Music Review: Broken Records – Weights and Pulleys

 

For those of you who don’t know, Broken Records are an exquisite Five-piece from Scotland and they have been going for just over Seven years. They take many of their influences from acoustic like Dylan, Cohen, Cash and Cave, however their music takes what best of the acoustic style and transform into something modern yet unique.

Their third album Weights and Pully’s is a perfect example of how these old acoustic folk acts can influence a modern day band and help them create their music. Broken Records have storytelling and melodies at the core of the song, much like folk does, however they glaze it with synths and power giving the album that modern age that it needs, so it can survive in this day and age.

‘Ditty (We weren’t ready)’ is an ideal opener for the album, as it gives nothing away, and just drops tiny hints of what’s to come. ‘Winterless Son’ is where they come into their own, having a tinge of stadium rock about the song, it leaves them with connections to the Killers, which shouldn’t be a bad thing. ‘Toska’ is third on the album, and is a thoughtful number as the lead singer seems to share a story with us, giving the song more weight, making it an ideal single.

There are a lot of atmospherics surrounding the songs, which allows them to be connected to U2 in some respects; however they stray away from that with their subjects and folky tang.

‘Weights and Pully’s’ has a case to be the song on the album as it just gets more impressive the longer it goes on, the vocals are untouchable and it the all the elements seem to gel without trying. It’s ‘Betrayal’ that takes the song of the album as the ruckus and the drum beat completely elevate the album another level, as it expresses an attitude that wasn’t there in the first few songs.

The vocals provided by Sutherland are increasing important, as his voice rides the melody and hoists the instruments, this is shown throughout but best demonstrated on ‘Nothing Doubtful’ and ‘You’ll be lonely in a little while’

The album is a complete success as there aren’t any weak spots; all the songs are strong and admirable in their own way. Broken Records managed to take their loud-folk style and make it last for an entire album without it drying out, which is impressive on its own, but for each song to stand tall is impressive. The band can be happy with this release, with it definitely drawing in more fans and building up expectation for their next release.

9/10

Website 

Facebook

 

EP Review: Atom Heart – ‘Sleep Patterns’

After their success with their single ‘Atom Heart’, Go Native have released their debut EP Sleep Patterns, which is a promising piece of work.

Other than having rather an amusing name, ‘Beaten by Butterflies’ is an ideal opener for this EP, and for Go Native. They show their electronic roots by having a haunting riff at the start, mixed with some spaced out vocals and prominent drums.

The vocals are a key theme throughout the EP, as it is those that takes the songs and polished them up every time they grace the track. The second song, ‘Sleep Patterns’, is reminiscent of the drug-addled 80’s, but with a fresh finish and a 20^th century gloss over it as explained previously the songs a much more polished, which was never a real thing in the 80’s.

Go Native are increasingly confident with what they do, as they stick with this set out style throughout the EP, which is a brave move as this type of music seems to be slowly decreasing from my email inbox. ‘Napoleon’ has lyrics that are so well worked and descriptive, that it is hard not to paint a picture in your head, and with the music to set the scene, it will take place in space.

‘Atom Heart’ has already featured on this website, but it would be rude not to give it another mention, as it is possibly the stand out song on the EP, as every element seems to be going full throttle, as ‘It’s not yours to take’ is being repeated over and over again.

‘Dunes’ has some impressive guitar work entwined in it, and along with the other instruments, it seems to take the song out there, somewhere. Unfortunately this gets the accolade for the worst song on the EP, as something just doesn’t sit well when listening to it.

The glamorous name ‘Electric Chair’ could win an award for most depressing song name, simply because of the only connotation that comes with it. However the song doesn’t follow this thought, as it seems somewhat inspiring and uplifting, due to the synths and the upbeat drums.

The EP has a number of songs and moments that the band can be undoubtedly proud of, as they seem to outgrow themselves in parts due to how big the songs are. This is also a good campaign for good song production, as it shows that independent bands can sound just as big and polished as some of the mainstream acts out there, which is encouraging to see. Maybe not one for the people who have their ears tuned to guitar bands, however if you are open and willing to listen, it is one to listen too.

