Empire of The Sun // Ice on The Dune

With the sun coming out to play recently, what better way to celebrate than write a review about a band with the word 'sun' in it's name? (Creative, I know).

If I said I'd always been a fan of Empire of The Sun, I'd be lying. I was aware of them, sure, but I wouldn't class myself in that fan category. I enjoyed listening to 'Walking on A Dream', it was heavily featured on my 'Top 25 Played Songs' on iTunes during the Summer of 2009. However, I can't say the same for their other release 'We Are The People' and so chose not to delve any further into their discography. 

I don't know what brought me to take an interest in their newest album when I saw NME tweeting about it. Perhaps it was that techno-indie music fan within me dying for something new to feast on rather than tiring out my playlist consisting of bands such as Delphic, Metronomy, Passion Pit, Friendly Fires, Fenech-Soler and Ou Est Le Swimming Pool. However, I am glad I took that plunge.

Although, I must admit overall I was kind of disappointed by the album. In my opinion, their single 'Alive' is the best thing about the album but there are a few other gems such as 'Ice on The Dune'. 

One thing is clear about Empire of The Sun, they know how to make a Summer anthem. They'd definitely be an essential at any festival and their music makes it clear that their gigs would be a lot of fun.

They've added to my techno-indie playlist but I don't think I'll make a habit of religiously listening to the album. Maybe third time's the charm. 

Blurred Lines // A Musical Mid-Life Crisis

I never fail to be disappointed by the British public's music taste and once again, I find myself scratching my head in confusion as I listen to 'Blurred Lines'. Most middle-aged men date a younger woman or buy a sports car when they're going through a mid-life crisis but for Robin Thicke, releasing a womanising pop song into the stratosphere seems to be the way to go.

The song also features Pharrell Williams and this was the main reason why I thought I'd see what all the hype around this song was as I am a fan of his work with N.E.R.D as well as his recent hit with Daft Punk but 'disappointed' is an understatement. Not only was I unimpressed by the song as a whole but the lyrics aren't the most creative I've ever come across and are simply crude. 'I know you want it' and 'you're a good girl' being the most apparent lyrics in the song are seedy, not to mention incredibly arrogant. Couple that with the fact the original music video for the song was banned by YouTube for being a bit too 'risqué' and it just says it all.

To add to all this disappointment, as I scrolled through Twitter one evening, a link appeared for a cover version of the song by rock band Queens of The Stone Age. It called out to me like a beacon of hope: 'yes, if anyone can save it, they can' I thought.

But no.

Not even Queens of The Stone Age can make that song sound any better to me. And so I came to the conclusion that the lyrics are so atrocious that it just cannot be saved. 

But somehow it manages to sell millions of records and top charts. Whether it's an infatuation for the artist's aesthetics, the reputation of the supporting artists or horny teenage boys needing to see the video, something's working for it.

But it's best to stick to the traditional methods of dealing with a mid-life crisis, Rob.

Peace // In Love

So I haven't written anything about bands for a while so I thought I'd share a new band I've fallen for recently.

Peace are a four-piece Indie band from Worcester, England.

If indie music is your thing, I would quite confidently bet money on you enjoying this band just as much as I do.

They have those staple blunt, melancholic vocals you'd associate with an indie band, which they've coupled with psychedelic guitar riffs and disco-rock drum beats. I almost feel like they could be a bizarre love child between a slight glam-rock and indie band.

Their music has quite an eclectic mix. They move flawlessly between classic hard-hitting indie anthems (such as Bloodshake and the Foals-esque Wraith) and slower, softer ballads with songs such as Float Forever and California Daze so I feel as if their recently released album 'In Love' has something for any indie music fan.

They could easily be on their way to becoming the next big thing in the indie-music scene - or at least I think they should be - and a festival essential.

They're currently touring around the UK and as I've said, their debut album is available to buy, or stream on Spotify, as well as their EP 'EP Delicious'.

Become infatuated.

Darwin Deez // Songs For Imaginative People

Fan of Darwin Deez? Can't wait another two days for the release of his new album?

Then you're in luck!

Soundcloud have kindly given us an exclusive stream of the full album to banish those withdrawal symptoms and sense of anticipation.
It can be heard here or here.

Enjoy!

Songs For Imaginitave People is released on February 11th 2013.

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.

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.