Posts tagged Folk
Frank Turner @ Hammersmith Apollo
Jan 7th
27th November 2011
Two very different acts were in the supporting bill this evening, one mellow one manic! The beautiful Aussie folk of Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo was up first. 4 striking ladies stood caressing evocative melodies from their instruments of choice. Most combinations of cello violin and guitar and voices are bound to be harmonious and these girls were no exception. Their catchy little tunes were rather good easy listening ditty’s, pleasing all the plus ones in the house (of which there were many). The second support was a swing in the opposite direction, towards Turner’s younger anarchic punk days. Not one for the faint hearted/un-initiated.
Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo
Against Me! proclaimed as one of Frank’s most idolised punk bands came out kicking and screaming with all gun blazing making one hell of a guitar fuelled storm. Their recent records have been polished pop rock efforts with soarer chorus’s…tonight it was back to their punk roots as they barely took breath between songs all night. They crammed an improbable amount of high octane material into the set, providing a rockin’ runaway train which never stopped a rollin’.
Their fast, loud and loose ethic was the polar opposite of Barker that initially only engaged the hardcore punk fraternity stage front. By the end, even those plus ones were toe tapping (well some of them…generally while covering their ears).
As this is the fifth time of watching Frank, You would think I’d pretty much covered all of what he has to offer. Granted the usual courageous chorus of crowd voices singing every word was here in full force, as was his beautifully honest sentiment and superbly arranged live versions. For tonight I’m focusing on what was different and new in his repertoire, the evolution which keeps his band of followers coming back for more.
Not content to sit back on his laurels frank has continually improved his shows and his songs. He aired a new unreleased song called Cowboy Chords just because he thought it was time to play it. It was an emotional and sparce tune set to one acoustic guitar that showed off his prolific songwriting spirit and desire to play live music! His reworking of old tune Fathers Day was beautifully poignant and desolate, more in line with the sombre lyrical content.
Frank Turner
As expected he plucked a fair few tunes from his latest album, songs which were destined for venues such as this. Huge arrangements of multi-instrumental melodies were frequently backed by Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo adding a soft backing chorus of sweet vocals. Against Me! Even joined in on Franks atheist gospel song Glory Glory Hallelujah. This song was probably the biggest polarising point of the night. His spirited speech on religion (or non-religion in his case), was rather preachy, almost as if he was here to convert the fans to his beliefs.
He told us of him sitting outside on the steps of this very venue, dreaming of playing it one day. Usually this ‘I was like you’ nonsense is nothing more than a ploy to get the crowd in their corner. But with Frank I am absolutely inclined to believe him. He does not mix his words, and the ones he chooses are straight from the heart. He came…he rocked…he conquered Hammersmith.
Camden Crawl 2011: Day Two
May 31st
1st May 2011
Well rested, showered and fuelled by ‘full English’ we set out for more exploits in Camden for day two of the crawl.
Kicking off today’s live music extravaganza was the ever reliable grunge revivalists Dinosaur Pile-Up. We have long been admirers of these boys performances and today was no exception. Their big dropped D riffs boomed out livening the early crowd and treating them to a dose of cheery nirvana-esque rock with plenty of catchy melodies and a tonne of chugging rhythm guitars. We were lucky to be treated to some older gems in the shape of Opposites Attract, new material which sounded great, as well their bigger numbers such as Traynor. A cracking start to yet another sunny day.
Dinosaur Pile-Up
From here we mooched over towards the Summer Sundae Special Edition event out on the sun soaked Roundhouse Terrace, only to find Dry The River limbering up. After fighting through a sea of promotional material being thrown our ways we settled and enjoyed what was a mellow laid back folk set. In the sunshine it sounded excellent, the violin especially making an impression. Yet with mellowness comes bliss, and with bliss comes sleep…which is not the greatest asset for a band. One for throwing on the stereo for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Dry The River
The mood swing between these and our next band was colossal. Somewhat strangely ,the crowd were packed in tight for the emergence of NYC’s latest hardcore punk exports Cerebral Ballzy. Their “I don’t give a flying F**k” brat attitude and a love of black flag et al seemed to cause more headaches than circle pits, with the non-receptive crowd. They missed about as much as they hit as their front man ran amok through the crowds inciting foul language and generally causing havoc. Musically this wasn’t a great performance even though there were a few decent hooks hidden in there. Their lifeblood is to make loud and supremely fast punk to get knotted to…on this count they succeeded greatly.
