EP Review | The Americas – ‘Guitar Music Is Dead’

The Americas Release a Stellar Debut EP with ‘Guitar Music Is Dead’

‘Guitar Music is Dead’ is the debut EP by West Midlands trio, Harry, Aaron and Alex. The Americas have had a busy year to say the least, gigging all over the country, recently performing at the fringe at the Tramlines festival in Sheffield.

I must admit, the band is very new to me, but the sound doesn’t feel that way at all. The sound is so nostalgic that the tracks seem to have years behind them. The short, six track EP packs a whole load of guitar in one place. The ring of the classic bluesy vocals are complemented by rock and country guitars while hats are surely tipped towards indie music, making you really question the Midland origin of the band.

This nostalgia is really alive in the sound, the six short tracks taking great influence from good old fashioned guitar music. The lead track, ‘Come on Out’ has a Mick Jagger, Rolling Stones drawl, down to the “Oh, Oh, Oh” in the background of the track. The vocals are also delivered beautifully Jagger-y in ‘I Don’t Wanna Go Home’ and ‘American Morning’, putting Jagger in a country situation with clever guitar and drum arrangements.

 

 

True, expected country rock is really explored in ‘Rosanna’, one of three tracks released before the EP. The production of the track is really intriguing, the tempo is particularly mellowed out, giving you a rather odd feeling while you listen. The song, before the guitar amplifies towards the end, is rather hypnotising, you may catch yourself feeling as if you’re in a Southern American bar surrounded by people in cowboy hats dancing around you.

The lyrics and their sentiment in the EP, although filled with guitar and drums, make for comfortable listening. Lyrically, the EP seems to encapsulate a certain extent of storytelling with pretty dreamy melodies. ‘Backyard Love Song’ comprises electric guitar and a steady drum beat, but begs deliverance by a raconteur.  The track describes an uninspired life and relationship with the typical wish to get out of their town and regular life. Here, the story begs a familiarity and relationship with the listener, while also inspiring ambition in “Maybe I could get away/ across the country and stay…. It’s somewhere out there, of that I’m sure”. We can see this ambition in the shape of the EP and the number of gigs performed, as well as the quest to make sure guitar music is in fact not dead.

The Americas by @anniewarnerr

Perhaps the stand out track of the album is ‘Bad News’. This track strays from the remaining consensus of the EP. With a much faster deliverance and a heavier feel. Here, the vocals seem less bluesy and more snare like. This is more likely a rock track with indie roots, bringing a further dimension to the EP, maybe teasing other avenues they are willing to explore musically.

 

All in all, this EP was a surprising listen. I was not expecting such nostalgia in a new release, but this really is what makes The Americas stand out. The tongue in cheek title Guitar music is dead is definitely challenged in the EP, band member, Aaron explaining ‘Guitar music seems to die every year. Huge artists like Kasabian and the Gallagher brothers always claim to be the ‘last survivors’, maybe adding The Americas to the list.

This band is definitely one to watch!

Words by Robyn Hartley

 

Facebook: The Americas

Twitter: @TheAmericasYeah

Instagram: theamericasyeah

 

Interview | The Clause answer 10 Questions

Birmingham’s The Clause Have a Pop at the 10 Questions!

Where did your band name come from?

We had something really embarrassing before, which we won’t ever mention haha. But when we was looking it came to Pearce our singer in a dream, and it’s stuck since.

What made you want to get into music?

We’re all obviously avid music fans, so we wanted to give people the same feeling we get when we listen to the music we like.

Best venue you’ve ever played and why?

The institute 3, it was where we played our biggest sell out to 300 people, so it’s been proper special to us ever since.

One band/artist you’d love to support?

Rolling Stones maybe, one of the last great living rock and roll bands so it’d be mad to support them before they finally throw in the towel.

What’s the greatest love song ever written?

Lately by Stevie Wonder, without a shadow of a doubt.

The best album that you’ve heard this year?

DMA’s – For Now. Unreal record. – Listen Here

Most overrated band/artist of all time?

Fall Out Boy.

What was the last song you streamed on Spotify?

The Doors – ‘Riders on the Storm’

Which three artists/bands should we be looking out for? (Musically not for Criminal Offences)

Vida

TOUTS

The Blinders.

What do you want to accomplish next as a band?

What we want to accomplish is currently in the works, so we can’t say until it’s announced. But we’re absolutely buzzing.

Just would like to say thanks once again to The Clause for taking the 10 Questions on. Make sure you follow them and check out their music!

