Lie With You. This Boy

Hello everyone, First of all let me apologies for taking so long in between reviews. This site is about new music and I want y'all to get something out of this. 


So here we are, just creeping into summer and we are all looking at what the next big thing will be. True there is the mainstream acts that will get a lot of coverage but don't be nieve. Look further down the blogs and try capture some good bands. 


This Boy have been kicking around the Guildford scene for just over a year now, making a big name for themselves and for good reason. They have sheared the stage with big names like Nylon Sky, According to Her and other bands. 


This is there second release since they formed and it shows a new side to the band. 'Lie With You' is Rory's song, and yes it does have vocoder on it, but I feel that it gives the song a richer sound. Filling out the space where you would expect the guitar or rhythm section to be. I hesitate to call this song a 'ballad' just because its not full of cheese like more ballads. This is just a really well written and constructed track. It really throws you through the motions and emotions, Rory's vocals and harmonies are both chilling and really really good. It must just be something about Scottish vocalist. This track does throw the genere door for This Boy right open, are they a pop rock band a rock band or just a band that play music for themselves. I could really see this song doing well on a TV series or something that needs a dramatic climax. Really really enjoying this track. 


You can pick 'Lie With You' for FREE over at This Boy's band camp. HERE. For more information on This Boy head over to there Facebook page and catch them at this years Beach Break Festival. 

The James Cleaver Quintet. Ten Stages Of A Make Up EP

The James Cleaver Quintet are a band that may not be everyones cup of tea. They are loud, in your face, melodic, relentless and passionate. They don't apologies for there attitude on stage and put there hearts into there music. 


There EP 'Ten Stages Of A Make Up' was released by Ondryland last year, and its an explosive release so lets just jump straight in. This EP is full of huge breaks, half time, loud punk rock vibes and also nice melodic contrasts. Im just going to review the stand out tracks and leave you with another track from soundcloud.


Track one 'I Do, You Do We Do Voodoo' counts in with no distraction, then there is a few seconds of beautiful buzzing noise. You can hear the punk influences coming through, its a great opener, the vibe and intensity of the track really holds its weight when your listening to the EP, I really like that the structure is so well hidden, there seem's to be no section divides apart from 'and when the time is right' etc. Its a song that doesn't skip a beat until its over. 


Track two 'Throne To The Lines' my favorite song on the EP. Another track full of intensity and complex breaks, that must have been practiced over and over. I really like the guitar lines in the pre-chorus im going to call it around the minute mark. I love the 2.20 mark when the tempo shifts almost a half time and just gives you chills. The song leaves you dazed and wanting more, if the first track wasn't enough to keep you moving this one will. 


This six track EP is hard to class, its hard to give a definitive feel to. Each track is full of intensity like being punched by a heavy-weight boxer, its relentless, confusing, beautiful and completely off its face on something. Just a great ep.


The Shame by thejcq


check out The James Cleaver Quintet's Facebook, Myspace and Twitter for more information and upcoming show information. 

Simple Math by Manchester Orchestra.

Ok Yes I know that here at Sounding Better we like to keep it local. But when this track dropped yesterday I could help but review it. The Atlanta band have been quiet for a few years now after 'Mean Everything to Nothing' came out in 09. But recent interviews with Andy (vocals and guitar) have revelled that 'Simple Math' will be a concept album. So where does this leave Manchester Orchestra? 


So Simple Math opens with a very chilling yet beautiful guitar and piano line. Straight away I dont think this sounds like anything they have released previously, and only when Andy's vocals come in you can sit safe and say this is a Manchester Orchestra track. 


This track feels more like a ballad, the structure is simple, but each section, chorus, verse middle 8 are all strung out. Large amount of bar time is dedicated to strings and cheeky drum drops. Not to say that this is bad or that I don't like this. Its very progressive and I really like there development. I can see this tune being really big live, Esepcially around the three minute mark when the drums adds four on the floor and grabs the chance to have a simple single's drum fill on the snare. But when the strings harmonise with the vocals, I get chills down my spine. Its a really beautiful movement in the track into the chorus. This is typical of Manchester Orchestra, they are very very good at building the track up and then dropping out, building so much tension then in the last moments in the track release it so you have nothing bad to say. This happened all through there last album, it happened on this track and I can see it being a strong theme through the next album. Really excited about this album. 


