Whether you're a fan of Muse or not, you can't argue against the fact that they're not afraid to be bold with their albums and they're definitely one of the most experimental bands around and their new release: The 2nd Law is definitely their most experimental piece of work yet.
Their 9-minute-long symphony in The Resistance was something extraordinary and created a lot of hype around that album and with The 2nd Law comes another hype, a new Muse era: the rise of musestep.
The trailer released for the album gave fans a taster of what was in store from this album sampling the song Unsustainable and giving us an insight into the alluded musestep.
The album is not full of this genre of music though, the experimental material is left for the end, as well as seeping into their song Follow Me, with their two takes on dubstep: Unsustainable and Isolated System, ending the album.
Personally, I prefer the latter of the two songs. Isolated System is a much softer version of dubstep without lyrics whereas I think Unsustainable would be preferred more by fans of the Skrillex form of the genre.
As well as their development of musestep, fans are introduced to the vocal talent of another member of the band: the bassist, Chris Wolstenholme. Although hearing his voice on a track is not entirely new to Muse fans as he is featured as a background vocalist in Supermassive Black Hole.
But in this album, he is given two songs to himself: Save Me - a beautifully vulnerable sounding song including lyrics such as: "Don't let me go, I'm nothing without you" - and Liquid State, a much rockier song with harsher vocals, which, to me, sounds very similar to InnerPartySystem.
Decisions like this are somewhat risky, introducing a voice that is unfamiliar with Muse fans, however gathering from their reactions, it seems to have paid off. Having a different voice to listen to is quite refreshing and shows yet another side to Muse and their talents.
However, Muse have not forgotten their roots. The album is still full of fantastic riffs and guitar solos, the sound everyone associates with the band.
Explorers seems very reminiscent of Soldier's Poem from Black Holes and Revelations, and the guitar solo from Madness is very Brian May-esque therefore creating a similar Queen sound to that of United States of Eurasia from The Resistance.
It's difficult to say if this is their best album yet as every album they produce is so diverse and completely different to the previous. It's the Muse we all know and love, with a twist.
They give their fans something new every time and with their next album, I wouldn't be surprised if they turned reggae. Although, I'm sure they could even make that work.
Wednesday 10 October 2012
Thursday 16 August 2012
Bloc Party // Four
Waking up this morning, it seemed like every other day: I'd get up, make myself a cup of tea and retire back to my bed for an hour or so of mind-numbing daytime television.
All while downstairs in the kitchen, I had August 20th marked down with 'BLOC PARTY ALBUM!'. I was counting down the days. Soon I would have the long-awaited album in my hands.
I was aware there had been various leaks surfacing on the internet, as well as the band themselves streaming the album on their website, but I had vowed to keep away from it until I could have a solid copy to listen to.
So there I was, in bed, when my brother bursts through my door with a parcel in his hands. I was slightly confused... I hadn't been expecting anything. Then he says those words that make my heart beat faster: "It feels like a CD".
Could it be?!
I grabbed it off of him and ripped it open and there, in all it's glory, were those 4 concentric circles in red, blue, yellow and green. I had it. I was finally holding Four. I couldn't help but just hug it and savor it for a few minutes. It may sound like an over-reaction but every Bloc Party fan has been waiting three years for this moment to arrive.
I had no idea what to expect from it as I placed the CD into my laptop. I had heard people say it was a lot heavier than the previous albums and it had been highly praised. From what I had heard from 'Octopus' and 'Day Four' I was sure it would be something incredible but all I knew at that moment was that I had to turn up the volume and just let the music take hold of me.
Straight in with the first song 'So He Begins To Lie' and it seemed everyone was right, it was much heavier but this wasn't anything I would be complaining about, instead, I was reveling in it.
Their use of guitar has become much heavier and they have a more apparent rock sound, moving away slightly from their previous mellow indie image.
However, they don't leave it behind completely.
Songs such as 'Day Four', 'Real Talk', 'Truth' and 'The Healing' take them back to their Silent Alarm roots with that 'This Modern Love' sound.