Cerebral Ballzy
Indeed the reason for the indifference was plain to see once Cerebral had left the stage. Currently riding a huge over inflated wave of hype are the hip hoppers Odd Future or OFWGKTA (I did wonder what young heavily made up teenage girls were doing at a hardcore punk gig). I departed, but Mr. Flowers stuck around…
Meanwhile…I continued my search for cool new music and found a jazz musician playing what looked like a carpenters saw. I promptly turned around and stumbled by chance into the Vox busking sessions to catch James Page. This young acoustic strummer had plenty of melody in his heart and honesty in his lyrics. Tales of london life and what else…girls, were lively and highly enjoyable. This was a tough/drunk crowd to perform for plus all the while having a multitude of technical difficulties, he showed his spirit and professionalism to battle through admirably.
James Page
After a huge trek out to Kentish Town, we were glad to find a band about to begin in the Bull & Gate, this was Five Working Days. A triumphantly jubilant set of rockabilly/ska pop later, we were smitten. It was lively and highly entertaining in this tiny pub corner. It’s a surprise they all managed to fit in really! Stuffed full of a good “cockney knee’s up”, we headed into the Forum for what turned out to be a rather costly mistake.
Five Working Days
Frankie & The Heartstrings failed to appear at their appropriate stage time, we consulted the schedule…yup this is right, we agreed! A quick foray into the twitterati revealed more disappointing news. Frankie & his Heartstrings were at home and were never scheduled to play the Sunday! Bad form Camden Crawl!
Still we had Benjamin Leftwich Francis to enjoy instead. After 10 minutes of boredom inducing folk crooning I departed, more than a bit saddened!
The Phantom Band
Heading back into Camden central (by bus this time), I found myself in an almighty queue to get into the Proud Galleries, for one of the big highlights of the festival. After the floodgates opened I somehow found myself down the front! Sporting a look of bewilderment and smugness, I settled down to watch The Phantom Band after a slightly awkward Q&A session from Radio Ones new music maestro Huw Stevens. A very eclectic set followed with plenty of blips and bops overlaying their already well stacked guitars and melancholic yet purposeful vocals. They made big powerful atmospheric indie rock with effortless ease, without really having to strain. Playing a wide variety of quirky instruments they managed to squeeze out melodies from all angles. Never losing track of the main melody was key to their success, as it was these that formed the heartbeat of their songs amongst their proggy sidesteps. A great little set of diverse rock!
Graham Coxon
The venue had long been full to capacity, turning away latecomers because next on stage was the true British guitar legend, ex-Blur guitarist and accomplished solo artist, Graham Coxon. Meekly shuffling onstage it was apparent he wasn’t here to mess around as he and his ample sized band quickly hooked up their huge effects pedal boards to their Marshall’s and begun to ring out crunching power chords galore to the delight of the fans.
Sporting his trademark stripy Tee and Glasses, Coxon & Co got quickly into their stride playing brilliant upbeat rock numbers from Love Travels at Illegal Speeds including Don’t Let Your Man Know, Standing On My Own Again & I Can’t Look At Your Skin each teeming with energy and pulse racing urgency. The business of getting the crowd onside was complete, thus the set spiraled into a swarm of new material, many of them debut’s including City Hall, The Truth & a cracking little punchy number Running For Your Life. These new tunes were catchy and enjoyable pop-centric rockers, showing promise for his upcoming album.
He was joined on stage by Shingai of The Noisettes in a striking (and short) red dress, providing vocals for another new tune Billy Says. As Graham himself put it in the Q&A, “I get a lot of stick for my singing…It’s nice to hear my songs sung by a girl, gives it a different feel”. We agree. This bluesy number was ace and vocals were soulful and bright, adding a totally new slant to Coxon’s usual monotone fare. A few more newbie’s later the set was wound up with the euphoric rocker Freakin’ Out to end with a bang. This was a great intimate gig packed with classics and new tracks alike. A very rare opportunity to catch a legend doing what he does best!
Coxon and Shingai
We hightailed it to The Black Cap for our final band of this years Crawl, Johnny Foreigner. Opening with an A Cappella verse from the front pairing of this lively trio, they soon clattered their guitars and spliced riffs with rhythms forming a jubilant racket of insistent indie rock. Again new material took the forefront, but these tunes were like all JF tunes…exciting and exhilarating. The pairing of boy girl vocals is always at the heart of their shows and this was no exception. Highlights came in the shape What Drummer Get (from their latest EP sold as a Frisbee!!), Eyes Wide Terrified & the irrepressible Salt Pepper & Spinderella. Their onstage presence and artistic backdrop (courtesy of a mac, a projector and a white bed sheet) were great, as their bantered with the crowd and produced a livewire performance of the highest quality.