What do you think? Do you like it?

Manchester Orchestra - Simple Math by welikeitindie

Seven Years Behind.

Seven Years Behind is the stage name of Liverpool singer songwriter Simon Gibbons. Singing about beer, woe and anything else he wants. This project arouse from interesting circumstances, with the ending of a post hardcore band.

I feel that this EP is not 100% finished, it has a very ruff feel to it, sounding like it was recorded on a single SM58 in Simons Bedroom. Now i’m not judging his recording quality i’m saying I like this. I really like the song ‘Steve Rogers’, it has lots of power behind it, a heart felt song about the pressures of the world. It was probably the one song that I related to the most. I really enjoyed listening to the musical styles portrayed in this EP, from the lighter feeling song ‘Amor Fati’ to the almost full on country feeling track ‘Cottonmouth’. The musicianship is really high quality and its a lesson on who to write music on your own. Its really a good if you want music to listen to on your own and just say ‘hey, things aint that bad.’ Seriously really enjoyed this EP, one thing though I did find myself pondering after many listens is that I think Simon hasn't found his perfect pitch yet, Some of the lines in songs sound pushed and strained upon but when he finds his pefered singing pitch it should fix this problem, SYB is one to watch this year on the unsigned side of things. Listen to ‘Steve Rogers’ and ‘Excuse My Lack Of Moral Fibre.’

Check out SYB's facebook for more information and download the entire EP for free right HERE

Hope. Break. Legend.

If you are having a ruff day and need some fun loving northern Pop punk then look no further than Hope. Break. Legend. 


Coming from Preston the band is heavily influenced by American bands like Set Your Goals and Four Year Strong, but also UK bands like Me Vs Hero. There Debut EP is coming out soon and should be available at all the normal download outlets. 


'We gotta get of this Island Chuck' is streaming on there facebook page and if this is a teaser of what is too come then i'm looking forward to the full EP review. The track combines a very Four year Strong guitar feel with chorus your more likely to find in smaller pop punk outlets. Its nothing incredible different, which might restrict this band from being in HMV but not to put a downer on this bands music, I really liked the track and the gang vocals are a really good touch, with the guitar screaming in the background it gives it a very good live feel. Im looking forward to reviewing the bands EP and the teaser helps you get a feel of it. Yeah looking forward to it. 


All the normal things apply, Facebook them for more information and hear the track for yourself, Right HERE


Shout out to James cheers man for introducing me to this band. 

From Forests.

From Forests are a Guildford band that have made a complete turn musically and reinvented themselves. The band have introduced a new drummer to there ranks and have created this song, fresh faced and looking to impress. 

Conscious opens with a feel that is mastered by bands like Foals. Very mellow and inviting. The chords and melody is looking to move forward, and im glad that it does. Drums enter and bring with it the feel of the song, not a slow melodic track more a track that will be fast moving. Vocally the song does not disappoint. Haunting and chilling, singing about real life experiences is something that I really enjoy and hear it feels like we are being taken through the lead singers past. Feelings and problems. When the instrumental I hesitate to call it a chorus because there is no vocals or melody hooks, but the guitars really did give me goose bumps and if a song does that then im going to really enjoy it. The guitars work really well together, one almost soloing and the other keeping the melody running. Coming into the mid 8 the tempo drops right down and i get the sense that everything has been turned down until we have the band building up with the snare roll. Coming out into the last instrumental/solo/chorus 3.08 is when you can feel the goose bumps. The last 40 seconds are really epic in my opinion. The one thing I could offer as a suggestion is tighten up the ending of the song, It felt like a finger was dropped off and the finish was not as perfect as it could have been. 

Bar that I really loved this track. Considering that this is a reinvented band and this is there first recorded track with the new line up im really looking forward to an Ep or more singles to be released in the future from this band. Check out From Forests Facebook for any more information. 

Conscious - From Forests by From Forests

Brothers by Flexability

Hampshire quartet Flexability are here again with a new track, Brothers has been out for free download for just under a month now and if your a fan of Flexability you wont be disappointed. Its a simple rock song about having a good time, which is all music should be about. 