I noticed as I was listening to it that they seem to split the different genres up, with heavier songs being broken up by a chilled out, mellow song placed in between. It is pretty refreshing to have something softer in between so you don't feel, perhaps, bombarded with this brand new sound from them.
As well as that, Kele splits up the songs with his own version of an interlude: odd little anecdotes and musings. They provide the listener with a laugh as well as an insight into the band's personality, showing that they're much more than just the music.
I can safely say that Four was worth the three years of waiting and avoiding all the material online. I love this new sound from them, albeit I'm slightly bias being a rock fan, and if anybody hasn't been much of a Bloc Party fan from their previous albums then I'd definitely recommend that they give this a listen.
I have no other words to describe it other than simply: incredible.
Bloc Party are back!
All while downstairs in the kitchen, I had August 20th marked down with 'BLOC PARTY ALBUM!'. I was counting down the days. Soon I would have the long-awaited album in my hands.
I was aware there had been various leaks surfacing on the internet, as well as the band themselves streaming the album on their website, but I had vowed to keep away from it until I could have a solid copy to listen to.
So there I was, in bed, when my brother bursts through my door with a parcel in his hands. I was slightly confused... I hadn't been expecting anything. Then he says those words that make my heart beat faster: "It feels like a CD".
Could it be?!
I grabbed it off of him and ripped it open and there, in all it's glory, were those 4 concentric circles in red, blue, yellow and green. I had it. I was finally holding Four. I couldn't help but just hug it and savor it for a few minutes. It may sound like an over-reaction but every Bloc Party fan has been waiting three years for this moment to arrive.
I had no idea what to expect from it as I placed the CD into my laptop. I had heard people say it was a lot heavier than the previous albums and it had been highly praised. From what I had heard from 'Octopus' and 'Day Four' I was sure it would be something incredible but all I knew at that moment was that I had to turn up the volume and just let the music take hold of me.
Straight in with the first song 'So He Begins To Lie' and it seemed everyone was right, it was much heavier but this wasn't anything I would be complaining about, instead, I was reveling in it.
Their use of guitar has become much heavier and they have a more apparent rock sound, moving away slightly from their previous mellow indie image.
However, they don't leave it behind completely.
Songs such as 'Day Four', 'Real Talk', 'Truth' and 'The Healing' take them back to their Silent Alarm roots with that 'This Modern Love' sound.
I noticed as I was listening to it that they seem to split the different genres up, with heavier songs being broken up by a chilled out, mellow song placed in between. It is pretty refreshing to have something softer in between so you don't feel, perhaps, bombarded with this brand new sound from them.
As well as that, Kele splits up the songs with his own version of an interlude: odd little anecdotes and musings. They provide the listener with a laugh as well as an insight into the band's personality, showing that they're much more than just the music.
I can safely say that Four was worth the three years of waiting and avoiding all the material online. I love this new sound from them, albeit I'm slightly bias being a rock fan, and if anybody hasn't been much of a Bloc Party fan from their previous albums then I'd definitely recommend that they give this a listen.
I have no other words to describe it other than simply: incredible.
Bloc Party are back!
Wednesday 20 June 2012
Music Recommendation // Dog Is Dead
Bored of listening to the same old bands and songs?
Well, it's that time again!
I'm here to provide you with something new to please your ears.
I'd previously heard Dog Is Dead whilst surfing through the music channels one evening as I lay on the couch with the boredom washing over me and they were brought back to my attention today as I tuned into Fearne Cotton's Radio 1 show today.
They're a five-piece band from Nottingham, England and describe their music as 'indie pop'.
If you want a better idea of what they sound like before deciding to listen to them, then think of Noah and The Whale, with a slightly more indie twist at times.. and there, you have Dog Is Dead.
Like the sound of that? Well you should.
I currently have their selection of songs from Spotify playing as I write this post and they almost sound familiar because they are so Noah and The Whale-esque.
Their music has also appeared in Skins so you may recognise them from that.
