Live Review: The Lumineers, Albert Hall Manchester, 19th April 2016

/ James Fenney

L1

With Mumford & Sons going electric, The Lumineers have wasted no time in snatching up the folk rock crown. With their latest album Cleopatra topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic the band are sitting pretty atop their new and duly deserved throne. They have come a long way since their massive hit ‘Ho Hey’ and their rapid rise shows no sign of slowing. But topping the charts is one thing, taking that album out on the road is another. I caught them at Manchester’s Albert Hall to experience the rustic warmth of their inviting Americana first-hand. Continue reading →

Spotlight!: Lánre

/ James Fenney

Lanre

“We’re all broken so that light can come in”. That attention grabbing line from ‘Human’ sums up the underlying message behind Lánre’s music. She is an artist that preaches strength of spirit and the importance of staying true to yourself. Born in Stoke-On-Trent and raised in Nigeria, she has fused together a range of styles. Well versed in soul and folk, and mixing in the storytelling and vibrancy of her Yoruba heritage, she has created a multifaceted marvel that is deeply dramatic and full of life. Like a hymn for humanity that anyone and everyone can connect with. ‘Fire’ adds some striking hints of violin alongside more traditional instruments and the delightfully tranquil ‘My Soul’ shows off Lánre’s soothing vocals. She is a unique artist and her incredible style and individuality really shines through in her music.

Lánre’s ‘Human’ EP is out April 29th and is the perfect spring soundtrack.

 

Axl Rose to front AC/DC

/ James Fenney

ACDC-GNR

Following the news that AC/DC have had to postpone their ‘Rock or Bust’ world tour as Brian Johnson was at risk of complete hearing loss, the band have decided to continue with a guest vocalist. The band have issued a statement confirming rumours that they will be joined by Axl Rose, who will perform the postponed tour dates before returning to Guns N’ Roses. Many fans have been sceptical as to whether the pairing would work, but with Angus Young joining Guns N’ Roses at Coachella for a brilliant performance of ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ I think they have laid many fears to rest.

The best festival since Woodstock?

/ James Fenney

goldenvoice

Goldenvoice, the company behind Coachella festival, have revealed plans to hold another festival on the same site on October 7-9th. Although talks are still in progress, the festival is planning to host The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan on the first night, Paul McCartney and Neil Young the second night, and The Who and Roger Waters to bring the weekend to a close. The headliners are going to be paid $7 million each for their sets. Plans are still being finalised with an official announcement expected within a few weeks. Needless to say it will be a once in a lifetime experience.

Led Zeppelin sued over Stairway To Heaven

/ James Fenney

stairway to heaven

Back making headlines the claim that Led Zeppelin’s magnum opus ‘Stairway To Heaven’ was stolen from the track ‘Taurus’ by Spirit, has been taken to court. A trial is scheduled for 10th May for supposed copyright infringement. The whole debacle is an absolute farce; the family of the deceased Spirit guitarist Randy California have decided to sue over 40 years since the song’s release, despite the fact that Randy himself never sought legal action. The two songs have nothing in common besides a very basic chord progression at the very beginning, something that occurs in innumerable songs. Any court with any sense should realise that the claim is a load of rubbish.

TV Talent: Time to call it a day?

/ James Fenney

x factor

The latest series of The Voice has come to a close, Britain’s Got Talent has invaded our screens once again and we are still constantly bombarded with constant updates on the X Factor despite it’s ever dwindling viewing figures. TV Talent shows have become a big part of popular culture, for better or for worse. However all of these shows have been struggling the past few years to gather public interest and have been trying anything they can to keep the spirit alive. Is it too little too late to try and save them and should we try and hasten their end instead? Continue reading →

Spotlight!: Isaac Gracie

/ James Fenney

isaac gracie

From the moment that his song ‘Last Words’ appeared on SoundCloud, this young singer-songwriter had the music world begging for more. His music lives in a world of contradictions. His voice is both light and uplifting, and gruff and gritty, like an angel that’s halfway through a bottle of whisky. His music simply screams textbook nineties, from the obvious comparisons with Jeff Buckley to the fact that the artwork for his EP looks suspiciously like Daydream Nation… and yet, Isaac’s music feels new and inviting; a much needed pause for contemplation in today’s hectic world. Enthralling tracks such as ‘Terrified’ and ‘We’re So Very Lost’, with their simple arrangements and even simpler production, make you fall in love with them almost instinctively. He makes you sit up and pay attention as though the fragile moment will otherwise simply disappear. This is something special.

Isaac’s debut EP Songs From My Bedroom is out now and is a must for fans of Jeff Buckley, Keaton Henson and Ryan Adams.