This is a gentle easy on the ear album with some great melodic touches. “Give 2.0” opens with lovely piano and some nice harmonies to back up a soulful song. “Cry” has a more folk rock feel . There is a slight feel of Randy Newman in the vocals. “Found” has a country feel . The vocal itself has a touch of Stevie Wonder. On “Living Now” the horns add an additional dimension with a laid back feel and a beautifully controlled vocal. “You Know” features a reggae backbeat and once again the vocal is strong. This is not challenging music but that is its charm . A strong commercial feel and a great upbeat vibe which in these tough times is a very uplifting feeling.
Written by Paul Bamlett
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Well Covid-19 has just about fucked up everything this year hasn’t it. Record Store Day (RSD) 2020 was postponed from April to June and then when June was cancelled it was split into three ‘drops’: August 29th, September 26th and October 24th. The first of those was last Saturday and featured most of the big releases including David Bowie, Mansun, the Cure and Gene among many others. I had the honour of helping out in my fantastic local record shop, Vinyl Eddie’s on the day. My pay for that task was the sheer pleasure of doing it and the two Bowie releases!
The pandemic meant that it was a long way from a typical RSD, with only four customers allowed into the shop at any one time and persuading those customers to focus on just the RSD releases with no browsing options. I was outside managing the queue while Vinyl Eddie himself and his Dad, John made sure all the sales went without a hitch. We were also treated to a short set by ace local band the Receivers who had released their new single, “Only Human” the day before. Having expected an acoustic set I was more than pleasantly surprised to see them bring amps and the full band. They set up on the pavement with drummer Louis setting up his kit pretty much in the road! With a few plays of the new single, some other new tracks and some Receivers classics I am counting this as my first gig since March 14th. Sadly the video that I thought I had taken on my phone, didn’t work 😦
I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who turned up and bought vinyl, to the Receivers for a great set, to Richard Saker the Guardian/ Observer photographer (check the Guardian RSD piece by clicking here, I was gutted my own picture didn’t make it) and most of all to Eddie and John Parkinson for giving me the opportunity to help them out on the day! While I am looking forward to RSD 2020 part 2 and part 3 I am hoping for big things and a degree of normality for RSD 2021. Long Live Vinyl and Keep The Faith!
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Those dashing, dapper, debonair, daring, discerning, dynamic, dynamite, devil-may-care dudes the Receivers are back with a bang. Well in fact they are back with a banger in the shape of their new single “Only Human”. From the opening riffage you are lifted into the world of a band that is very much at the top of their game. This song is made for freaking out and going somewhat slightly mental to in a muddy festival field.
Probably the best vocal performance yet from lead singer and guitarist Nick. Meanwhile the rhythm section formed by Harry’s thunderous bass boom and Louis’ mountainous drumming purrs like a nicely run in Rolls Royce engine. On top of that add the sublime riffs and licks performed by lead guitarist Alex. The Receivers are coming out of the other side of COVID fully fit and ready to fight their way to the top. They might be only human but this is a single with super powers! These lads eat Kryptonite for breakfast!
You only have a couple of days to wait for “Only Human” to hit the streets, it is out on 28th August. But if you want to pre order it click here for the bands website. There is a fabulous 7 inch vinyl version from Vinyl Eddie Records available and that is the one I am hoping to get!
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Here we are with our eleventh singles round-up of 2020. This one features seven great tunes, which found their way into the world over the past few weeks. This roundup carries on the guest reviewer approach kicked off when Simon Pattinson, Head Honcho of Northern Radar joined me to review a batch of singles in the 10th Roundup. This time I was joined joined for another Zoom listening extravaganza by Rusty Green, singer and guitarist with Lost Trends, one of York’s finest bands. If the weather is good and COVID-19 infection rates are low I hope to see those Lost Trends boys playing live again on 30th August, in a socially distanced setting, obviously!
These seven tracks feature another great selection of bands and singers from Long Island, Delaware, Glasgow, Whittingham Asylum, Brighton, Los Angeles and North East UK. All of these acts are new to With Just A Hint Of Mayhem except Moodbay and I am sure that they will all feature again sometime in the future. Play them all now, that’s an order!
Bill – I love the jaunty funk and Billy Whizz guitar licks. Great harmonies and at times Nick Heywardesque. A really cool summer vibe.
Rusty – MGMT style vocals with classy harmonies reminiscent of Empire Of The Sun. Funky pop with a great funk bass line. A bright tune that contrasts with some very dark lyrics
Rusty – A very mature voice. Probably not my kind of area, but a catchy, synth driven, bright pop tune. It kept me interested, was that a vocoder in there?
