The Bataclan concert hall in Paris has reopened it’s doors on the eve of the first anniversary of the terror attack that claimed 90 innocent lives. Sting performed a charity set in remembrance of those that died, with the night’s proceeds going towards charities that benefit the victims and their families. There have been reports that Jesse Hughes, frontman of Eagles of Death Metal who performed at the venue on the night of the attack, was denied entry. This is due to the controversial claims he made about the security staff being involved in co-ordinating the attack.
Live Review: Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, O2 Academy Leeds, 10th Nov 2016
When Colorado based singer/songwriter Nathaniel Rateliff made the bold move to hang up his life as a folk troubadour and instead decided to forge a new path in the form of old school rhythm & blues, I doubt he saw the success waiting for him on the horizon. With his eponymous debut album with his new backing band The Night Sweats he became one of the biggest breakthrough acts of 2015. With his infectiously fun and soulful performances he has been wowing audiences at some of the biggest festivals, appearing on some of the most popular tv shows and winning fans on both sides of the Atlantic. I caught him at the O2 Academy to see the main man in action. Continue reading
Leonard Cohen passes away
As if we haven’t lost enough amazing people this year it seems that 2016 has at least one more soul to take. Folk legend Leonard Cohen has passed away aged 82. Widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, known for his dark tones, unique humour and haunting lyrics. He has left behind an immortal body of work including such songs as ‘Suzanne’, ‘Bird on the Wire’, ‘Everybody Knows’ and most notably ‘Hallelujah’ which reached a wider audience due to Jeff Buckley’s famous cover version. His death follows just weeks after the release of his 14th studio album You Want It Darker, which received universal critical acclaim and will be remembered as his final swansong. An unparalleled artist whose influence is too expansive and densely knit to ever fully unravel, his loss comes as a keen blow to many music lovers across the globe.
Album Review: Honeyblood -Babes Never Die
Honeyblood – Babes Never DieTop Tracks: Thom Hell – 1985
The critically acclaimed Norwegian singer/songwriter has returned with the latest single from his upcoming album Happy Rabbit out 16th December. From it’s simple bass driven intro ‘1985’ soon builds into a glorious track reminiscent of the heyday of 60s and 70s pop. It’s sweet melodies and heady guitar tones make for one uplifting listen. The latter half of the song in particular is simply divine and occasionally has hints of Belwood favourites Holy Holy. From it’s dark beginnings ‘1985’ soon blooms into vibrant new life, like the first flowers emerging from the thaw. With songs like this at his disposal it’s no surprise that he is one of Norway’s most established writers and producers. If his new album has more of the same to offer then I can imagine his fanbase is all set to grow.
Spotlight!: King Cole
From the opening few bars of ‘Trouble’ it seems clear that the debut release from King Cole is nothing short of bliss incarnate. The gorgeous vibe that opens the Cold Blue EP seems all the more poignant when you discover that it was woven from a place of heartbreak and suffering, and it is soon tinged with a hint of bittersweet. The darker side of their music is most striking in the throes of ‘Friend Song’ which sits on the opposite end of the spectrum and evokes a keen sense of isolation. This breath-takingly evocative new Americana project is the labour of love of frontman Jacob Cole. Ranging from splendid psychedelica to soundtrack a hazy midwinter morning, to delicate folk so raw and personal it must be played on his own heartstrings, the whole release is permeated with a feeling that Jacob gives a piece of his soul to every song he creates. It defies logic that music so airy and fragile can be so powerful, as though moving a mountain with a gentle breeze. California’s King Cole can make all seem right with the world or bring a tear to your eye depending on whatever mood takes them.
Fans of Keaton Henson, Gavin James and the lighter side of Ryan Adams and The War On Drugs should check out their debut EP Cold Blue.
Album Review: Celeb Car Crash – People Are the Best Show
Celeb Car Crash – People Are the Best Show
Alternative Rock | Hard Rock | Heavy Metal
71%
Download 2017 headliners announced
Download Festival has announced all three of it’s headliners for next summer’s festival. System of a Down will play their third headline appearance on the Friday, Biffy Clyro will headline the festival for the first time on the Saturday in support of their new album Ellipsis and Aerosmith will make their only UK appearance of 2017 as they bring proceedings to a close on the Sunday. The festival will take place on the 9th-11th June at Donington Park, with the remainder of the line-up still yet to be revealed.
Top Tracks: whenyoung – Actor
The new single from this Irish trio is a massive hit just waiting to happen. ‘Actor’ is up there with the best of the likes of Honeyblood, Sunflower Bean and Wolf Alice. Bristling with energy, with a fair deal of fuzz and a driving rhythm it certainly ticks all the right boxes. The bright vocal melodies carry an air of innocence and the big hooks are simply brimming with youthful exuberance. This is no mindless single however, it carries a deeper message. As frontwoman Aoife Power puts it the song “is about contorting your character to fit into a disfigured view of the perfect self in order to belong”. Had this track dropped earlier in the year and had chance to grow and weave it’s magic round my mind it would have been up there with the best songs of the year. If the band have more music like this to offer then they’ll be topping ‘best of the year’ lists in no time.
Soft Ledges – Soft Ledges
Belwood Music 