasional Gomez fan, Shapes & Shadows isn’t the record to show off that talent to the world. A bit less on the arrangements and a bit more on the grit would probably have nailed it.