Johnny Foreigner
This year’s Crawl far outstripped last years in terms of quality acts, performances and thankfully…weather. Let’s hope they can maintain the trend for next year!
Frank Turner @ Brixton Academy
Feb 7th
12th December 2010
Our final live event of 2010 was another trip down to south london to the Brixton academy to see a man who we have championed from the very beginning. Between tiny tents at Reading Festival, Bristol’s Dot2Dot festival, Shepherds Bush Empire and Glastonbury this will be the fifth time of seeing the punk turned acoustic troubadour Frank Turner. Tonight his coming of age is complete, filling the largest non arena venue in London town. I have to say, it is totally deserved!
He had an impressive set of support bands as well tonight, kicking off with his old pals Dive Dive who for a long time formed his backing band during his earlier years. It is a same to report that we only managed to catch the last 5 minutes of a set which was clearly energising the early arrivals. From what I caught, they were a lively bunch of indie rockers with a dash of punk on a bed of pop. Set closer Liar was a rampant rocking tune which was both infectious and pumped up. Ones to keep an eye on.
Now Mr. Flowers was looking forward to the next act as much as our headliner, the irrepressable indie man and acoustic/folk stalward Ed Harcourt. The performance was enjoyable, but contained few highlights and was a rather drab, somewhat sombre affair. In this gigantic venue, Ed’s indie folk style, outstanding musicianship and unique vocals did not quite have the power to match the poignant lyrics or the grand venue. Focusing almost exclusively on new material, this was a slightly disappointing set which failed to really grab the crowds attention. I can’t help but feel that in a smaller venue, Ed will reap much greater success.
Conversely Frank Turner is made for the larger venues, his anthemic acoustic rock tunes gave an immediate adrenaline hit to those left a bit vacant after Ed’s set. His honest punk-folkster appeal and his enigmatic stage presence combined to instantly win over this huge crowd. Tonights setlist was a true greatest hits set with all his highlights bundled in, including the triumphant rousing ode to a lost friend Long Live The Queen, the fixating storytelling of I Knew Prufrock Before He Was Famous, the family tensions of Father’s Day, the gig circuit tales of The Road and the tribute to travel, experiences and companionship with The Ballad Of Me And My Friends. As seems to be customary he threw in another folk acappela english folk song, this one was called The English Curse and showed his full blooded english character to the fullest.
Frank intersperced his hits with songs from his latest Rock N’ Roll EP which was only released a few days previous. This is a bit of a disappointment as there probably wasnt as many people familiar with these songs before they got a live airing, Despite this this new material was instantly lovable. Honest and heartfelt lyrics sung with conviction and passion which not only have mega catchy vocal hooks, but damn good pop melodies too. The standout from these new songs was definitely I Still Believe, another one of Frank’s songs which resonates with the rock and roll heart beating thoughout each and every one of us. It’s this passion and former anarchic tendencies which found more than usual comon ground tonight what with a more politically motivated set choices getting full rousing support from the packed in ensemble.
This was by far the most accomplished performance Ive seen from Mr. Turner, I put this down to that fact that he actually has a full time band now. So instead of a lievly band playing another guys songs, you had musicians who are dedicated to makeing each night better than the last. This energy and excelling in musical showmanship set these renditions apart from their predecessor airings. Ed Harcourt appeared to signal the end of proceedings as he played Mandolin on an epically uplifting version of Photosynthesis, which rounded off the night in jubilant style.
So another year another triumph and with a new album due out in 2011, expect this year to be even bigger than the last! Where next? Arena Tours? Stadium Gigs? Who knows? But we’ll be there to chart it.
Album Review: Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can
Apr 13th
UK folker Laura Marling returns with her sophomore effort
Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can
RockOSaurus Says:
Starlet of the UK’s resurging folk scene Laura Marling latest album shows much growth from the debut but it is shrouded in a whole lot darker light. Gone are the wistful whimsies pop songs of mercury award nominated debut and in its place are sullen downbeat tunes. This is not to be entirely unexpected given her recent love split with Noah & The Whale frontman Charlie Fink who wrote almost an entire album worth of breakup songs.
Looking beyond the darkness it tricky but the production values are greatly improved with plenty of dramatic addition of string instruments and floaty backings. The Devils Spoke is a feisty single which shines brightest with its subtle acoustics and swelling cello.