7/10

Words by Alex Wise @al4563

 

REVIEW: The Franklys – ‘Puppet’

The Frankly’s are a four-piece group that most definitely don’t look how they sound, which is always a pleasant surprise. On the surface they look like a nice girl group, that may sing in a colloquial accent, but when you hear them, its like listening to Joan Jett in her Runaways heyday!

“Puppet” is their latest release and it’s an upbeat, jangly song with a catchy riff and a memorable tune. “You never wanted me and kicked me down to the ground and left me there to die.” May not be the cheeriest lyrics that have ever been heard, but they easily enough get stuck in your head, and have you singing  for the next few days.

The jangly guitars, and use of handclaps are something that can especially enjoyed, as you find yourself sitting in your room listing to this song on Sound Cloud, clapping away like an over excited child at the sight of a birthday cake! Overall, a good catchy song that will probably stick in your head a long time after you’ve heard it.

7.0/10

Words By Emma Lawrence (emmalawrencemedia@gmail.com)

Albion – Hometown Glory

Hometown Glory is the new EP from young indie band Albion, which is the first big stepping stone to getting themselves into our ears. After supporting the likes of Twisted Wheel, Exit Calm and Missing Andy, the band now feel it’s time to step out of other peoples shadows, and release their debut EP.

The EP is something that you would expect from an up and coming indie band, with the lo-fi sound, high trebles sounding guitars and the odd cliché in a lyric. However this should take nothing away from their EP as they have executed it with minimal flaws, and shown they are more than capable of piecing together a decent song.

‘Times are changing’ opens up the EP, and with the song having some rough parts around it, you can sense that they’re fresh from the packet.  Although this introduction song is a strong one, it seems that it lacks the bit of energy that the early Cribs, Libs and Monkeys did, which played a huge part of their road to stardom (and other things).

Second song ‘When I get Mine’ is the best on the album, entirely because of the thunderous solo that seems to go on for a lengthy amount of time. As ripping as the solo may be, it just needs that extra drive and be brought to the front of the song, as it plays such an integral part. This is one of the flaws in the EP, as the guitars are present, but just seem to linger in the back ground, where they would be more effective if they had a little bit more spotlight brought onto them.

Pub rave-up song ‘Hometown glory’ also suffers from quiet guitar syndrome, but it still turns out to be a highlight of the album, as the pace and life of the song would bring most people to their feet. One agonising problem with the song is the breakdown, as it slows the pace down and loses the energy that the lads built up throughout.

‘What You Need’ wraps up the entire EP, with its lengthy intro and lo-fi sound, it follows suit by sticking to the code of the EP, which is stick to the indie roots. The song is neatly packed along with some clever lyrics on display, which is something that features throughout it.

The debut EP is always the hardest bridge to cross as an unsigned acts, but Albion have done it without tussling with the troll that lurks beneath. Although it is slightly under produced and has it’s little mistakes, the EP expresses that the band have a good base of songs to build on, which will only get better with time and practice.

6.5/10

@albion_band

Www.Facebook.com/albionofficialuk

 Words by Alex Wise @al4563

 

Broken Records – Toska

The soft and sullen start to this song is more than enough to set the mood, as it’s sincere and genuine. When you think that it was enough the Brandon Flower’s like vocals come bursting out adding to this effect well as the two elements tie together nicely. The song has the slow and meaningful vibe to it throughout the song, even when the drums kick in, it is simply just bring up the pace slightly and allow the vocals to have that bit more bite behind them.

https://soundcloud.com/broken-records-band/toska-24bit-wav

The piano riff and violin are perfect contributors to this song as they add just enough without going completely over the top with it, making the vocals even more prominent. Broken record has done a perfect job of producing this song as they knew just how much was needed, and refused to overdo with every chance they had. Not only is it a song that has good composition, but it also is simple and effective with the lyrics.