Follow Them! – Twitter

‘Tokyo’ –  Listen Here

‘Sixteen’  – Listen Here

New Release | The Clause release Video for ‘Tokyo’

Birmingham Band The Clause Share New Music Video for the Edgy ‘Tokyo’

Back in April Birmighan band The Clause released ‘Tokyo’ which could be argued as their best track to date. The rip roaring chorus made it’s way through Birmingham, firing the band among the conversation of best up and coming bands in the Second City.

Four months on and the band have released the gritty music video to go along with edgy track, with the band showing a bit of Birmingham off in some places. The sleek production of the video where the band is playing in a blacked out room is pretty cool, a very stylish touch.

The video is a great addition to the track as it gives it even more depth, and making it feel like the bands best release to date.

With this being released it proves that The Clause have a got a lot to offer, and I’m looking forward to see what they produce towards the end of the Year!

The band are playing the HUGE Birmingham Weekender at The Castle & Falcon which spreads across Friday 17th August – Sunday 19th!

Get your tickets – Here!

Words by Alex Wise @AJWise

Future Fires release Dark Video for ‘Far’

Birmingham Band Future Fires release Quality Video for Latest Single ‘Far’

If there wasn’t enough already musically going on around Birmingham, Future Fires have released a story fuelled video for their latest track ‘Far’.

After seeing them earlier this year at The Sunflower Lounge, it was evident that they were a band to keep tabs on as they had great stage presence, urging the crowd to move throughout their set.

The bands frantic and choppy style, which was on display that night, is reflected well througout the video. With the quick cuts and overall tempo of it, you really get a feel for the band when watching. The sound is very much from that early 00’s indie, which is great to hear when it’s done well, which these lads do. Also throughout the track the guitar work is tight and piercing, a shining feature and is one of Future Fires USP’s as an act.

Future Fires still are a young band with a lot to offer, so it’s promising when they’re releasing tracks like this. Also encouraging to see some effort has went into the video, something which a lot of bands don’t tend to take notice of.

Words by Alex Wise @AJWise

 

Single of the Week | The Americas – ‘Come On Out’

Midlands band get Single of the Week with ‘Come on Out‘

 

Ahead of their debut EP which is set to be released on Spetember 7th, The Americas have released the first teaser to get us excited. However the teaser was that good it manged to get Single of the Week.

‘Come On Out’ has a really laid back-slack vibe with the guitars plodding at their own pace, creating a sound similar to The Strokes at times. With vocals similar to Dylan’s in some respects, the track really has an american twang and feel to it, which doesn’t come off as it’s being put-on, it’s quite clear the band have a genuine love for that style of music, and they carry it so well.

The song stretches over 5 minutes, and it’s one you could easily hear being played over a BBQ while having a few beers in the sun.

That’s it for this week, you think you have a Single of the Week get in touch over twitter by messaging @WFMBlog or email: wordsformusicblog@gmail.com

Words by Alex Wise @AJWise

Single of the Week | The Novus – ‘Greyscale’

 

 

Midlands band The Novus get Single of the Week with ‘Greyscale’

This week marked another great week for music with a lot of bands releasing some new stuff. However it’s The Novus who gets single of the week for their triumphant new song ‘Greyscale’.

The song has a very click your fingers sound to it, with the incessant drum beat and attitudinal vocals. The simple but catchy riff is satisfying to listen to, but to get the full feel it needs be played loud and you’ll be singing “There’s a weight upon my shoulders” in no time.

The guys are playing alongside Ivory Wave on 27th April at the Birmingham O2 Academy 3, make sure you get tickets for this one!

Buy Tickets Here

Words by Alex Wise @AJWise

10 Questions for The Cosmics!

Photo By Chris Hart

After hearing their newest track ‘Waste of Time‘ pop up on the feed, it was a must get interview with Birmingham band The Cosmics and finally we got it! The Garage Punk trio have only been around for a small amount of time but they’ve made some waves, making it one of the best 10 Questions ever! Enjoy!

1 – First things first how did the band get together?

We are cousins so we grew up together and from a young age we started jamming, from there we formed The Cosmics.

2 – What genre of music would you say you play?

We play garage/punk/rock music.

3 – Which bands/artists do you take influences from?

Conor: I take influence from Bruce Springsteen, Iggy and the Stooges, and Thee Oh Sees because they are raw and have great stage presence.

Erin: Blondie because she’s a bad ass woman in rock music!

4 – Best venue you’ve ever played and why?

The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham, it’s not very big but there’s always a brilliant atmosphere in there when bands play. We played there last Friday night (17th Feb)  and it was insane! There was a mosh pit up the front and everything!

5 – Best gig you’ve ever attended?

Erin: Definitely Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in Coventry, it was incredible, Bruce held my hand and sang to me!

Conor: Mine would be Bruce too, but it has to be Croke Park last summer.