It seem that Flexability have gone back to there roots with two vocals contrasting very nicely. It adds depth to the music, two vocal styles hasn’t featured on many of Flexabilitys new material. Its really refreshing and I thought it worked really well. After a couple of listens you’ll have worked out the chorus and be singing along to yourself hoping know one is listening. The track has nothing fancy to offer, as I said its just a a rock song about having a good time. There is no crazy drum fills or over the top guitar solo, not that this is Flexability’s style but in previous songs I found myself asking ‘why put that synth swirl there?’. Another new thing of the band was this middle 8. Rather than going for a nice pop instrumental or a nice little synth feel we are thrown into am almost beat down feel. I really like the guitar line and I really liked this new approach from the band. Shows that they are credible writers and write what they like and enjoy. Last thing I want to mention about the music is the bassline. Jake’s bassline was key for me in this song, it hit you through the mix at the right times, again nothing over the top but not basic, it really did make the song for me. 

Brothers by Flexability

Flexability continue to rise up and gather more fans every day it seems. With songs getting progressively better and better its not long until you hear more about this band on a wider scale. 


Get to there facebook, website and myspace for more information on the band.

Wow this tune is pretty dam big and makes you wish you had written it. Big in the Game as some people may say. 





Listen to this and more over at Brother and Bones facebook page. 

Under Cover of Darkness

So yes the Strokes are back with a new song. We are all very excited about this song coming on there new album coming up this March. This is very exciting we can hear the typical Stokes vibe, the upbeat drums the punchy guitar lines and all that Jazz. But there some new things, the high pitched backing vocals and the out of key guitar lines. But not that that is a bad thing. The production is still the same and there still the same band with the same vibe. There excited to play there music and this makes me more excited to listen to the album. 


What you expecting from this album then? Big things I hope.   

Strokes Song first Air Play

Did Y'all hear that!

If you didn't then get on the hype machine, Stokes new single was played on Zane Lowe's show now more than 5 minutes ago and yeah it was really good. I don't know maybe im bias. But it was very fresh and since we haven't heard anything from the Strokes for a while now then its ok that they haven't changed there sound that much. Its a great where to return for them. We have really missed there unique groove because like Zane said 'No one has picked up that baton'.

HOW FUCKING EXCITED ARE WE!

New In Lieu tracks

Over at In Lieu's Soundcloud you can listen to some new tracks and remix's from Martin Ruffin himself. Get over sometime today and listen cause his skills are only getting better and better as time moves. 

Nylon Sky

Nylon Sky

Life will be the death of us all.

Nylon Sky is one of those band that ive been told to just get into over the past year and for some reason I didn’t. But there I stand in the Boileroom Guildford watching this band for the first time after never hearing there music being blown away with there sound, energy and all round stage presence. So naturally I got the album and thought I’d bring it over to the blog for you.

The album kicks of hard and doesn’t lay down until the last track. The live energy is put on tape and captured really well on the album. The band are a cross of rock and hip hop sounding very much like a British Rage. Although there subject material is wide nothing is left with out pure energy on the album, the guitars slam home with pulsing solos as on ‘You Pretend’ but also really relax you with the opening of ‘So Alive’. Drums are solid through out with some really nice licks and the groove is tight. Vocally Tony can hold a crowd in the palm of his hand and on the recored the vocal performance is really good, singing is good but the rapping is the main attraction, recorded with the live energy songs like ‘Beauty is A Monster’ and ‘Crack’ with its hard hitting real world lyrics, its music that can offend but thats great. To conclude I really liked the album it was an album that replicated there live show on a CD and was well produced. Its defiantly worth a buy not a download 100%

Stand out tracks.

Beauty Is A Monster

You Pretend

So Alive

Crack


Bellow is an acoustic version of Beauty is a Monster off the Album and its fantastic

Sofa Sessions: Nylon Sky - Beauty is a Monster by Sofa Session

Check out there Facebook or follow there official Twitter for more information and any News about there music. 

My most Anticipated albums of 2011

I know im a bit late on this list and yes I missed a great albums that have already came out, Smith Westerns and The Decemberists be two that would have featured on this list have it been written a few months ago. 


10. Aphex Twin (TBA), Now there has been talk on the internet about a new Aphex album ever since the last year when Warp Records celebrated its 20th year anniversary. He did show off a new song in France on a DJ set through Europe link HERE. Richard James hasn't how ever released an album under Aphex Twin since 2001. 


9. James Blake (7th Feb), he produced and released three different EP's in 2010 and still know one seems to have any idea which way this wizkid is going, Tipped highly by the BBC for massive success this year, if he combines all his influences from the three EP's his album should be exciting. 