This is a complex richly textured album of many heartfelt emotional outpourings (see breakup song Blackberry Stone), leading to a rather alluring listen. But at the end of the day, without any real fireworks this album is best kept for those days when you feel no-one else feels as bad you do… because apparently they can!
Mr Flowers Says:
This is an album full of some beautifully-crafted songs, but I fear you probably need to have a more discerning ear for folk music then I have to fully appreciate it.
Devil’s Spoke is rollicking jam by folk standards which builds like a storm of ominous vocals with banjos and acoustic guitars, and Blackberry Stone has a great melody which really shows off Marling’s soulful and amazingly mature-sounding voice from the off, but as a whole the album is simply a bit short of stand out songs to truly mark it out.
RockOSaurus: 6.5/10
MrFlowers: 6/10
DoesItRock Overall Score: 6.25/10
Listen to Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can now on Spotify!
Does It Rock? March Round-Up
Mar 29th
Plenty of great albums were released this month and we here at DiR.net have picked the best of the bunch to bring to you in a handy Spotify playlist! The widest variety of music in one playlist your likely to find!
Listen now >>> DoesItRock.net – Mar 10 Mix
1) Airbourne – Raise The Flag … Get your beers and raise them to the sky to salute Australia’s “new” Hard Rockers of distinction. DiR? Review
2) Jimi Hendrix Experience – Sunshine Of Your Love ... New album from the legend and this cover is proof to show why he is ‘the’ original guitar god!
3) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Mama Taught Me Better …Coming out of their folk doldrums this tune is a kick back to those early years DiR? Review
4) Ted Leo and the Pharmacists – Mourning In America… Indie rock with pop flowing though veins feeding a bold punk heart, DiR? Review
5) Two Door Cinema Club – I Can Talk … Huge dancefloor filler of the electrock variety from promising uk band.
6) Gorillaz – Stylo (Feat. Mos Def and Bobby Womack) … Albarn and co. are back with more hip-hop pop DiR? Review
7) The Automatic – Interstate … Going electro has added a cool edge to their once monotonous guitar pop. (Plus its sounds a bit like Motion CIty Soundtrack)
8) Lifehouse – All In … American radio hit for certain, catchy chorus…check, deep booming vocals…check, pop guitars…you get the picture…
9) Alphabeat – The Beat Is … Thoroughly disappointing second album from the once happiest band ever, this is a rare gem from said record.
10) Blood Red Shoes – Don’t Ask … More pop than punk but still can craft a chunky riff or two.
10) Laura Marling – Devil’s Spoke … Beautiful melodies, bleak landscaping and impassioned vocals from the slightly sombre uk folk starlet.
11) Goldfrapp – Rocket … 80′s electro-pop is the latest trend for Goldfrapp ditching the atmosphrics of their previous album.
12) Tunng – By Dusk They Were In The City … Scandinavian indie pop, melodic and too cool for school.
13) Efterklang – Raincoats … Even more from the Nordic countries, this time its Erfterklang’s turn to sprinkle sparkling pop on the masses.
14) Liars – Scarecrows On A Killer Slant … Potent alt fuzz rock from the ever morphing meld that are Liars
15) Jimi Hendrix Experience – Bleeding Heart … Its not very often I’ll be able to say ,”Taken from the new Jimi Hendrix album” so I’m making the most of it! Psychedelia in its prime!
16) Titus Andronicus – A More Perfect Union … Prog rock meets indie and with this much energy and invention these guys will do well!
17) High On Fire – Snakes For The Divine … Wade through the heavy sludge metal to find an amazingly technical and fiery tune!
18) Scorpions – Raised On Rock … Aging German rockers proves there is still guitar gas in the tank as they churn out a cracking tune.
19) Broken Bells – The High Road … When the Shins got involved with Dangermouse this bright tune was the outcome.
20) Streetlight Manifesto – Just … The Streetlight gang have given the Radiohead classic a super happy ska punk makeover!
