There are many artists who can deservedly be called legends, but if we were to look back through modern music history and pick out the most important and influential figure of all time, surely there is only one answer. Chuck Berry pioneered rock and roll; he took the old school rhythm and blues, injected it with a rebellious energy that was unique for the time, and changed music forever. With tracks such as ‘Johnny B Goode’ and ‘Roll Over Beethoven’, and his wild stage antics, he influenced everyone from Elvis and The Beach Boys, to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The sheer volume of music that can trace its lineage directly back to him is simply unfathomable. This revolutionary music icon passed away aged 90, but so long as people exist and make music his legacy will carry on.
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Top Tracks: Trapdoor Social – Winning As Truth
There are few bands that are up to the high standard of this LA group when it comes to being good role models. Almost every step of their career thus far has seen them helping out numerous good causes, including local charities and campaigning for green energy. As if all that wasn’t enough, they’ve also come out with a brilliant new single. ‘Winning As Truth’, taken from their eponymous debut, hits out at those that claw their way to the top at any cost, and how in the end they wind up losing more than they gain in terms of admiration and respect. The track’s time-hopping music video features some superb imagery and storytelling, the subtleties of which you could spend months decoding. These guys seem too good to be true; if there’s a catch I sure as hell haven’t found it.
Top Tracks: No Vacation – Mind Fields
A year after their break-up, San Francisco dream pop band No Vacation are back with a brand new track. ‘Mind Fields’ is a bright and airy belter that boasts a spellbinding soundscape and a real attention grabbing bass interlude. Though it was penned as an ode to break-ups, this wistful track is teeming with optimism as it looks towards the future. This song is a single ray of sun piercing through the haze, illuminating the last glistening thread of positivity to guide the way through the darkest times of a break-up. With its catchy hooks and comforting atmosphere it’s the kind of track that will keep you coming back for more. This kind of gorgeous dream pop is making a real comeback as of late and ‘Mind Fields’ is up there with the best that you’re likely to hear.
Ed Sheeran to headline Glastonbury 2017
In a move that has surprised literally no one, Ed Sheeran has been revealed as this year’s third and final Glastonbury headliner. Given the year that he’s had thus far I’d say being top of the bill at the Pyramid stage is more than justified. His third album Divide has been breaking numerous records, becoming one of the fastest selling albums ever and completely taking over the UK charts with all 16 tracks in the top 20, in an unprecedented event that has called for changes in the role of streaming services’ contributions to the charts. Sheeran will close the festival on the Sunday, following fellow headliners Radiohead and Foo Fighters.
Interview: Charly Coombes
Photo by Rayana Macedo
Formerly of 22-20s and brother of Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, multi-instrumental singer/songwriter Charly Coombes has a wealth of musical knowledge and experience at his fingertips. With two solo albums already to his name, the folk rock of No Shelter and the interstellar soundscapes of Black Moon, his upcoming third album RUN sees him now exploring 80s synth vibes with new-found drive and confidence. I had a chat with Charly about the new record ahead of its release: Continue reading
Album Review: Hajk – Hajk
Hajk – HajkAlbum Review: Happyness – Write In
Happyness – Write InTop Tracks: Charly Coombes – SPX
Singer/songwriter and filmmaker Charly Coombes is back with the latest single from his upcoming third album. Formerly of the 22-20’s, and brother of Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, his new track ‘SPX’ follows a synth driven retro 80s sound, but maintaining some of the space age vibes of his 2015 album Black Moon, like music from some alternate future. If you’re looking for the musical lovechild of indie rock and the Stranger Things soundtrack then your prayers are answered! The bare bones video for the single, directed by Charly himself, focuses on the live performance of the track and the passion of the musicians all working together. Taken from his new album RUN, out 24th March, ‘SPX’ is perfect for fans of Mystery Jets, Gunship, LANY and Børns, with its warm and inviting soundscape of cascading electronica.
Top Tracks: Young Earth – Got A Secret
Dublin based band Young Earth are on to a winner with their first new song of the year. ‘Got A Secret’ is a pure-bred indie rock banger, the perfect crowd-pleaser for festivals and clubs alike with its catchy hooks and superb spiralling riffs. It’s one of a dying breed of the iconic noughties sound of bands like Franz Ferdinand and Modest Mouse, a reminder of a time when indie ruled the world. Whether you want upbeat and carefree vibes or heavy, adrenaline fueled overdrive, this track is a must for your latest playlist. Even at this early stage of their career they are very much on their way to being the best Irish band on the indie scene. Young Earth may have a secret, but it’s plain for all to see that the ingredients are all here for something special.
Spotlight!: Tom Lumley
Treading the line between the bright, upbeat melodies of indie rock, and the dark, determined vigour of alternative rock, we find Cambridgeshire based singer/songwriter Tom Lumley. With his debut EP he has carved out his own place, and is set to make his presence known in this hectic and overcrowded scene with his latest tracks. ‘Running From Our Lives’ builds from bluesy beginnings, into the kind of vivid melodies, driving rhythms and frantic solos that put bands like Holy Holy on our radar. ‘Tonight’ has the ideal riffs to get your blood pumping, the jaunty ‘Done My Time’ plays around with a laidback, summery vibe and ‘Open Your Eyes’ features some of the finest guitar work to be found anywhere in the UK’s indie scene right now. Tom still has a way to go, but these tracks still make a damn good first impression. In Tom Lumley we find an artist with a wealth of talent just awaiting that spark, that secret ingredient that will give him the edge and make as many people as possible sit up and pay attention. We have here a real diamond in the rough, and I for one can’t wait to see him shine.
Tom Lumley’s debut EP Dream City is out 6th April, and is ideal for fans of Catfish and the Bottlemen, Spring King, Sundara Karma and The Gaslight Anthem.
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