Danny: Diiv in London

6 – A band you would most like to support and why?

Thee Oh Sees because they inspire us as a band, they have amazing stage presence and we are massive fans of their music!

7 – A band that you would like to work with?

We would like to work with Bass Drum of Death, they are the kind of lo-fi garage rock that we admire.

8 – Top five albums you’ve ever heard?

Goo – Sonic Youth

Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen

Public Strain – Women

Is The Is Are – Diiv

Away with the Fairies – Mad Dog McRea

9 – Biggest accomplishment as a band/solo artist?

So far it has been playing This feeling’s Big in 2017 show in London last month.

10 – What’s next in the pipeline?

We will be recording an EP soon, then we have a busy summer, we are lined up to play several gigs and some exciting festivals, the one we can announce so far is Kendal Calling. More to be announced soon!!

Thanks for taking the time guys to answer the questions, cannot wait to hear your new stuff!

SLTP Release debut song ‘451’

 

With the Birmingham music scene continuing to move quickly new bands seem to be unearthed every day along with new and interesting music, one of the new additions to this list is SLTP’s debut song ‘451’.

After starting out in 2013 the band have made a slow start due to the number of projects the lead singer takes on. However he has now found the time to focus on the band and has released a strong song to begin their musical catalog.

With several different influences flowing through the band it was difficult to suggest what the music would sound like and which genre it would come under, but it has taken a slight indie twist with hints of of trippiness surrounding it.

 

Hopefully this won’t be the last of SLTP this year as the song should leave people wanting to hear more!

 

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Superfood – MAM EP Review

When a band put out a record that is 75% already released material, it can be hard to get excited about. But when the group are surrounded by as much hype as Superfood have been, it can also be impressively easy to get swept up in all. Sure, the debut EP from the Birmingham four-piece might not hold much that we haven’t heard from them before, but it stands as a worthy testament to everything that they are – and what they are is great fun.

Crafting their songs out of more hooks than you’d find in a bait shop, Superfood certainly know how to keep their audience listening. Guitar-driven tracks with pop sensibilities, echoing with more nostalgia than a nintendo game (well, nearing it), the bands sound has wasted no time in drawing themselves a fan base. Compiling nearly all the tracks the band have released so far (their eponymous debut excluded), the MAM EP is certainly a crowd-pleaser.

 

Re-recorded in all its sprawling glory, ‘TV’ is a storm of infectious riffs, catchy choruses, and raucous energy. ‘Bubbles’ showcases the band at their best – contrasting hefty refrains with intricate melodies and intimate vocals, the track doesn’t let down for an instant. ‘Melting’ opens with the most deliciously bubbling guitar riff you could dream of, but it takes EP closer ‘Houses On The Plain’ to show us something different. Vocals drowning in effects, the track presents a softer, more delicate side to Superfood, along with demonstrating them at their rawest.

Premiering your first track on prime time Radio 1 is a big start for a small-time group, but Superfood have more than filled the boots they laid out for themselves. It would be easy to dismiss them as just another hype band, but with this release, the group have shown that they’re going to be around for a while. Heading out on the road with We Are Scientists, they clearly show no signs of slowing down either. And whilst they keep producing music at this standard, we’re sure that no one is going to argue.

Words by Jess Goodman @alotlikejessica

 

Bipolar Bears – Guilty (Single) – Unsigned Band

Intro

After forming in  early 2012, this Birmingham four-piece called Bipolar Bears are just emerging on to local music scenes, with debut demo ‘Guilty’ proving a popular crowd pleaser and the band set to release there first EP in the coming months, the band are geared up for a big year. They’re all big fans of Blur and their album ‘Modern Life is Rubbish’, because it’s what this band all share in common, their dissatisfaction with the way things just ‘are’.

‘Guilty’

The juxtaposition of a band named Bipolar Bears and the heavy word Guilty may seem like an odd combination of playfulness and seriousness which many bands find a hard combination to pull off, not this band though. Bipolar Bears manage to toe the line of indie pop riffs intertwined with lyrics such as ‘We could have secrets and we could even try to keep them but I know, I wouldn’t go a weekend without feeling the deep seated..’ this mix certainly leads to an open ear listening for what tales of guilt will be laid upon the hopping drum beat and dancing bass/guitar riff. All this talk of playfulness and I am yet to mention the video that accompanies the song, this fantastically low budget green screen video does not take anything away from the song, I feel it only helps strengthen the idea of an indie band being all about the music and allowing for more fun and creative ideas to be played with when it comes to the video. In Summary Bipolar Bears do something many bands can only try and Bipolar Bears succeed , So go watch the video and have a listen!

song recorded by Dave McCabe at Muthers, Digbeth
Megalopolis video by Hayes

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