Jimi Hendrix Experience – Sunshine Of Your Love
Two Door Cinema Club – I Can Talk
Tunng – By Dusk They Were In The City
Lifehouse – All In
Alphabeat – The Beat Is
Efterklang – Modern Drift
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Mama Taught Me Better
The Automatic – Interstate
Gorillaz – Stylo (Album Version) (Feat. Mos Def and Bobby Womack)
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists – Mourning In America
Blood Red Shoes – Don’t Ask
Laura Marling – Devil’s Spoke
Jimi Hendrix Experience – Bleeding Heart
Goldfrapp – Rocket
Efterklang – Raincoats
Liars – Scarecrows On A Killer Slant
Two Door Cinema Club – I Can Talk
Tunng – By Dusk They Were In The City
Lifehouse – All In
Alphabeat – The Beat Is
Efterklang – Modern Drift
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Mama Taught Me Better
The Automatic – Interstate
Gorillaz – Stylo (Album Version) (Feat. Mos Def and Bobby Womack)
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists – Mourning In America
Blood Red Shoes – Don’t Ask
Laura Marling – Devil’s Spoke
Jimi Hendrix Experience – Bleeding Heart
Goldfrapp – Rocket
Efterklang – Raincoats
Liars – Scarecrows On A Killer Slant
DoesItRock? January 2010 Round Up
Jan 31st
It’s not typically a good month for new music, but we’ve been scouring the new releases for the best new music of the new decade to bring to you. We have thrown in a few of our favourite tracks for good measure too!
Listen now >>> DoesItRock? – Jan 10 Mix
1) OK GO – White Knuckles … One of the highlights from a pretty leftfield release: DiR? Review
2) Motion City Soundtrack – Stand Too Close … Happy sounding / saddening lyrics wrapped in perfect sugar coated acoustics wth such an immensely catchy melody: DiR Review
3) TAB The Band – Left For Dead In Hilton Hotel … Blast of infectious garagey blues rock from Joe Perrys offspring.
4) Delphic – This Momentary … Big buzz band prove they ar up to the expectation heaped upon them: DiR? Review
5) Eels – Paradise Blues … Poppiest offering on E’s latest downbeat album End Times: DiR? Review
6) Adam Green – Goblin … Short Guitar ditty from anti-folks main man. DiR? Review
7) Citay – Fortunate Sun … Folk centred classic rock with a led-zep swirtling beauty and harmonious intrumental genious.
8) Cold War Kids – Audience of One … Piano stomp taken from their Jan released EP Behave Yourself
9) Spoon – Is Love Forever? … Spiked guitar line mark this lively indie rock tune from latest album Transference
10) Brilliant Colors – Motherland … Uplifting indie guitar rocker with scrambled blurbs of vocal action
11) Laura Viers – July Flame … Beautiful melody and an angelic voice, sit back, relax and drift away…..
12) Lost Prophets – Where We Belong … Thundering pop rock single from the returning welsh rock masters.
13) You Me At Six – Playing The Blame Game … UK pop punk is in safe hands with You Me At Six at the wheel.
14) Hadouken! – Turn The Lights Out … Nu Rave isn’t so much new anymore but can still pull off a catchy pop/electro/rock/rap crossover tune.
15) Manic Street Preachers – Me And Stephen Hawkins … Classic Manics from last years incredible LP Journal For Plague Lovers
16) The Wildhearts – Jackson Whites … Ginger and co. go all mettallica style on this cracking rock number!
17) Japandroids – Rockers East Vancouver … Alternative indie rock from superb sounding canadian duo.
18) Devendra Banhart – 16th & Valencia Roxy Music … The folk stalwart returns with a surprisingly upbeat pop song.
19) The Last Vegas – Whatever Gets You Off … Motley rock and roll from these superb sleazed up hard rockers.
20) All Time Low – Weightless (Acoustic) … Uber catchy tune superbly reworked, Pop Punk Anthem of the Month!
Album Review: Adam Green – Minor Love
Jan 21st
Adam Green, former half of The Moldy Peaches struts more anti-folk musings on his latest album Minor Love.
Adam Green – Minor Love
RockOSaurus Says:
Minor Love is a flagship for simplicity, tiny guitar motif’s played on repeat form the backbone of each track. With each song coming in around the 2 minute mark , individually it’s difficult to bore you, collectively its a struggle.
With each track clocking in around the 2 minute mark, many disappear before they begin and without a glimpse of a memorable hook, they just fade into obscurity. Green’s melacholic spoken vocals do nothing to attract the listener either, leaving these stories only to be repeated by anti-folk fans and serious lyric book readers.
Mr Flowers Says:
Adam Green is generally best when his lounge singer style is combined with a hint of a pop melody in his voice or a backing track to contrast with his delivery, but it doesn’t happen nearly enough on this record making Minor Love quite a dry experience at times. A few of the songs are edging in the right direction; Breaking Locks, Give Them A Token, and Castles and Tassels are likeable, but Minor Love generally suffers from the feeling that it’s lacking a bit of something.
RockOSaurus: 4/10
MrFlowers: 4/10
DoesItRock Overall Score: 4
Listen to Adam Green – Minor Love now on Spotify!