Bill – A love song about shoes, surely there aren’t many of those around? It made me think that I need to buy me some of the Bowie Vans. This is a great song with an excellent hook. It is really all about lost love, not just shoes, and it made me smile. Simply a perfect pop tune.
Bill – Very clever lyrics that are stylistically reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys for me. This is a great slice of masterful post punk pop that reeled me in immediately. At times it reminded me of Cast and the Zutons. Did that lyric couplet say “voyeuristic wank”? 🙂
Rusty – Vocally it sounds like the Courteeners, I am definitely a fan of the Pleasure Heads now. The distorted bass roughed it up a bit and made it much rockier. The pre chorus was really cool.
Rusty – Like a heavy White Stripes. A great vocal and I like the way they used the synth. That reminded me of the Horrors and Mr Bungle. The heavier synth notes suggested a bit of Nine Inch Nails. The whole tune showed some great variation of styles.
Bill – Heavy, deep and masterful riffage. I love the vocals. Apparently this is a part of a concept album about being in an asylum. I am really looking forward to the album after hearing this.
Bill – Very soundtrackesque, like something from the sad part/ death scene of a David Lynch film. But it is also very chilled with a classical element. No real vocal, but there is a great use of overdubbed voices as an instrument. It made me think of Mogwai while on a post speed come down. Also some rather eery and odd scratchy samples used.
Rusty – definitely my favourite so far, fantastically produced. I really love the chord change from major to minor. Personally I would love to create and record a soundtrack one day.
Rusty – The drop into the chorus was truly brilliant. It suggests classic Primal Scream or the Rolling Stones at the height of their powers.
Bill – Like the heavy side of Brit Pop and yet it strangely reminded me of Kula Shaker as a 60s garage band. I sense a real influence from the classic rock of the 60s and 70s. Great rock vocalist and a tight, talented band. I loved the feedback heavy ending.
Bill – Classic 80s style synth pop, but clearly with a 21st century sheen. Like some of the best of the Human League or Depeche Mode but with Oakey and Gahan replaced by a, Anna Stephens a supremely talented vocalist. Great hooks with a middle eight that sounded like the Pet Shop Boys at their best.
Rusty – Pop is not a dirty word and this really is great pop. Catchy and yet very dark at times. Gorgeous vocals and I like that they left the ‘click’ on for the chorus.
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I know that there is a dearth of female artists on festival bills and I hope that will change over time. However there is no shortage of great female artists out there, just take a look around people. Artists like Lauren Tate, the Tuts, My Wonderful Daze, Laura Kindelan are just a few of my favourites along with the stupendous Witch Of The East. Aeris Houlihan is the supreme talent behind Witch Of The East and on the new single “Comfort Me” she proves just how gifted she is. If you thought her 2019 album ‘Queen Of Insecurity’ was great then you will absolutely love this. If Aeris didn’t exist there is no way you could invent her. She is a one off and not many come close to her smart lyrics and sassy attitude. But it is not just the music either, the video for “Comfort Me” is very cleverly put together in a highly effective and inspiring original way.
Aeris shares vocals on the song with Zera Tonin from Arch Femmesis. The song was inspired by a horrible experience involving a few weeks in prison in Eastern Europe. Aeris confronted a sexist arsehole in a bar who clearly did not like being called out by a trans woman. He used his connections to have Aeris jailed. Thankfully she came through the experience stronger and began creating “Comfort Me” while in prison. It is a full on psych banger which gets into your head on first listen. This is a fabulous song and suggests that the next Witch Of The East album will be equally as good if not better than the last. To close I would like to add that Aeris Houlihan is one of the nicest and most interesting people I encounter regularly on social media.
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Decay are a post-hardcore band from Liverpool with a strong emo influence. They number Basement and Title Fight amongst their prime influences. The title track kicks things off and is a good leadoff single. “September 27th” has a slower more ballad feel, great vocals, and strong melodies. “Empty Feelings” has a panoramic sound with some big guitar sounds. “Hold On” has a menacing bass line leading to a passionate vocal. “Misery” features ringing guitars and a raw vocal. “Endless Silence” has an ambient opening and is a short piece. “10.23” is just guitar and vocals. This track shows the true depth of this band. This is a strong anthemic ending and is beautifully balanced and well-executed. The melody is very strong and this is a very satisfying closer to this confident debut from this young and exciting band. More of the same, please!
Written by Paul Bamlett.