Words by Alex Wise @al4563

 

 

Oh Boy! – EP 1 Review

 

EP’s that start with a large squeal and pumping drums are always promising, because of the raw energy and emotion that is sent across with a single screech. OhBoy  have done this with their debut EP entitled EP1, and the promise was followed up with even more screeching and lo-fi pop songs.

The EP starts off with the amusing title of ‘Love and other Difficulties’, and the pace and confusion is carried out from the first second, and is never dropped. It’s a perfect song to win over most lo-fi lovers, as stomping drums and downed out vocals are delivered with perfection. The brief pause in the middle with the audio of a kid saying “No one listens to that crummy thing anymore” is well placed, as it doesn’t feel forced and deserves a little chuckle before the song blows up again.

‘Hand to Mouth’ takes the duty next, and with the loud screechy sounds at the start, I was already half won over. The poppy riff along with the “Ooooooo’s” work well, and with the odd scream lying around, the song won me over. It is possibly the best produced track on the EP, as every sound that burst seems to be larger than life.

Oh Boy show that they have sense of humour, even though it may be dry with their final song on the EP being called ‘Classic Self Doubt’. Easily the poppiest song on the album, as most of the screeching is lost and some harmonic singing takes place, which is pleasantly accepted.

The EP is a big statement from the Northampton based band, as they show how lo-fi indie rock is showcased to a good standard. Their style could be connected to America’s most interesting band Pavement, with their thrashing and vocal style, however it seems as though Oh Boy have put their own feel around it. We need more, and soon.

LISTEN BELOW

8.0

Words by Alex Wise @al4563

 

Rusty Boxx – Scattered Keeses

EP’s are without doubt an important of a band’s development, as it encourages them to develop their sound, discover themselves and find out what everybody thinks of their music. Rusty Boxx will be taking this plunge on 31^st March, as they will be releasing their debut EP Scattered Keeses.

The EP is heavily blessed with an acoustic guitar, making this a folk orientated musical venture by the band from Suffolk.  ‘Must be for you’ starts the album with some strong vocals which could easily be connected to Bombay Bicycle Club’s Jack Steadman, due of the way Ankers (Lead Vocalist) hits the high notes, and smoothly slips down the note to leave us admiring it. The second song we come across is ‘Fortitude’, which is deeper than the first song, as the pain in the song is evident in the vocals. The structure of the song is reminding of Ben Howard and his first album, which is full of soulful vocals and intricate fingerpicking.

The slow and gentle place of the album is probably enough to lull anybody into a peaceful sleep. This is not a bad reaction as it is one of the best features of folk music, as it makes everything around you peaceful with the fingerpicking and silky, yet rough around the edge vocals.

The third song, ‘Boy by the River’, has this lulling quality down to a tee, as the lyrics about vocals along with banjo heighten this element.  Once again the vocals are at the forefront of the song, making stand apart from most up an coming folk acts, as Ankers puts a distinctive print on each song.

‘Wall of Fans’ brings the EP to an end, and follows suit of its predecessors, as the pace is similar and so is the tone and feel of the song. This can often be a burden on the band, as it can make each song sound similar, however Rusty Boxx have avoided this by adapting a different melody to each song, making them distinctively different and develop their own personal qualities. ‘Wall of Fans’ is possibly the best song to feature on the EP, as it seems to be the one which is most complex, tightly wrapped , and has some of the best lines of the EP with “There’s nothing you say that ever goes unnoticed”,  although simple, it seems to ring in the musical box.

The EP is a perfect demonstration of what a EP should do, as it shows the intentions of the bands, their own style and what you can expect of them in further releases. Rusty Boxx kept it very simple with this EP, as they stick to what they know and are clearly reputably good at, which is writing good songs, with down to earth lyrics and subtle sounds. They never turn their back on the acoustic guitar and keep it as stripped back as possible, which is refreshing to hear in this modern day of computerised whizzes and drums.

Hear the FULL EP HERE > https://soundcloud.com/ohmercy-records/sets/rusty-boxx-scattered-keeses-ep

7.5/10