Song. Bond Song.

/ James Fenney

Daniel Craig - New James Bond movie Casino Royale

Despite it’s mixed reception, Sam Smith’s ‘Writing’s on the Wall’, the theme for the latest James Bond Film Spectre, has made history by becoming the first Bond theme to reach number 1 in the charts. The prestigious honour of performing a track for a Bond film isn’t given to just anyone, but the end results have always been a bit hit-and-miss even with the big name stars. So who would be best suited then to perform the song for the next instalment? Who can match Smith’s chart success and yet find the universal acclaim that ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ has been missing? Continue reading →

Spotlight!: Afterwards

/ James Fenney

Afterwards

Britain and America have one almighty monopoly when it comes to modern music, hence why it’s surprising and refreshing when a great band pops up elsewhere in the world. Italian Indie band Afterwards are a perfect example. Their music creates an intricate and beautiful world of sound. The bright crisp guitars and drum flourishes that you’d expect from a top class indie band are present in spades, but they are much more than that. ‘Something New’ adds to the already complex soundscape with some 80s style synths and ‘Gloom’ features some fierce guitar work that wouldn’t sound out of place on an Iron Maiden album. The lyrics are deep and relateable and for a small band from just outside Venice, the vocals are to such a standard that they sound like they’ve been living in the UK for years. Any major label with any sense in their heads should snap them up in a heartbeat.

Their second EP ‘Rage‘ is out now and is a must for fans of Foals, Peace and all things Indie.

Sam Smith performs new Bond theme

/ James Fenney

sam-smith-spectre

Rising star Sam Smith has been revealed as the performer of the theme for the latest James Bond instalment Spectre. The track ‘Writing’s On The Wall’ marks the first time in 50 years that a bond theme has been performed by a British male solo artist. The song has not been well received, especially in comparison with Adele’s ‘Skyfall’. Spectre premieres on 26th October and is Daniel Craig’s forth film as agent 007.

Spotlight!: Samm Henshaw

/ James Fenney

samm henshaw

This soulful songsmith from London is set to take the world by storm. He draws inspiration from the golden age of soul and blues and gives it a new lease of life. Tracks such as ‘Only Wanna Be With You’ showcase his fun-loving side, ‘Autonomy (Slave) and ‘Everything’ carry a deeper message and are fine examples of his exemplary songwriting, whereas the raw, stripped back blues of ‘Redemption’ puts his powerful vocals in the forefront in a stirring yet vulnerable performance. Samm has surrounded himself with a formidable backing band of top class musicians and as far as live performances go he is a consummate showman. He knows how to write a hit and with his talent, style and charisma it’s only a matter of time before he makes it big.

Samm’s debut EP ‘The Sound Experiment’ is out now

Live Review: Wolf Alice, The Plug Sheffield, 22nd Sept 2015

/ James Fenney

WA1

Everyone needs something new and exciting in their life once in a while. The most new and exciting act in music this year has undoubtedly been Wolf Alice. They took their time to create an exemplary debut which is proving to be one of the finest albums of the year. It’s incredibly diverse and well crafted, and having wowed crowds at Glastonbury and Reading they’re also one of the top live acts in the country. So naturally it was worth the journey to go and see them up close and personal. Continue reading →

Spotlight!: Coates

/ James Fenney

Coates

West London singer/songwriter Oliver Coates is off to a stunning start with his debut EP. Inspired by the best that Britpop has to offer and raised on the lyrical commentaries of Morrissey and Bob Dylan, Coates has created a wry observation of the darker side of life in modern Britain and blended it with bright Indie melodies and infectious choruses. He’s created his own unique sound, like the dry wit of Jarvis Cocker set to a warm acoustic backdrop, that grows on you with each listen. His upbeat yet gritty satirical songwriting is a must for fans of Jamie T, Frank Turner and Jake Bugg.

Coates‘ debut EP ‘Vol.1’ is released on the 25th September and is well worth a listen.

NME to become free magazine

/ James Fenney

nme-logo

Due to dwindling sales NME will drop it’s £2.50 price tag and will instead be reformatted as a free magazine. The publication, first printed in 1952 as the New Musical Express, has been steadily declining in popularity since 2003 and it is hoped that this last ditch effort will help rejuvenate the company. The main issue now is the change in distribution. Rather than being available in every newsagents and supermarket, copies of the new NME will instead be available from certain train stations, universities, music venues and HMV and Topman stores. This has resulted in some sizable gaps in distribution across the country which are in serious need of addressing.