At the moment they have three EPs available: 'Dog Is Dead', 'Your Childhood' and 'Confessions' but have yet to release their debut album.
These EPs still provide us with enough material to get a feel for the band and to get us more excited about the awaited album.
As I stated, their music is also available on Spotify if you want to have a listen before purchasing anything.
If you're currently feeling stressed then I think this will be the perfect band to chill out to, especially if the sun is shining.
Dog Is Dead are an essential to have on your Summer 2012 playlist.
Well, it's that time again!
I'm here to provide you with something new to please your ears.
I'd previously heard Dog Is Dead whilst surfing through the music channels one evening as I lay on the couch with the boredom washing over me and they were brought back to my attention today as I tuned into Fearne Cotton's Radio 1 show today.
They're a five-piece band from Nottingham, England and describe their music as 'indie pop'.
If you want a better idea of what they sound like before deciding to listen to them, then think of Noah and The Whale, with a slightly more indie twist at times.. and there, you have Dog Is Dead.
Like the sound of that? Well you should.
I currently have their selection of songs from Spotify playing as I write this post and they almost sound familiar because they are so Noah and The Whale-esque.
Their music has also appeared in Skins so you may recognise them from that.
At the moment they have three EPs available: 'Dog Is Dead', 'Your Childhood' and 'Confessions' but have yet to release their debut album.
These EPs still provide us with enough material to get a feel for the band and to get us more excited about the awaited album.
As I stated, their music is also available on Spotify if you want to have a listen before purchasing anything.
If you're currently feeling stressed then I think this will be the perfect band to chill out to, especially if the sun is shining.
Dog Is Dead are an essential to have on your Summer 2012 playlist.
Tuesday 8 May 2012
DZ Deathrays // Bloodstreams
I seem to have abandoned my blog for the past few months, I guess I've kind of been out of the loop for a while but here is my attempt to get back into the game.
Back in February, I attended a Pulled Apart By Horses gig... not my usual musical venture, I must admit, however it was probably some of the most fun I've had at a gig.
So that got me thinking, why not make a more permanent move into this genre of music.
And that thought brought me to the following band.
DZ Deathrays are a two piece 'thrash pop' band from originating from Brisbane, Australia.
I first heard this band whilst having a casual listen to BBC Radio 1, when Huw Stephens put the track on and I instantly thought of Pulled Apart By Horses.
Although, in my opinion, the vocals aren't as brash as PABH which makes it a fairly easier listen for me.
So for those of you that aren't so keen on the 'hardcore screamo' type of music, this could be the band for you and could also be a great way to ease yourself into this genre of music.
Their debut album 'Bloodstreams' was released only yesterday (7th May 2012) and is currently available to listen to for free on Spotify.
I definitely recommend you give them a listen.
I know it's around the time of exams for many people, so why not take out your books, blast a bit of this out and let them take you through your revision.
If you don't enjoy it, I will eat my metaphorical hat.
Back in February, I attended a Pulled Apart By Horses gig... not my usual musical venture, I must admit, however it was probably some of the most fun I've had at a gig.
So that got me thinking, why not make a more permanent move into this genre of music.
And that thought brought me to the following band.
DZ Deathrays are a two piece 'thrash pop' band from originating from Brisbane, Australia.
I first heard this band whilst having a casual listen to BBC Radio 1, when Huw Stephens put the track on and I instantly thought of Pulled Apart By Horses.
Although, in my opinion, the vocals aren't as brash as PABH which makes it a fairly easier listen for me.
So for those of you that aren't so keen on the 'hardcore screamo' type of music, this could be the band for you and could also be a great way to ease yourself into this genre of music.
Their debut album 'Bloodstreams' was released only yesterday (7th May 2012) and is currently available to listen to for free on Spotify.
I definitely recommend you give them a listen.
I know it's around the time of exams for many people, so why not take out your books, blast a bit of this out and let them take you through your revision.
If you don't enjoy it, I will eat my metaphorical hat.
