Ahead of the release of their eponymous debut EP on 29th July, Dundee based band SAHARA have delivered a top class hit single to lure in prospective new fans. Boasting some Johnny Marr-esque guitar work, it ranks amongst the best and most upbeat indie releases of the year and is sure to appeal to fans of Peace, Vampire Weekend and Two Door Cinema Club. Beneath it’s exterior awash with pop mentality beats a jangly yet intricate instrumental heart with some bright vocals to boot. Already one of Scotland most exciting new bands their influence and fanbase are all set to expand and I can see a long career ahead of them.
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Spotlight!: Hannah Grace
Hailing from Bridgend in South Wales, Hannah Grace boasts one of the most beautiful and versatile voices around. Rightly championed by fellow singer/songwriter Gabrielle Aplin, and having supported Hozier on his European tour, Hannah is quickly making a name for herself as one of the best new singers in the business. With the mellow flowing melodies of tracks such as ‘Chasing Butterflies’ to the gutsy blues of ‘Mustang’ she consistently delivers a resplendent vocal performance, channelling everyone from Carole King to Janis Joplin. Having been a regular on the festival circuit for a few years now she has gathered a fiercely loyal fanbase that is rapidly expanding. Just a short while listening to the honeyed heartfelt beauty of her vocals will leave you thinking that here is one immensely talented artist that seems destined for success.
Hannah’s latest EP Mustang is out 15th July and is a must for fans of Gabrielle Aplin, Rhodes and Birdy.
Album Review: Biffy Clyro – Ellipsis
Biffy Clyro – EllipsisAlbums aren’t dead!
Modern music media is quick to write off albums as a thing of the past, pointing at dwindling sales figures as a sign that the end is nigh. Industry moguls can often be found lamenting over the apparently fickle nature of modern consumers and the fact that people these days simply can’t be bothered to sit through an entire album. To paraphrase Mark Twain: the reports of their death have been greatly exaggerated, and I for one am fed up of this bleak and out of touch outlook. The truth is albums have more power now than they have done in a long time, you just need to know where to look. Continue reading
David Gilmour returns to Pompeii
Source: Sarah M Lee via Instagram
Pink Floyd legend David Gilmour has returned to the ruins of Pompeii to play two shows as part of his world tour. In 1972 Pink Floyd recorded their cult concert film of the band playing to an empty amphitheatre in amongst the roman ruins, now over 40 years on Gilmour is returning to perform there in front of an audience making it technically the first ever rock concert in the city. He performed his solo material alongside reworkings of Pink Floyd classics. However ‘Echoes’, a track that was the cornerstone of the original Live at Pompeii, was notably absent from the setlist, apparently due to the fact that it was too difficult to perform without the contributions of the late Rick Wright.
Album Review: Player Piano – Radio Love
Player Piano – Radio LoveSpotlight!: Laura Roy
From humble yet determined origins selling her music out of her backpack during lunch breaks at school, this Canadian singer/songwriter is set to make her mark on the world. Having learnt from some of the best writers and producers around she is already adept at crafting intoxicating pop hits. Tracks such as ‘Bright Lights’, ‘Full Moon’ and ‘Plastic’ blend together slick and refined electropop with smooth and engaging R&B to create a divine mix that swirls round your mind for days on end. Laura’s music has all the catchy hooks you’d expect from a chart topping hit but with a great deal more heart and artistry. It’s rare to find such shamelessly infectious pop with real soul and meaning behind it, yet here we find a rising young star making pop music that matters.
Fans of Chvrches, Oh Wonder and M83 should check out her eponymous debut EP
Live Review: Barn on the Farm Festival 2016
For one brief golden weekend this gorgeous little patch of English countryside undoubtedly holds the title of the happiest place on Earth. As well as having built a reputation as one of the keenest eyes for new rising talent, Barn on the Farm above all else boasts an inescapable atmosphere of joy and togetherness. With so much in it’s favour it’s little wonder that I, along with the rest of the ever-growing Farm family, eagerly made my way back to my spiritual home for another year of incredible music and priceless memories. Continue reading
Must Own Albums: Modern Marvels part 2
The National – Boxer
Brimming with dark melancholy, but also with a an inescapable air of worldly wisdom, it’s hard not to be moved by The National. Boxer is the perfect album for contemplation and escapism, for times when you feel disillusioned with the whole of life and humanity and you need something to cling onto to stop you from drifting away into the abyss. When all else fails this album brings comfort.
Bon Iver – Bon Iver
Before you have even listened to this album, one look at what is possibly the most beautiful album artwork ever designed should tell you that this is something special. The band have grown from the folk origins of their debut For Emma, Forever Ago and have expanded into a grand yet delicate baroque pop soundscape. A thoroughly enrapturing listen from start to finish.
Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker
Following the collapse of his band Whiskeytown, Adams went on to create his first solo album. The raw honesty of his lyrics and the passion of their delivery led to a prolific career and Whiskeytown was soon forgotten. The intense beauty of songs like ‘Oh My Sweet Carolina’ and ‘Come Pick Me Up’ have resulted in them becoming some of his most well loved hits.
Tame Impala – Lonerism
With the release of their second album Tame Impala proved themselves to be Australia’s greatest creative force. The mesmerising psychedelica of tracks such as ‘Elephant’ and ‘Feels Like We Only Go Backwards’ hark back to the heady hey day of the late 60s, and yet it feels so refreshingly modern like a vision of an alternate musical future. Indulgent, lavish and expansive it feels like a whole new world waiting to be discovered.
Apple patents technology to disable cameras
A patent has recently been granted to Apple for new technology that allows iPhones to have their cameras disabled via infrared sensors. The action has been taken in an effort to stop concert goers taking photos and videos. Although some people are in favour of curbing the use of phones at concerts, the general consensus is that it is a heavy-handed approach and even that it is breach of the public’s rights. There is plenty of antisocial behaviour at concerts of which use of phones is one of least irritating. There are also fears about the possible misuse of the new technology as a form of censorship, such as during protests.
Belwood Music 