8. Bright Eyes (Feb), Bright Eyes is getting less folk orientated and picking up more rock with this sci-fi inspired album 'The Peoples Key', we have already heard the single 'Shell Games' and its sounds good so far. 


7. Toro Y Moi (22nd Feb), From the two tracks we have heard it sounds like the 'Chillwave' feel has taken a back seat on this album, im very excited to hear what this album sounds like. There are some similar keys sounds and I would advise people who don't like Toro Y moi to listen. 


6. The Mars Volta (TBA), Another album that will most likely blow me away this year and probably sound nothing like the previous Mars Volta albums. With the introduction of there new drummer Omar Rodriugez Lopez im excited to hear what he can bring to there arsenal. All I can say is that its going to be very interesting.


5. The Strokes (22nd March), Its hard to believe that this band still exist. Yet it seems like there new album has been on the cards for two years now. Maybe its the overwhelming media pressure to make another album or maybe they have really just taken there time with the album, if its the latter then this album should be one of the best albums of 2011.  


4. Foo Fighters (12th April), its actually happening, a new Foo Fighters album will be realised this year. Hearing 10 seconds worth of un edited music all over the net and listening to interviews with Dave Grohl the album will have NO acoustic tracks and will sound more like older albums, now remember when Jimmy Eat World said this, that didnt turn out to well, but I hope this is the opposite. 


3. Death Cab For Cutie (TBA), By now Death Cab have there sound down, tight and well established. So announcing unto the world that there next album will be less guitar driven is very exciting to hear. It maybe easy to write this band off because of there success but Im sure Ben Gibbard will not only embrace this but also rise up to it and make the critics regret there decisions by this time next year. 


2. Fleet Foxes (TBA), Many album reviews and music big cheeses have played down that the next Fleet Foxes album will be worth our time and better than the bands debut album. But I really didn't enjoy the first album and after hearing the title track, helplessness blues im so excited to hear there album. Its one that I expect to be really good, to get this feeling for a band you didnt like form there title track of there second album is a rarity for me.  


1. Lower Than Atlantis (April), Being a fan of this band since Far Q ive very excited to hear what new direction or what there redefined sound has turned out to be. After listening to both the singles that have been streamed by the band 'Bleech Like A Tree' and '(Motor) Way of Life' im really hoping that they haven't lost the intercity that was captured on Far Q. Its an album that i'll be waiting for and really excited to hear and see how its portrayed live. 


There you go. These are my most anticipated albums to come this year and yes it is subject to change as the year rolls on. Like I said I have already missed some great albums that are already out. What albums are you looking forward to hearing this year?

Smith Westerns. Dye It Blonde.

Smith Westerns are from Chicago Illinois and there sophomore album Dye it Blonde was released on the 18th Jan 2011 follow up from self titled release in 09 these effectively college students (with the band members being aged between 18-20) have made a great album.

title track ‘weekend’ had a beach boy vibe going, huge chorus that got you singing along to the harmonies. ‘Imagine Pt3’ has a great guitar hook throughout the chorus and the vibe is really catchy. With the small yet effective synth swirls popping up through the mix and making you listen up. Songs that stand out are, 

Weekend

Imagine Pt3

Fallen In Love

End Of The Night.

at just under 36 minutes its not hard to keep listening to, its just really good. Sounding like it was produced on a very small budget and still making you congratulating the sound engineer as it sounds so full and mix is just perfect. This album is full of mid tempo ballads, sing along choruses, pounding piano and swooping organ. Its one to buy not download. Really enjoyed this album. 


The entire album is streaming on youtube and you can find out more about the band at there Facebook page.

Smith Westerns - Weekend

Jeye T. Think Oasis and Nirvava in a Scottish man.

So if Oasis went on a little holiday with Nirvana to Glasgow in Scotland you'd most likely get the sound of this man. Jeye T is currently signed to Gary Powell's new recored label 25hourconvienence. Sounding like Nirvana in there early days, Jeye T combines his accented vocals and lyric material to create some very unique songs, something that I wouldn't have expected from a singer song writer, his songs and body of work behind his music has been tipped to 'stand the test of time'. 