Monday 30 January 2012
NME Godlike Genius 2012 // Noel Gallagher
Last Monday, NME announced that they would be awarding this years Godlike Genius award to Noel Gallagher.
For almost two decades the Gallagher brothers have always been seen as a pair and it's only in the past few years that they have been viewed as seperate beings.
So what is it that makes Noel the 'godlike genius' of the pair, and so deserving of this prize over his younger sibling?
Let's delve into this complex relationship and see what we find.
The most obvious place to start would be Oasis.
As a band they notched up 22 top ten hits, along with holding the Guinness World Record for being the most successful act in the UK for an entire decade.
That, in itself, would be enough for anyone to get such a prestigous award... but it still doesn't make it any clearer as to why just one of the brothers are receiving it.
The vocals were shared between the brothers on their records however Noel was also the lead guitarist of the band whereas Liam would supply some tambourine every now and again.
Now, I don't know about you but I know which one I would be more impressed by.
As well as that, all of their hit songs (and then some) came from Noel's mind so it would seem that a lot of their success was dependant on the older of the two Gallaghers.
Perhaps talent isn't the only thing we can judge this on though.
Liam Gallagher is somewhat infamous for having a fiery personality.
A moment I'm sure we all remember would be the incident of the BRIT Awards 2010.
Let's refresh our memories...
However, Noel isn't exactly a saint either.
He's also known for being rather controversial with the words he chooses to speak in public.
One of the most controversial incidents being when he stated that he hoped members of the rival band Blur would 'catch AIDS and die'.
As well as having a rivalry with other bands, there was serious sibling rivalry between the two Gallaghers which wasn't exactly hidden from the public and in August 2009, it became too much for Noel as a fight broke out between the two backstage at a gig in Paris and led to his departure from the band.
Now, the two brothers are working on music seperately: Oasis still exists, without Noel, under the name of Beady Eye and Noel has put together his own band, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.
Perhaps their seperate projects will only add fuel to the fire, as competitiveness is inevitable between siblings. So which band will come out on top?
Beady Eye released their album Different Gear, Still Speeding in February 2011, reaching #3 in the UK chart.
However their singles such as The Roller and The Beat Goes On didn't do as well as the album, reaching just #31 and #64.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' self-titled album was released in October 2011 and managed to reach that #1 spot and still exists in the top ten today.
And their single The Death of You and Me topped at #15 in the UK charts.
I think we can see now why Noel is receiving the Godlike Genius award this year, following the likes of Dave Grohl (last year's winner).
He deserves to be commended for the music he has brought the world and will hopefully continue to do in the future and for being one of the most talented musicians to come from the UK.
On finding out about winning the award, he told NME:
"I would like to thank NME for bestowing upon me such a great accolade. I have dreamt of this moment since I was 43 years old. I accept that I am now a genius, just like God."
For almost two decades the Gallagher brothers have always been seen as a pair and it's only in the past few years that they have been viewed as seperate beings.
So what is it that makes Noel the 'godlike genius' of the pair, and so deserving of this prize over his younger sibling?
Let's delve into this complex relationship and see what we find.
The most obvious place to start would be Oasis.
As a band they notched up 22 top ten hits, along with holding the Guinness World Record for being the most successful act in the UK for an entire decade.
That, in itself, would be enough for anyone to get such a prestigous award... but it still doesn't make it any clearer as to why just one of the brothers are receiving it.
The vocals were shared between the brothers on their records however Noel was also the lead guitarist of the band whereas Liam would supply some tambourine every now and again.
Now, I don't know about you but I know which one I would be more impressed by.
As well as that, all of their hit songs (and then some) came from Noel's mind so it would seem that a lot of their success was dependant on the older of the two Gallaghers.
Perhaps talent isn't the only thing we can judge this on though.
Liam Gallagher is somewhat infamous for having a fiery personality.
A moment I'm sure we all remember would be the incident of the BRIT Awards 2010.
Let's refresh our memories...
However, Noel isn't exactly a saint either.
He's also known for being rather controversial with the words he chooses to speak in public.
