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James Morrison – One Last Chance

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One year on from the release of album ‘Undiscovered’, James Morrison is to release the fifth single. ‘One Last Chance’ is a download only single and rounds the year off nicely in which he won a Brit Award for best male, sold over a million albums in the UK alone, and played a total of four sold out UK tours. Although not his best, there is something oddly charming about this one making it a pleasant and pleasurable listening experience. Not the instant classic ‘You Give Me Something’ was, but still a fine effort from the young singer songwriter. Given that this is the fifth single to be taken from the album and is only being released as a download single, I thought this would be a vastly inferior single in terms of quality to what has come beforehand, however I was to be proven wrong when I listened to this one. Although not everyone will appreciate it, there is definitely something appealing about James Morrison and he fully deserves the year that he has had and his status as the biggest selling male solo artist of 2006.

Label: Polydor
Release Date: 2nd July 2007

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The Disappointments – Reasons To Revolt

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At just 17 years old, The Disappointments are creating music with political intelligence beyond their years would suggest. Their ‘Reasons To Revolt’ mini album demonstrates influences from prominent American Punk bands such as Rancid, Comeback Kid, and A Wilhelm Scream, as well as a clear influence from recent British talent along the lines of Capdown and Five Knuckle. Basically put, The Disappointments play fast and furious Punk Rock with all songs here clocking in at under 3 minutes.

‘Reasons To Revolt’ kicks off powerfully with a minute long title track of pure power. From here the band blast through another 12 minutes of great British punk rock music in a mini-album where there is never a dull moment. Every track on display here has the most amazing intro, with the guitarist showing great passion for power and electrifying pace. Although essentially a Punk band, the guitar intro of ‘Investigator’ hints at the bands collective passion for Ska music and works extremely well, with the track moving away slightly from the hard hitting punk of the rest of the mini-album and showing a softer side of the band. I think this is probably one of my favourite tracks on the CD as the band show here that they can also slow things down a little and still sound great. Closing track ‘The Surgeon General Can Kiss My Ass’ ends the CD with as much power as the band came into it with and truly is a fitting closer for the mini-album. This band will live long in the memory and make sure of that fact by screaming their hearts out throughout and making sure the name ‘The Disappointments’ is well and truly etched into the memory.

The Disappointments are already signed up to Fierce Panda and will clearly go far with the sound that they have created for themselves. There is a real essence of living for the moment that comes through in the music here and I love that about this band. The Disappointments have a clear passion for what they do and are creating music that they truly believe in which has intense energy and is vastly powerful at all times. I can’t wait to see what the band come up with next; this Stoke-On-Trent four piece are definitely one to watch out for.

Label: Fierce Panda
Release Date: 30th April 2007

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Queens of the Stone Age – Era Vulgais

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I always look forward to new Queens of the Stone Age albums with great anticipation. They never fail to impress, and ‘Era Vulgaris’ has been no exception to the rule. In the follow up to 2005’s ‘Lullabies to Paralyze’, the band once again prove their worth and have pulled through with one of the best albums of the year so far. Now on album number 5, it is good to see that Josh Homme is still not short on ideas. Showing eerie flair throughout, ”Era Vulgaris’ I feel shows the band in an extremely positive light proving them to be an ever progressing, always entertaining juggernaut of a band.

The album is 13 tracks strong, taking you on a dark journey via Homme’s distinctive vocal styling, the eerie flow of the guitars, and the slick yet strangely unnerving production work. There are many standout tracks on display here, most notably the albums storming debut single ‘3’s and 7’s’ – but this is far from being a one track strong album. Each track here is powerful in it’s own individual way and all 13 songs here make for a great listening experience. ‘Battery Acid’ for one sticks in the memory for me with its buzz saw guitars, fast and frantic pace, and brilliant vocal work. This one would make a great single with its psychedelic aura and fantastic charm. ‘Sick, Sick, Sick’ is another champion track that springs to mind. Released as a download only single, the track has everything you could possibly ask for in a Queens of the Stone Age release and for me at least was a definite high point. ‘Make It Wit Chu’ on the other hand is so unlike the band it’s perfect, it’s just so refreshing to hear the band doing something different and definitely went down a treat with me.

