Withdrawal symptoms in the absence of Nikolai Fraiture of the Strokes’ dirty bass guitar riffs’ and a fan of sporadic bands like El Milano?
Ready to meet your new favourite band…?
Well, you need to be as they won’t give you much of a gradual welcome - preferring instead to grab you by the lugholes and drag you at full force into their fashionable new world.
Popular Workshop are an excitable Indie trio with a prevailing dislike for all things clich̩ Рparticularly of the neon omitting Nu Rave variety.
Tracks like ‘Uh (Uh) Uh Uh’ and ‘Get Up and Wait’ show the temperamental nature of the likes of Biffy Clyro in their ability to switch from relateable arty outbursts to thoroughly embittered screamo declarations like ‘I don’t want to fall in love’ over and over.
Popular Workshop’s debut album ‘We’re Alive and We’re Not Alone’ is thirteen tracks dripping with potential and angsty body trashing magic – a perfect distraction from the prevailing British winter weather.
Wednesday 29 October 2008
Album Review - Those Dancing Days - In Our Hero Space Suits - Noize Makes Enemies
Sweden can’t seem to stop churning out pop lovelies including Lykelli, Peter Bjorn and John and the likes for us lucky Brits and Those Dancing Days are no exception.
They are a five-piece lyric writing, instrument playing, live performing girl band. Alien concept, Girls Aloud? Perhaps - but to anyone who thinks the niche for female indie bands in the alternative music scene has been long in need of filling – Those Dancing Days are a very welcome concept indeed.
Their innocence makes them look slightly like the sisters in the film ‘The Virgin Suicides’ after a day trip to a vintage boutique but their sound makes them a sort of seventies throw back splash of quirkiness with upbeat lyrics.
Tracks like ‘Hitten’ and ‘1000 words’ show there’s a lot more depth and vulnerability to the band than a retro dance outfit with lyrics like ‘I feel like I’m lost in this body, trying to get inside my head’ which is inevitably needed with any band who hope to maintain some form of longevity in the industry.
Named after the Led Zepplin track ‘Dancing Days’ and label mates with the likes of Los Campesinos! Clap your Hands Say Yeah and Bloc Party – everything about this innovative girl band screams future success.
They are a five-piece lyric writing, instrument playing, live performing girl band. Alien concept, Girls Aloud? Perhaps - but to anyone who thinks the niche for female indie bands in the alternative music scene has been long in need of filling – Those Dancing Days are a very welcome concept indeed.
Their innocence makes them look slightly like the sisters in the film ‘The Virgin Suicides’ after a day trip to a vintage boutique but their sound makes them a sort of seventies throw back splash of quirkiness with upbeat lyrics.
Tracks like ‘Hitten’ and ‘1000 words’ show there’s a lot more depth and vulnerability to the band than a retro dance outfit with lyrics like ‘I feel like I’m lost in this body, trying to get inside my head’ which is inevitably needed with any band who hope to maintain some form of longevity in the industry.
Named after the Led Zepplin track ‘Dancing Days’ and label mates with the likes of Los Campesinos! Clap your Hands Say Yeah and Bloc Party – everything about this innovative girl band screams future success.
Single Review - Keith - Up in the Clouds - Noize Makes Enemies
Manchurian band, Keith, have all the swagger of Johnny Borrell and with their first single from new album ‘Vice and Virtue’ setting the bar so high – you can see why.
‘Up in the Clouds’ is three minutes of uninterrupted attitude with epic psychedelic melodies reminiscent of an acid-ridden Cajun Dance Party and vocalist Oli Bayston not sounding unlike Fyfe Dangerfield of Guillemots fame at various points…and, weirdly, it works.
Two minutes in, the band break into what feels like a twenty second homage to their talented influences of Battles and Broken Social Scene- as with the band’s B-Side track ‘La Ritournelle’. It’s this disjointed feel that engulfs the album’s first release and hooks the listener with blunt lyrics like ‘You know I don’t care that you are much more beautiful to you, than me’.
In person, the band look like a rough around the edges Alex Turner and Ian Brown with two of their mates – in a sort of Rascals-esque side project. But, on listening to ‘Up in the Clouds’; the band stick two calloused fingers up at any pigeon-holing into specific genres and give the impression that the Northern four-piece will keep on doing things their way regardless – something that is no doubt a great thing.
‘Up in the Clouds’ is three minutes of uninterrupted attitude with epic psychedelic melodies reminiscent of an acid-ridden Cajun Dance Party and vocalist Oli Bayston not sounding unlike Fyfe Dangerfield of Guillemots fame at various points…and, weirdly, it works.