One of the most controversial incidents being when he stated that he hoped members of the rival band Blur would 'catch AIDS and die'.
As well as having a rivalry with other bands, there was serious sibling rivalry between the two Gallaghers which wasn't exactly hidden from the public and in August 2009, it became too much for Noel as a fight broke out between the two backstage at a gig in Paris and led to his departure from the band.
Now, the two brothers are working on music seperately: Oasis still exists, without Noel, under the name of Beady Eye and Noel has put together his own band, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.
Perhaps their seperate projects will only add fuel to the fire, as competitiveness is inevitable between siblings. So which band will come out on top?
Beady Eye released their album Different Gear, Still Speeding in February 2011, reaching #3 in the UK chart.
However their singles such as The Roller and The Beat Goes On didn't do as well as the album, reaching just #31 and #64.
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' self-titled album was released in October 2011 and managed to reach that #1 spot and still exists in the top ten today.
And their single The Death of You and Me topped at #15 in the UK charts.
I think we can see now why Noel is receiving the Godlike Genius award this year, following the likes of Dave Grohl (last year's winner).
He deserves to be commended for the music he has brought the world and will hopefully continue to do in the future and for being one of the most talented musicians to come from the UK.
On finding out about winning the award, he told NME:
"I would like to thank NME for bestowing upon me such a great accolade. I have dreamt of this moment since I was 43 years old. I accept that I am now a genius, just like God."
Thursday 19 January 2012
Music Recommendation // Grouplove
You know you watch too much tv when you can tell what advert is on tv without even having to look at the screen.But every now and again a new one appears and I have to add it to my memory bank.The brand new iPod touch commercial is an example of this.
The song used for this advert is what made it stand out for me...
As soon as I heard it, I fired up my laptop and went straight to google...I needed to know what this song was.
"Tongue-Tied" by GROUPLOVE.
I recognised the band name...and soon realised I had become a fan of them a few months earlier and yet they had completely escaped my mind.
Their song 'Colours' had been the first one to catch my attention.
A song I had posted onto my Facebook profile (as I only tend to use Facebook to promote bands I find and fall in love with) and had received no feedback from my unappreciative 'friends'.
So now here's my second attempt to convince people that this band is worth checking out.
Their debut album, released in 2011, is titled 'Never Trust A Happy Song'.
It leaves a lot to be desired... and yet creates some mystery, perhaps enticing a person to take a listen.
To me, the title is somewhat ironic as the majority of songs on the album have a cheery sound to them.
I realise it's only January, but like any Brit I'm looking forward to the Summer already and this album would be the perfect soundtrack to anyone's Summer 2012.
'Naked Kids' starts off with the lyrics:
Cruising on the highway with my friends, top down
And we're all on our way to the beach.
If that doesn't scream Summer then I don't know what does.
So take some time out, put this album on and let it blow away your Winter blues.
The song used for this advert is what made it stand out for me...
As soon as I heard it, I fired up my laptop and went straight to google...I needed to know what this song was.
"Tongue-Tied" by GROUPLOVE.
I recognised the band name...and soon realised I had become a fan of them a few months earlier and yet they had completely escaped my mind.
Their song 'Colours' had been the first one to catch my attention.
A song I had posted onto my Facebook profile (as I only tend to use Facebook to promote bands I find and fall in love with) and had received no feedback from my unappreciative 'friends'.
So now here's my second attempt to convince people that this band is worth checking out.
Their debut album, released in 2011, is titled 'Never Trust A Happy Song'.
It leaves a lot to be desired... and yet creates some mystery, perhaps enticing a person to take a listen.
To me, the title is somewhat ironic as the majority of songs on the album have a cheery sound to them.
I realise it's only January, but like any Brit I'm looking forward to the Summer already and this album would be the perfect soundtrack to anyone's Summer 2012.
'Naked Kids' starts off with the lyrics:
Cruising on the highway with my friends, top down
And we're all on our way to the beach.
If that doesn't scream Summer then I don't know what does.
So take some time out, put this album on and let it blow away your Winter blues.
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