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Mandown reference Rage against the Machine and the Prodigy. Certainly they bring the sound and attitude of both of these bands to what they do. Vocalist Ian Turner and drummer Lawrence Arnold are just the kind of intense and committed musicians we need right now. “Try or Die” leads off with big monster riffing. The RATM influence is writ big but this is no bad thing. “We Want Blood” is a big confrontational song with demanding vocals over big boomy riffage. These tracks are short, intense and mesmerising and this is a stirring call to arms. This EP is 12 minutes of monstrously good riffs and epic melodic vocals so I say never mind we want blood, we want more Mandown! Written by Paul Bamlett
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Here we are with our tenth singles round-up of 2020. This one features six rather spiffing tracks, which appeared in recent weeks. This roundup is a little different to all the previous ones though as the reviews are from not just me, but also a special guest. I was joined for this online listening party by one of the most well liked people on the York music scene. He presents radio shows, he is a talented gig promoter under his Northern Radar banner and above all that he has excellent taste in music. Let me introduce you to Simon Pattinson!
These six tracks feature another eclectic mix of bands and singers from Newcastle, Bristol, Wales and three from London and all of these acts are new to With Just A Hint Of Mayhem except Cat Ryan and I am sure that they will all feature again sometime in the future. Fill your ears with them now!
Bill – I liked the kind of eastern sounding guitar and drums with a very prominent bass line holding it together. Catchy and percussive, this will be a great live song.
Simon – I found it enchanting with a sound like South American pan pipes (similar to the pan pipe buskers who play in York sometimes). I would definitely be keen to book Cat Ryan for a future gig.
Bill – This is really chilled and relaxed night music and it reminds me at times of the Beloved. A dub mix of this on a great sound system would be awesome.
Simon – This reminds me of James Blake, supremely mellow. The perfect track for sitting down with a bottle of wine and a great book.
“Music Shall Live” – Denise Sherwood featuring Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
Simon – I like this one a lot, perhaps a contender for a huge Ibiza summer tune, back in those pre COVID-19 days. This is a track that would get you in the mood for a good night out. It reminds me a little of early Chase & Status.
Bill – This is Adrian Sherwood’s daughter and her Dad gets a credit on the track too. I love the production and vocally Denise reminded me of Neneh Cherry. It has a vibe similar to the Groove Corporation or Gary Clail.
Bill – Superb vocal range, it is rooted in mid 90s Brit Pop but gets much heavier towards the end before easing down again. The lyrics are bleak, angry and very much about real life. I definitely want to hear more from this band. I also think they would work incredibly well on the same bill as Avalanche Party.
Simon – I am already a YOWL fan. Most of their tracks are quite long and this one is even a little hillbilly in parts. The angry break catches you a little off guard at the end and the still from the video looks quite creepy.
Simon – This is groovy and haunting in equal parts. I was expecting it to change up a gear but it didn’t, although that is no criticism. I was reminded of early Wolf Alice and Sonic Youth.
Bill – I love the vocals, it felt like a cross between a softer grunge sound and classic hook laden pop. I agree with Simon on the Sonic Youth link too.
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Referencing the early incarnation of Soft Machine in their publicity this band include Prog, Psychedelia, contemporary jazz and choral music in their armoury. Melodic purity and harmonic surprise are key . First track “Sail Away” has an innovative opening with distinctive vocals and great guitar parts. An intriguing rhythm and a hint of Orange Juice. “Documentaries” has a good soundscape opening and a distinctive jazz feel. The vocals are strong with lovely falsetto. “And Where Have You Gone, Mr. Wolf?” has a more prog opening with wonderful melody and a superb bass breakdown. This is the strongest track here for me with fabulous harmonies. What the Long Faces present here are a multiplicity of potential musical futures. The dilemma will be which one to choose . Whatever their decision you can guarantee that the results will be fascinating.
Written by Paul Bamlett.
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DITZ have been championed by Idles and Slaves and their music certainly fits the bill for these endorsements. This EP has excellent sound with spoken word and some great melodic interludes. It all kicks off with “Role Model”, the rising tension in the vocal is reminiscent of Slaves and harks back to early Wire and the Members. “Seeking Arrangements” is more full-on Hard core Punk with a great guitar sound full of energy and menace. “Fuck The Pain Away”, which is a Peaches cover has a gritty full on sound and feel and a touch of the Stranglers at times. The scary noise and full on punk chord thrash make this EP an interesting ride. DITZ are exciting enough on record, live I imagine they are a whole other ball of fury!
Written by Paul Bamlett.
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