Two minutes in, the band break into what feels like a twenty second homage to their talented influences of Battles and Broken Social Scene- as with the band’s B-Side track ‘La Ritournelle’. It’s this disjointed feel that engulfs the album’s first release and hooks the listener with blunt lyrics like ‘You know I don’t care that you are much more beautiful to you, than me’.
In person, the band look like a rough around the edges Alex Turner and Ian Brown with two of their mates – in a sort of Rascals-esque side project. But, on listening to ‘Up in the Clouds’; the band stick two calloused fingers up at any pigeon-holing into specific genres and give the impression that the Northern four-piece will keep on doing things their way regardless – something that is no doubt a great thing.
Tuesday 28 October 2008
Album Review - Girl Talk - Feed The Animals - Noize Makes Enemies
Eight years in and innovation officially has a well established face - personified in the shape of Greg Gillis.
Otherwise known as Girl Talk, he has become renowned for his ability to mash up and re-entwine music samples from artists ranging from Avril Lavigne and Missy Elliot, to Prince and Nirvana.
And the result? ‘Feed The Animals’ is fifty minutes of insatiable schizophrenic tracks amounting to more than 300 re-worked samples on his latest dirty hip hop and electro fused album.
The juxtaposition of such a variety of genres, both contemporary and long-standing, in such a meticulous way has in no way gone unnoticed in the music industry with Girl Talk finding himself in high demand. Having consequently produced with artists including the likes of Tokyo Police Club, Simian Mobile Disco and Peter, Bjorn and John – his diversity is ever-impressive.
Sick of the same old stuff churned out of your stereo? Greg Gillis is here to smash all your CDs into a giant blender, throw in some effortless cool and serve it back up to you in a way that will put a smile on the faces of even the most serious of music fans.
Otherwise known as Girl Talk, he has become renowned for his ability to mash up and re-entwine music samples from artists ranging from Avril Lavigne and Missy Elliot, to Prince and Nirvana.
And the result? ‘Feed The Animals’ is fifty minutes of insatiable schizophrenic tracks amounting to more than 300 re-worked samples on his latest dirty hip hop and electro fused album.
The juxtaposition of such a variety of genres, both contemporary and long-standing, in such a meticulous way has in no way gone unnoticed in the music industry with Girl Talk finding himself in high demand. Having consequently produced with artists including the likes of Tokyo Police Club, Simian Mobile Disco and Peter, Bjorn and John – his diversity is ever-impressive.
Sick of the same old stuff churned out of your stereo? Greg Gillis is here to smash all your CDs into a giant blender, throw in some effortless cool and serve it back up to you in a way that will put a smile on the faces of even the most serious of music fans.
EP Review - Imajin - We are Speakers - The Mag
All too often I open up my monthly batch of unsigned CDs to find a predictably average sounding band that I could have sworn I’ve reviewed before.
Bands like Imajin are that exception - and affectively what it is all about.
Encapsulating Radiohead’s unavoidable stop-and-listen mentality which, when teamed with Jim Connelly’s vocals that are as intoxicating as Brandon Boyd’s best soulful tracks, create a truly raw talent and a four-piece that are not to be overlooked.
With comparisons to a British version of The Doors, fans of Thom Yorke and generally melodic and rather melodramatic alternative music, may have just found their new favourite band.
Bands like Imajin are that exception - and affectively what it is all about.
Encapsulating Radiohead’s unavoidable stop-and-listen mentality which, when teamed with Jim Connelly’s vocals that are as intoxicating as Brandon Boyd’s best soulful tracks, create a truly raw talent and a four-piece that are not to be overlooked.
With comparisons to a British version of The Doors, fans of Thom Yorke and generally melodic and rather melodramatic alternative music, may have just found their new favourite band.
EP Review - Garth Adam - Storm in a Tea Cup - The Mag
Garth Adam’s fourth release since 2002 is his new EP; Storm in a Tea Cup.
Sounding like some version of Crowded House with a soppy uplifting Lighthouse Family ethos - it’s relevance in today’s music market is questionable.
With an established career behind him in Australia, his talent isn’t in dispute – more so whether the borderline cheesy melodies and attempt at socially- conscious lyrics like ‘What is the reason for the gap between the rich and the poor?’ can really cut it in such a talent rich industry.
Whilst a bit of uplifting music or profound vocals are no doubt welcome in the midst of a rather depressing winter and Garth Adam may be the secret to cheering many a credit crunch victim up, for me, I’m not so sure.
