Friday 26 December 2014

Klaxons - Love Frequency album review

It's been a few years in the making for Greenwich University drop-out Jamie Reynolds and his bandmates, but third album offering from the inbetweeners of rock/electronic pop Klaxons, has almost been swept under the carpet, wrongly.

Love Frequency is less indie than previous records, more focused, it's a cleaner record that knows what it wants. Some would argue that's diffused the charm from the band, yet the sound has evolved. Lead-single There is no other time, is pure funk, and it's a whole lotta fun. They remain true to their Nu-wave origins, and with the help of Gorgon City, have created one of the tracks of the year in my opinion - and the rest of the album is well worth delving into.

Klaxons welcomed a host of producers on this creation, including James Murphy, Erol Alkan and Chemical Brother James Murphy, and it shows, it's well produced, experimental and direct, without risky, unecessary hooks. It's less chaotic than previous Myths of the Near Future or Surfing the Void, but similarly to when reviewing Jamie T's latest record, an artists sound has to evolve to remain credible, or it's simply a futile, repetitve artistic attempt.

Opening track, A new Reality, is a pill-popping, synthy track that sets up the record perfectly and pretty much encapsulates what the record is all about. Children of the Sun (no this isn't a Tinie Tempah mess), an understated track, without pretentions. It does feel experimental at times throughout as a record, which only leads you to feel Love Frequency is a gateway to more from the Klaxons.

Rhythm of life is a bit more aggressive, a pacey track that'll have you feet-stomping in a muddy tent in the Summer. I think it sums too what I find endearing about the record. It's that they've rejected obvious melodies in favour of creating a sound that's uncompeted in the industry, that I admire. Again, Liquid Light, is somewhat psycadellic, and you sense coupled with their colourful artwork, in terms of live sets, something pretty special flourishes for fans.  Atom to Atom another daring track, that almost sounds like a remix of itself, propels you into the heart of a warehouse rave with it's undeniable references.

Whilst band-members have indicated their touring this year will be their last headline shows, remains to be seen, I don't feel this befitting closure to a band that I think have just proved they have more to offer. This a dynamic record, creating a world of colourful imagery, with dark undertones. You may need to give it a few listens, but the rewards are eye-opening and exciting.

Saturday 6 December 2014

BBC Music sound of 2015 - hot prospects


It's that time again, where the BBC announce 15 fresh acts for us to get excited about.

As the picture shows they do seem to get cooler every year, with this years shortlist looking like the kids you always wanted to be friends with at school.

As anyone who's aware of this prize, the act awarded the acclaim has a lot to live up to with previous winners including Adele and last years winner, Sam Smith.

Here's my personal favourites, but for the full list check out at the link at the bottom of the article.

Rae Morris - A singer I first came across during repeated listens of Clean Bandit's debut-album, which featured Morris on the song Up Again, leading me to impulsively check out her solo stuff.

She's got a very melodic voice, that seems to glide through her songs,the best of which being Grow. She also covered one-hit wonder East 17's, Stay Another Day for the Live Lounge because who doesn't want to hear some classic 90's throwback? The rousing track, Don't go, is also well worth a listen.



Wolf Alice - These indie-rockers have been announced as one of the support acts for Alt-J at the O2 in January, not a bad venue to get your sound out eh!

Having grown in popularity through Soundcloud, I'm pretty excited about this band, and biggest-single, Bros, is one you will want to hear pumped out at a tent at a Summer festival. Helps having a bit of eye-candy up front too!


James Bay - Having already bagged a Brit award for critics choice there was no way I could ignore Hertfordshire's finest new acoustic singer-songwriter. Let it go is such an infectious song, and his style is so pure.

Bay was spotted playing an open-mic night in Brighton, where he was studying and it's been quick success from there. Having already been likened to Ben Howard and Passenger, he'll be the favourite to win this acclaim too.



Years & Years - With frontman, Olly Alexander, already having moderate fame from playing Jacob in Skins, this synth-pop group were always gonna be cool.

They have an immensely creative sound, coupled with some pretty unique artwork! Some are comparing them to fellow electronic bands, Clean Bandit and Disclosure. If they can match their success I'm sure the lads would be pretty delighted!


Check out the other 11 names in the hat here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ebh6v2