The song bellow Hysteria has that typical grunge vocal style, but also with a sound that he would rather be else where. Typical grunge/brit rock attitude. Unfortunately after the first verse and chorus you know where this track is going and it doesn't step up and out of the comfort zone, if people dig this then thats great I just wanted to hear what may have been if the bar of comfort was pushed. The single is up for free download on Jeye T's Facebook and you can find out more and keep up to date with Jeye T through his twitter.

Thought? Did you love it. Hate it. Whats your feeling on this track. 

hysteria by JEYE T

New Music.

Ive been busy this week so far got some new music discovered or told about so reviews will be coming thick and fast in the next couple of days. Ive got a yorkrshire math band, acoustic singer songwriter on Gary Powells label and a new track form Toro Y Moi. 


Good stuff. 

Bleech. That band from London

You know Bleech right. No. Well here is your chance. 


London based Bleech are a band that don't take shit, playing with real conviction and bringing a grunge sound back, on there new single 'Are You Listening' the guitars sound early 90's in essence. But its not as if this is a band trying to be Nirvana and Pearl Jam they have a punk edge to there sound. Big beats and fills. Bass that is right to the point and vocals from lead singer Jen that hypnotise you into listening. I advice you to get to one of there gigs soon and see for yourself. When they played Guildford true there wasn't as many people in the crowed as they may have want but that didn't stop Bleech playing like it was a sold out show. 


Get over to there socialnetwork sites here and here listen to there tracks. 

Friends In China Review.

A little interview with Guildford happy indie band Friends In China. Enjoy.


Hi Friends In China what you all about then?
Enjoyment, crowed enjoyment, and trying to get everyone to enjoy our music and the night, especially metal fans. The More the merrier


As a band then which bands or artists would you love to play with, if they let you?
Phoenix for sure, The Killers would be amazing, Mumford and Sons, that would be funny cause there all folk folky you know, and John Frusciante.


Ok so the burning question from me is how do you think you have progressed since the line up change?
We feel that our sound has got bigger for sure, adding Jude on guitar means me (Mattia) personally can concentrate on my vocals. We feel like its been an upgrade Friends In China 0.2. Also with Jack adding his twist to the bass lines already written by our old bass player its a fresh start, we are more motivated as a group and really up for it.


Any new material or news we should look out for in the next few months?
New EP will be recorded soon and then we are beginning to work on the album with Steve Byrd who was Kim Wild's guitarist and toured with the king of pop, a few video shoots curtsy of Rosinski film company and of course more naked ness, and an EXCLUSIVE for your blog we are busy planning a tour in Poland.


Any finally comments?
Jude- Im the man of the band.


More information of Friends In China hit up there facebook page and keep in touch and download two singles from there 'She told me I was Silly' EP HERE! Live review coming  later tonight.

Freinds In China?

Over on the tumblr page Ive posted the new track from Guildford funky indie love rockers Friends In China, its very much worth your time and I recommend you listen to it. link HERE!

Decemberists. The King is Dead. Folk-tastic

Ok Decemberists Portland's own Folk rock group. I really liked this album, I bought it just because I heard many people talking about it giving it a sort of ‘Mumford and Sons’ feel and stature. So I guessed if this is going to bring a rock vibe and a folk vibe together im up for that. 

 The Album opens with ‘Don’t Carry It All’ great Harmonic riff could you say or sound. But The I get the feeling that song didn’t go any where. I knew what was coming shall we say. I felt this with most of the songs on the LP, the verse’s where doing nothing for me. The chorus however are really well written, Great hooks and songwriting. Thats what you want from your chorus after all. I really liked ‘Rox In A Box’ huge Celtic feel to this song it chilled me how well this song sounded, by far one of the best songs on the album. All In all I think the songwriting is good but like I said, its already reached its peaked after 30 seconds. You know what is coming after those 30 seconds. But again another reason for not feeling the songs is that they all fit into a simple ‘pop’ structure. Not saying this is bad or not good I personally would have liked to see more abnormal forms especially in this type of music.  But saying that I really enjoyed the January and June Hymns, which fit right into that ‘pop’ form. listen to them even if your not into this band, just really beautiful songs. 

All in all though I did enjoy the album, it was easy to listen to and enjoyable, so it ticked those boxes. Currently number one on the US billboard chart so god times. Rating wise its most defiantly worth the £7 $12 you’ll pay for it. Its a buyer for sure.