Sounding like some version of Crowded House with a soppy uplifting Lighthouse Family ethos - it’s relevance in today’s music market is questionable.
With an established career behind him in Australia, his talent isn’t in dispute – more so whether the borderline cheesy melodies and attempt at socially- conscious lyrics like ‘What is the reason for the gap between the rich and the poor?’ can really cut it in such a talent rich industry.
Whilst a bit of uplifting music or profound vocals are no doubt welcome in the midst of a rather depressing winter and Garth Adam may be the secret to cheering many a credit crunch victim up, for me, I’m not so sure.
Thursday 23 October 2008
Cervical Cancer - The Facts - Entertainment Newsline
Jade Goody: “Racist”, “Pointless Celebrity”, “Bad Mum”.
It’s all been said at some time in relation to the loud-mouthed Essex star.
But regardless of what you think of the Ex-Big Brother contestant, I think everybody empathised with Jade Goody when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in August this year, Laura Routledge writes.
And yet, Jade is just one of around 2,800 women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK each year; making it the second most common cancer in women under 35 years old.
Shocking statistics and the fact that pre-cancerous cell changes do not have any symptoms, means it is crucial that women aged 25-65 have regular smear tests with three year intervals.
Contrary to common belief – a smear test is not a test for cancer – it actually involves a sample of cells being taken from the cervix so that any abnormalities can be detected early on, which with treatment, can prevent 75% of cancers developing.
If you are under 25 and wondering why you are not considered eligible for a smear test; the NHS state that it is very rare for women this age to contract cervical cancer, because as with their bodies – their cervixes’ are very much prone to change.
This makes false results very much a possibility and unnecessary treatment is likely to cause a lot more damage than good. Yet, anyone under 25 who is concerned about cervical cancer or her sexual health generally should contact her GP or Genito-Urinary Medicene (GUM) clinic.
Worryingly, at 27, Jade only began being invited for smear tests two years ago, but she is already considered to have a 50:50 chance of survival after doctors found that the cancer had spread further than they had expected, during an eight hour operation to remove her womb.
Aware of the need to detect this common cancer as early as possible, the Government has now announced that from this month, all girls aged 12 or 13 in England will be offered a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer and is otherwise known as ‘The Wart Virus’ because some types of the infection can cause Genital Warts. There will also be a 2 year ‘catch up’, starting this time next year, to vaccinate teens under 18.
However, HPV is not the only cause of cervical cancer and in fact, from the time a girl becomes sexually active, she is at risk of cervical cancer as many sexually transmitted infections can be linked to it – for example having HPV and Chlamydia increases the risk by as much as 70%. Even sleeping with someone who has not been circumcised increases a woman’s chances of contracting the cancer as these men are more likely to have HPV, than those who have been circumcised.
Other factors such as bad hygiene, smoking, a poor diet and genetics have all been linked to an increased likelihood of developing cervical cancer.
With 8 in 100,000 women getting cervical cancer in the UK each year and so many potential causes, basic prevention is essential and includes using a condom, avoiding sex at a young age and reducing your number of sexual partners.
Whilst pre-cancerous cells are without symptoms, it is important that if a woman is noticing bleeding between periods/after sex/during sex/ past the menopause, a vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant or discomfort during sex, that she goes to see her GP or local GUM clinic.
Whilst here at EN we wish Jade lots of strength in her battle against cervical cancer, you can help prevent any more potential tragedies by going to get a smear test every three years – something that is said to prevent 84 cancers out of 100 that would develop without screening.
It’s all been said at some time in relation to the loud-mouthed Essex star.
But regardless of what you think of the Ex-Big Brother contestant, I think everybody empathised with Jade Goody when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in August this year, Laura Routledge writes.
And yet, Jade is just one of around 2,800 women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK each year; making it the second most common cancer in women under 35 years old.
Shocking statistics and the fact that pre-cancerous cell changes do not have any symptoms, means it is crucial that women aged 25-65 have regular smear tests with three year intervals.
Contrary to common belief – a smear test is not a test for cancer – it actually involves a sample of cells being taken from the cervix so that any abnormalities can be detected early on, which with treatment, can prevent 75% of cancers developing.
If you are under 25 and wondering why you are not considered eligible for a smear test; the NHS state that it is very rare for women this age to contract cervical cancer, because as with their bodies – their cervixes’ are very much prone to change.
