MARCH 14'

MARCH 14’

Bang on the money here for March….got a lot on the go at the moment, but not a lot jumping out at me in the early days. Always got to keep plugging away though.

This month’s playlist is made up of a few old favourites of mine!

I hope you enjoy

March Spotify Playlist - Melodious Haze - March 14'

  

Cheers

LF

Albums

Artist: Temples

Album: Sun Structures
Year: 2014
Similar Artists: The Vaccines, Tame Impala, Oasis
My Rating: 7/10

Temples for some reason or another had a lot of expectation surrounding their debut record Sun Structures. Music critics and fans alike were hotly awaiting this record that combined elements of modern British rock and 60’s psychedelia. Whether or not their expectations were met is for them to decide, yet from a completely neutral point of view (me knowing nothing about the band until I got a copy of the album), there is a lot to like.

From the opening guitar chord on ‘Shelter Song’ you know exactly what you’re in for; a warped journey through all things British. The use of dirty, jagged guitar is encapsulating and this psychedelic edge of current favour is definitely thrust upon you in convincing fashion. Although the album was taken positively onboard from its first listen and particularly this opening track, there was a considerable period of time that the album grew to the 7/10 rating I give it today. And shit, with any luck after a live performance it will only grow again.

‘Sun Structures’ is a ripping track, as is the previously released single ‘Mesmerise’. The clever use of synth and keys combine to further push the stoner heavy psychadelic undertones that this record possess with ease. ‘A Question Isn’t Answered’ mixes things up, with a clapping intro followed by chanting of sorts from lead man James Bagshaw. As the song progress however, things are stepped up a gear (or two!) and suddenly we are hit by a rampant guitar solo ready to bust the tidiest of ear drums.

If this self-produced debut is anything to go, Temples will go a long way this year, and into the future. They are what a lot of people want at the moment, and from early signs, have delivered exactly that.

Artist: The Holidays
Album: Real Feel
Year: 2014
Similar Artists: Hungry Kids Of Hungary, Sparkadia, Guineafowl
My Rating: 6.5/10

Writing this review for Real Feel, the second full length from The Holidays, is the toughest review I have posted yet. The album has moments that both pull you in and push you away; it is exciting, then dull. There is huge potential here, but for now, I think that potential is met with something disappointingly lacking. Something that I definitely can’t put my finger on.

To this date, The Holidays have played one of the best live shows I have ever seen; at The East Brunswick Club just after the release of their excellent debut Post Paradise. There was a huge amount of energy, every song clicked and the crowd was having the time of their life. Perhaps I subconsciously expected this energy to be delivered on their next LP.

Nevertheless, lets focus on the positives from this record. Early release singles ‘Voices Drifting’ and ‘All Time High’ are decent tracks whilst ‘Tongue Talk’ possess the swing your hips, wave your arms sort of vibe that we expect from The Holidays. Scattered throughout there is a few jangly keys and cymbals that are timed well Simon Jones’ vocal range that rarely shifts throughout each track.

Closing track ‘Morning Workout’ is probably where The Holidays have really let themselves down. It’s an eight and a half minute electronic filled dance type track that really doesn’t suit the mould of everything on the record. In my opinion, it’s not the way a record should finish, particularly because of the sour taste it leaves in your mouth.

Anyway, I’m not giving up on Real Feel just yet as I know there are a few of you out there who are really enjoying it. But at the moment, it doesn’t quite do it for me entirely.

 Music Video

Well for something a bit different, I’m going to give you my take on the new video for the single ‘Simple and Sure’ by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart.

For starters, the track is brilliant, it is classic The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart considering there is an entirely new band (more on this though when I review the album in May!). There is some beautiful vocal harmonies and delicate keys, and of course there is that instant smile you gain when listening to this track.

Funnily enough, the music video makes you smile, and perhaps even chuckle too. Here we have what looks like a token posh dinner party going wrong for some, whilst going incredibly well for others. The video starts out with the group enjoying some food, wine and a couple of cigars with each other’s company in a very formal setting. Things start going awry from here with various couples eventually engaging in a good old fashion argy-bargy whilst it would appear another couple find themselves getting lucky.

The black and white themed clip doesn’t shed much light on the joy to be had from listening to The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart, but the constant twitching of all characters throughout the clip does provide a temporary ease. I’m not entirely sure what the meaning is behind this clip, but it does make you smile and is fun to say the least. My guess is that the message being portrayed is that life is too complex and we need to simplify things to really enjoy what we do each day.

As for the song again, well it’s absolutely top notch. I better stop listening to it otherwise I might spoil the album when it is due for release on May 5^th. Anyway, have a look at ‘Simple and Sure’ here….