Queens of the Stone Age will never be the biggest band in the world given the vain of their music, however they will always have a dedicated legion of fans, and as time goes by this can only get bigger. They don’t seem to be able to put a foot wrong in anything that they do, and although many will (fairly) argue that the band were at their best some years ago now, there is no denying the fact that they are still releasing some great music even if it is not their finest work to date. I do believe that Oliveri is sorely missed in the band as they were in my opinion making better music when he was in the band, however his exit from the band was understandable and the band should no doubt stand by that decision to have parted ways with him.

Label: Interscope
Release Date: 11th June 2007

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The Arteries – The Arteries EP

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The Arteries play fast, fun, and exciting Punk Rock music and have so much enthusiasm for what they are doing. There are 5 tracks on display here on this EP, all 5 impressing in their own ways and portraying the band in a positive light. Although not the most original band you’re likely to come across, the fact they’re doing this music so well means that it doesn’t really matter at all. You can tell that the band are enjoying what they’re doing here, and their zest for writing, recording and performing really comes across throughout the EP. I don’t feel as though the band have truly found their sound yet as throughout the EP you get the distinct impression that they’re borrowing stylistic elements from various other bands, but I’m sure its only a matter of time before they find their feet and distinguish their sound and direction – and what they’re doing here is sounding good anyway which is always the main thing. If they were doing what they’re doing badly that would be a whole different matter, but the band gel well together, clearly possess much talent between them, and have a knack for penning quality tunes.

I can imagine that The Arteries are the sort of band that don’t truly come alive until they’re in their element in a live performance situation. Although you can hear the excitement coming through here in this EP, you just seem to get the impression that if you were watching the band performing live right in front of you then that energy and excitement would be just that bit more intense. Although the band are currently unsigned, playing their music as well as they do it is only a matter of time before they get signed up. They definitely have a strong sound going on here, and if they keep at what they’re doing then things can only get better for them. Gigging whenever possible is clearly doing them no harm and given that they keep this up I see no reason why this band can’t go on to achieve great things.

Release Date: 16th July 2007

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Dear Superstar – Promo EP

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I have had a love of this band since I first heard their ‘Submission Of Your Soul ‘ EP back in March 2005 and always said they were going to be massive. It hasn’t happened yet, but mark my words; it will. There is just something about the balls-out rock of this band that makes them stand tall above all other UK rock bands out there at the moment. This latest promo EP showcases 3 new tracks of theirs and as ever they are sounding amazing. Strong guitar riffs, and a killer vocal attack on every track – this EP is yet another gem of a CD from the band and further emphasises my point that this band will be famous. ‘Diseased and Distracted’ kicks the three track off perfectly with incredible style, power and energy. Right from the opening guitar riff you’re hooked, and from this point forward you’re taken through an epic three minutes of rock perfection. ‘LiveLoveLie’ and ‘Signposts to Bedposts’ are equally impressive tracks showing the bands fine ear for creating powerful rock music, both with highly memorable choruses and superb vocal flair. With anthems you can already imagine a sold out Wembley Arena crowd singing along to, for Dear Superstar the big time is drawing ever closer.

Label: Casket Music
Release Date: 18th June 2007

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Drive-By Argument – Sex Lines Are Expensive Comedy

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If this single is anything to go by, then this young Scottish band have an extremely bright future ahead of them. ‘Sex Lines Are Expensive Comedy’ is an incredibly catchy little number, gripping you right from the intro and holding your utmost approval seemingly effortlessly throughout. Having apparently supported Panic! At The Disco at Brixton Academy, it is no surprise to me that they wowed the audience as they truly are a high energy, vastly talented band. Their synthy sound went down a treat with me and both the single and B-Side ‘Dennistown’s That Way’ impressed to a large degree. Both are strong tracks for different reasons – in the single they parade their pop capabilities and ability to pen a fine chorus, whereas in B-Side ‘Dennistown’s That Way’ they prove they’re also capable of slowing things down a little in order to put across music that is moving and compelling. Drive-By Argument have the potential to be a massive success, in fact it is my belief that if they were signed to Fueled By Ramen then they would be unleashing ‘Sex Lines Are Expensive Comedy’ upon the masses right now and easily playing sold-out multiple date headline stints at Brixton Academy. 2007 has the potential to be a life changing year for the band, and I certainly hope it turns out that way as they definitely deserve it.

