The Culture in Memoriam – History’s Dust
Art Rock | Baroque Pop | Garage Rock
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music
ABBA reunite for first performance in 30 years
The four members of ABBA, Agnetha Falkstog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstadon, performed live together for the first time in over 30 years. The impromptu rendition of their 1980 hit ‘Me and I’ took place at a private gala celebrating the group’s 50th anniversary. Following their refusal to perform together for their 2010 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame many fans believed that the four of them would never perform together again. Footage of the performance hasn’t yet surfaced.
Top Tracks: Nicky Davey – Oxygen
Soulful duo Nick Green and Dave Rosser have certainly made a good first impression with the lead single from their upcoming debut album XXX. The slow and sensual R&B of ‘Oxygen’ has an irresistible appeal. The silky smooth soul and the layered electronics come together to create something both soothing and passionate. Depending on your mood it works perfectly as both ambient easy listening and for something a bit more hot-blooded and impassioned. These L.A. lads have a track that is immaculately produced and have emerged into the limelight with a hit in the making. If it’s single is anything to go by then this double act’s debut is definitely something to look forward to.
Album Review: Fear of Men – Fall Forever
Fear of Men – Fall ForeverSurfer Blood guitarist Thomas Fekete passes away
Thomas Fekete, co-founder of American indie rock band Surfer Blood, is sadly the latest name added to 2016’s ever growing list of departed musicians. Fekete passed away after a year long battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He was aged just 27, and was the second addition to the infamous ’27 club’ this year following the tragic Viola Beach crash in February. Fekete remained in high spirits despite surgeries and chemotherapy, and even carried on making music with the proceeds going towards medical expenses. He lead a promising career which was cut short far too soon, and he will be dearly missed by friends, family and fans alike.
London’s new immersive music experience
Trespass (in association with Mahogany) was conceived by Lowri Gerrard of Universal Music, Ben Spetsiotis of IAM New Music and Joshua Sanger of Barn On The Farm Festival fame as a kind of music equivalent to secret cinema. Fans were treated to 4 unique and intimate performances from secret acts at a secret location over the course of the May bank holiday weekend. The acts (which turned out to be Amber Run, Martin Luke Brown, Lyra and Prose) performed sets in specially customised rooms designed to provide an interactive experience for fans as though they were part of a music video. The whole concept is captivatingly unique and the secrecy and intimacy imparticular have caught the public’s interest. It will certainly be interesting to see how the event grows and develops in the future.
Spotlight!: Black Honey
This Brighton based band started life as the city’s best kept secret, but they are certainly starting to make waves. Fusing the crisp pop melodies of frontwoman Izzy Baxter with rich and expansive soundscapes, the band are on to a winning combination. The mix of the familiar and the experimental has made them one of the hottest new acts in the British indie scene. ‘Headspin’ features wandering yet purposeful bass lines, more reverb than you can shake a stick at and pure angelic vocals, whilst ‘Spinning Wheel’ has a classic surfer rock vibe that simply screams 60s California sound. Their finely crafted dream pop is set to wow festival audiences across the country this summer and the music world is waiting with baited breath for the band’s hotly anticipated debut.
Fans of Sunflower Bean, Wolf Alice, Tame Impala and Halsey should check out their Headspin EP out now.
Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2016
Now in it’s thirteenth year, the BBC’s very own music festival this year took to Powderham Castle in Exeter to showcase the best of British as well as some of the hottest acts from across the globe. Joining the headliners Mumford & Sons and Coldplay were a few Belwood favourites including Catfish & the Bottlemen, Jack Garratt and reigning best band Wolf Alice. The weekend also included a dazzling set from aussie psychedelics Tame Impala, new music from indie folk hero Jake Bugg and a blistering performance from Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro. Naturally there a always a few questionable acts, and the “In new music we trust” stage consisted almost entirely of established artists, but overall the weekend was a rousing success. Full performances from across the weekend are available on iplayer.
Album Review: Band of Skulls – By Default
Band of Skulls – By DefaultFestival survival and etiquette guide
Summer is rapidly approaching, and if you want to make the most of it then any self respecting music lover will surely want to head to a festival. They are a longstanding tradition and with new festivals popping up all the time it’s no problem at all to find the perfect one for you! But this is no ordinary concert, there is so much more going on, and as such takes a greater level of preparation. If you make sure to come prepared then you’re in for one fantastic weekend, if not… well, we’ve all heard plenty of horror stories! Here’s a few top tips to remember. Continue reading
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