Alt-UK

Music, Film, and Gaming

Archives for April 30, 2007

Silicon Vultures – S/T EP

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Having formed in 2006, the band played a handful of shows and then were signed up by the Captains of Industry label. In January the band released the download only single ‘Sour Tits’ and are now back with a 7” EP, strictly limited to 1000 copies (500 pink, 500 black). The Silicon Vultures EP is an interesting 5 track of synth-punk, an enjoyable blast of fast and fun music. Although the lead track here is apparently ‘Howling Stallion Teenfeast’, in truth the EP could have been lead by any of the first 4 tracks on display here.

When I first put this CD in, what came out was a bit of a shock to the system and it took me a while to adjust to the music the band were playing – it was far from what I expected, but believe me this is no bad thing. Silicon Vultures are fresh and exciting, launching through the 5 tracks here with great enthusiasm and diligence. As I have already stated – any of the first 4 tracks here could lead this EP and the only reason the fifth couldn’t really is due to it’s short length and quietness of recording, however for me it is ‘Heaven For The Vampire Set’ that really stood out here. Driven by an exciting drum machine back beat and eerie synth sound, the vocals leap through on this one once kicking in one minute into the track, really making this one stand out. You know that something is about to explode for the first minute of the track, however are never quite sure when exactly it’s going to happen – but when it comes the vocals bite through brilliantly and make this one to remember.

Silicon Vultures are most definitely a band to look out for on the live circuit, they have a strong sound and there is definitely something appealing about them. Although not going to be to everyone’s taste, the band are doing something a bit different to the norm here and personally I love what they have done with this EP. It is clear that the band are proud of what they are doing, and are making music because they truly believe in what they are playing and genuinely enjoy it.

Label: Captains Of Industry
Release Date: 30th April 2007

Rating:
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The Maccabees – Precious Time

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Brighton based The Maccabees are one of the many current Indie bands making a name for themselves in the UK scene, gigging aplenty and just generally spreading the word about their upbeat and enthusiastic band everywhere that they go. It’s hard to pin down the sound of this band by making comparisons and allusions to other bands, however what I will say about The Maccabees is that they are an excitable Indie band with a clear accent in their vocals. ‘Precious Time’ is a strong single which is infectiously catchy and bound to get stuck in the head of many. Whatever your feelings about the UK Indie scene and the vast number of bands that have arisen out of it over the last few years; there is no denying that The Maccabees are one of the catchiest bands to emerge, and ‘Precious Time’ is destined to be played repeatedly at Indie clubs across the country throughout the coming months. ‘Precious Time’ is an Indie Summer anthem with a feel good factor about it that will go down a treat with fans of the scene.

Label: Polydor
Release Date: 30th April 2007

Rating:
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Brand New – Jesus

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Unlike some, I am not of the belief that Jesse Lacey is one of the greatest lyricists of our time. A competent lyricist he may be, but definitely not a great. When he wrote the lyrics for ‘The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me’ it is clear that he was going through a tough time in himself, a time of personal transition and great questioning and this really comes through in single ‘Jesus’. As you can probably guess from the title of the track; ‘Jesus’ is deeply rooted in religion and is full of religious metaphors throughout. It is key to listen to this track with an open mind, take in what Jesse Lacey says and try not to dissect it too much based on personal religious beliefs and perceptions. For what it is – ‘Jesus’ is a competent offering, a mid-paced rock track with Jesse Lacey’s vocals at the forefront and a pacing back beat of guitar riff and drum beat taking us through the track. In all truth, the more I’ve listened to this track over the months – the more the musical back beat grates on me, however there is no denying that the lyrics are well written here and this is a well chosen single I feel as it presents to the listener a heartfelt offering where it’s clear that Lacey has put his all in.

Label: Interscope
Release Date: 30th April 2007

Rating:
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Bowling For Soup – London Bridge

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I have always been a great admirer of Bowling For Soup as they never take themselves too seriously and in my opinion have always written terrificly fun Pop Punk anthems. This track however is a bit different as it is a cover of Fergie’s 2006 hit single ‘London Bridge’, and sadly lacks their usual flare. Given that this is a cover, there is no trace of the usual infectious chorus that the band have to offer and the track is altogether just a general mess. It’s a cross of Hip Hop and Rock and for me it just doesn’t work on any level. Obviously intended as a novelty single and released as a download only single, the problem with this cover is that if it was meant to be funny then it’s not, and if it was meant to be enjoyable on any level then once again it is not. Apparently having originally been recorded for Yahoo Music, this track was so popular with fans of the band that they decided to release this as an exclusive iTunes single. All I can say of the matter here is; the track is far from popular with me and if I never hear it again it’ll be too soon.

Label: A&G Records
Release Date: 30th April 2007

Rating:
Review Star