Label: Lizard King Records
Release Date: 25th June 2007

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Klaxons – It’s Not Over Yet

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Having just played Glastonbury this weekend, today sees the release of Klaxons cover of mid nineties dance floor filler ‘It’s Not Over Yet’. The track is already a live favourite amongst fans of the band and it’s not hard to see why – this is a brilliantly energetic, uplifting and clearly loving cover of this Grace track from a band with an obvious love of all things dance. ‘Myths Of The Near Future’ was a great debut album from the band which has gone on to sell over a quarter of a million copies, and if asked to name the standout tracks, this one would without a doubt be on the list of most. I tend not to be a fan of covers as generally they’re just not even remotely in the same league as the original, but in this instance a successful cover has definitely been pulled off. Get your glowsticks at the ready; I can see this one becoming one of the definitive summer anthems of 2007.

Label: Polydor
Release Date: 25th June 2007

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Enter Shikari – Jonny Sniper

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I have nothing but respect for this band, Enter Shikari have got where they are today through much hard work and constant touring, and as far as I’m concerned they fully deserve the success that has come their way. ‘Jonny Sniper’ is a great single, their most radio friendly offering to date and should go down a storm with their legion of fans and those yet to be converted alike. There is a strong vocal performance here, excellent use of the synth, and unforgettable choruses. This truly is a finely crafted single and for me contains all a single should do; it’s fast, fun, and highly memorable. Enter Shikari may not be to everyone’s taste, but I personally love their ability to combine both spectrum’s of Hardcore, and their originality and diversity is something that should definitely be praised. Still only young and currently on the cover of every music magazine going, the future looks to be a bright one for Enter Shikari.

Label: Ambush Reality
Release Date: 18th June 2007

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Pull Tiger Tail – Hurricanes

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‘Hurricanes’ was a track I envisioned myself probably quite enjoying as I am quite a fan of Indie as a general rule, but sadly I was to be disappointed here. Essentially there is nothing wrong with this track, however there’s just nothing at all that makes the band stand out at all. Starting promisingly, my initial thoughts were that this was going to be an interesting listen as the intro is extremely upbeat, uplifting and with some strong sounding vocal work. Sadly, from here on in the track plods along and never really gets going as the band pace through a frankly uninspiring and bland 4 minute song. This track could have been so much more as in a lot of ways this band often remind me stylistically of We Are Scientists, however they just don’t have the flair, energy or excitement that WAS do. Pull Tiger Tail are just another sound alike Indie bore, and in my opinion there’s no point forming a band if you’re just going to regurgitate music thats been done to death already. There are so many bands out there doing this exact same bland format of Indie, and quite frankly doing it a lot better than Pull Tiger Tail are.

Label: B-Unique
Release Date: 18th June 2007

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Kate Nash – Foundations

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Before receiving this single I had never heard of Kate Nash, and quite frankly having listened to this single I wish that this would have remained to be the case. ‘Foundations’ sounds like Kate Nash listened to Lily Allen’s cover of The Kooks ‘Naïve’ and forged out her career on the basis of what she heard here, as lyrically she sounds like a poor Lily Allen and is often reminiscent of her, however there is also a definite Kooks approach about her vocals that comes through at times, particularly during the chorus. At close to 4 minutes in length, I would consider this track to have been a severe waste of my life – 4 minutes of which I’ll regrettably not be getting back. A few months down the line and I guarantee that Kate Nash will be a distant memory for most, a young talentless woman destined to be a one album wonder.

Label: Polydor
Release Date: 18th June 2007

Rating:
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