Yup, it's safe to say that Big Brave haven't lightened up on Vital. Indeed, you could make a good case for arguing that they've got even heavier. 'Half Breed' demands that you stop whatever you're doing instantly and pay full attention.
Like the rest of What Is The Meaning Of What, this track is a masterclass in the art of build and release, and makes for a spectacular ending to the album.
I tuned in to last Sunday's livestreamed Gig Buddies show to see Stewart Lee and Mclusky, so discovering Fenne Lily as a consequence was a very happy accident. 'Berlin' has the feel of a classic indie-rock slow-burner, amping up imperceptibly and breaking into the sort of climax that gets lodged in your brain for days.
Blue Hearts continues to get a lot of spins round these parts, but I do wonder whether it's not already starting to sound like the product of a particular time and place: Trump's fractured America, shortly before his ejection.
Another track that, like Big Brave's 'Half Breed', you simply can't take your eyes/ears off - though the two couldn't be much more different otherwise. Mark McCambridge is the Northern Irish raconteur who captivates the listener with tales of childhood and musical ambitions, with a twist at the end.
On the evidence of this lead single, new album Hey What, due out in September, will follow in the footsteps of 2018's Double Negative in injecting their slow, spiritual staples with blasts of noise/static that are both terrifying and thrilling. Currently weighing up the possibility of going to see them at the Trinity in Bristol next April - just over 11 years since the last time we met there.
One of those songs (and videos, to be fair) where you're not entirely sure what the hell's going on but you can't help but get into it. Battles do itchy, twitchy pop, perhaps?
I've never properly investigated Cocteau Twins, so thanks to Pat Nevin for pointing me in the direction of this early track: "You can't make a song as good as that by a fluke."
A classic performance on French TV in 1980. The red energy domes are present and correct, but the most marvellously surreal touch is Mark Mothersbaugh singing into a double-scoop ice cream and taking a lick in time with the music.
It was bugging me for ages who Jeremy Gaudet, vocalist for Canadian Sub Poppers Kiwi Jr, sounds like. Finally, after repeated plays of this track (no hardship - it's got a nice wonky Pavement feel to it, though I'm not sure about the harmonica solo), I've worked it out: Sune Rose Wagner of The Raveonettes.
1 comment:
Hope you get to go to Bristol for Low. Needless to say Sarah and I will be going to St John at Hackney to see them, can't wait.
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