Author Archive

Posted on November 30, 2010 - by Ellie Crean

Brandon Flowers goes Flamingos

We have previously heard snippets of Brandon Flowers’ musings on life in Las Vegas (particularly on The Killers’ Sam’s Town album) but the idea is fully developed here in Flamingo. The juxtaposition of dramatic, optimistic sounds and cynical lyrics on first track Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas reflects Flowers’ love affair with the city.   (more…)

Posted on June 8, 2010 - by Ellie Crean

Tommy Reilly: exactly how he should

Tommy Reilly supported Justin Currie on his last live. Stepping (or tripping I should say) onto the stage Tommy Reilly looks exactly how he should – endearing, vulnerable, slightly bewildered yet mature all at the same time. His songs, which spawn from the same gene pool as Damien Rice and Paolo Nutini, reveal tales of love and heartbreak that seem impossible yet are sung with such sincerity you have to believe them. (more…)

Posted on November 12, 2009 - by Ellie Crean

Mumford & Sons

From the first mellow acoustic guitar sound heard on title track Sigh No More followed by the haunting Fleet Foxes style harmonies, you know that Mumford & Sons have you wrapped into their world of love, heartache and emotion. The song begins apologetically but builds into an uplifting, optimistic crescendo; proclaiming “love will not betray you, dismay or enslave you/ it will set you free”.  (more…)

Posted on September 8, 2009 - by Ellie Crean

Humbug!

Humbug, the third album from Sheffield band Arctic Monkeys takes a step away from tales of a “Lad’s night out” set to a tune of indie rock (although this is something that they were undeniably masters of).

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Posted on July 17, 2009 - by Ellie Crean

Side Up, Mr Nutini

Unlike some of his fellow popular singer-songwriters, Paolo Nutini has not just stuck to the same style of acoustic-based radio-friendly pop songs for his second album, “Sunny Side Up”. Instead, he has thrown a mixture of genres and influences together to come up with a record that sounds genuine and full of heart and soul. (more…)

Posted on June 8, 2009 - by Ellie Crean

Wild Park

For a while now I’ve been watching copycat indie bands come and go and I’ve listened to criticism about the music of today being artificial and live shows not being what they used to be; and for the majority of it, I’d agree. Usually, going to a gig today just consists of the bands turning up, running through the songs, and then that’s it. It’s not a performnce in the “Queen” sense of the word. No showmanship and total lack of energy. (more…)

Posted on May 19, 2009 - by Ellie Crean

A Dharma Initiative

“I Dance Like This” is the debut album from Leeds-based band The Dharma. Although this mini-album only consists of six songs it is enough to give a strong feel for the band’s punchy, energetic indie style. After a first listen, the songs may feel slightly forgettable but it won’t be long before the catchy beats take hold and the lyrics “I’m on fire, I’m on fire” are implanted into your brain. (more…)