This makes false results very much a possibility and unnecessary treatment is likely to cause a lot more damage than good. Yet, anyone under 25 who is concerned about cervical cancer or her sexual health generally should contact her GP or Genito-Urinary Medicene (GUM) clinic.
Worryingly, at 27, Jade only began being invited for smear tests two years ago, but she is already considered to have a 50:50 chance of survival after doctors found that the cancer had spread further than they had expected, during an eight hour operation to remove her womb.
Aware of the need to detect this common cancer as early as possible, the Government has now announced that from this month, all girls aged 12 or 13 in England will be offered a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is a major cause of cervical cancer and is otherwise known as ‘The Wart Virus’ because some types of the infection can cause Genital Warts. There will also be a 2 year ‘catch up’, starting this time next year, to vaccinate teens under 18.
However, HPV is not the only cause of cervical cancer and in fact, from the time a girl becomes sexually active, she is at risk of cervical cancer as many sexually transmitted infections can be linked to it – for example having HPV and Chlamydia increases the risk by as much as 70%. Even sleeping with someone who has not been circumcised increases a woman’s chances of contracting the cancer as these men are more likely to have HPV, than those who have been circumcised.
Other factors such as bad hygiene, smoking, a poor diet and genetics have all been linked to an increased likelihood of developing cervical cancer.
With 8 in 100,000 women getting cervical cancer in the UK each year and so many potential causes, basic prevention is essential and includes using a condom, avoiding sex at a young age and reducing your number of sexual partners.
Whilst pre-cancerous cells are without symptoms, it is important that if a woman is noticing bleeding between periods/after sex/during sex/ past the menopause, a vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant or discomfort during sex, that she goes to see her GP or local GUM clinic.
Whilst here at EN we wish Jade lots of strength in her battle against cervical cancer, you can help prevent any more potential tragedies by going to get a smear test every three years – something that is said to prevent 84 cancers out of 100 that would develop without screening.
Single Review - Tommy Ludgate - Sweet Release - The Mag
Tommy Ludgate possesses a lot of the attributes that make an artist’s fame inevitable.
At just 22, she has the vocal style of someone much older and her fan base has all the loyalty of a golden retriever, yet as her soulful blues glaze the sound waves there appears to be something missing.
Whilst her jazz sound is inarguably relevant, with Amy Winehouse propelling the genre into the top ten and the tabloids, Tommy’s musical style, although similar sounding, is not distinctive or particularly memorable.
Her influences range from Joni Mitchell to India Aria and in many ways she encapsulates an element of each of them. But with an overtone of En Vogue meets an X-Factor winner’s first track – there is something just too safe about it. There does not appear any real pain to her blues, any believable passion in her soul or funk and although it’s pleasant to listen to; it doesn’t itch any real scratches.
Yet Tommy clearly is doing something right as her album and single are funded purely by her zealous fan base. Website Slicethepie gives unsigned acts like Tommy the chance to professionally release albums and retain copyright. Thus perhaps my inexperience of the afore mentioned genres is the crux of my lack of appreciation – rather than a reflection of Tommy’s musical talent.
Regardless of my qualms, such mixed opinions will no doubt make Tommy’s new album ‘Wall of Words’ a must listen for music fans who love a good debate over a opinion divider and similarly for people interested in what may lead the way for more contemporary jazz and soul in the future.
At just 22, she has the vocal style of someone much older and her fan base has all the loyalty of a golden retriever, yet as her soulful blues glaze the sound waves there appears to be something missing.
Whilst her jazz sound is inarguably relevant, with Amy Winehouse propelling the genre into the top ten and the tabloids, Tommy’s musical style, although similar sounding, is not distinctive or particularly memorable.
Her influences range from Joni Mitchell to India Aria and in many ways she encapsulates an element of each of them. But with an overtone of En Vogue meets an X-Factor winner’s first track – there is something just too safe about it. There does not appear any real pain to her blues, any believable passion in her soul or funk and although it’s pleasant to listen to; it doesn’t itch any real scratches.
Yet Tommy clearly is doing something right as her album and single are funded purely by her zealous fan base. Website Slicethepie gives unsigned acts like Tommy the chance to professionally release albums and retain copyright. Thus perhaps my inexperience of the afore mentioned genres is the crux of my lack of appreciation – rather than a reflection of Tommy’s musical talent.
Regardless of my qualms, such mixed opinions will no doubt make Tommy’s new album ‘Wall of Words’ a must listen for music fans who love a good debate over a opinion divider and similarly for people interested in what may lead the way for more contemporary jazz and soul in the future.
Tuesday 14 October 2008
EN Meets...Jack Harris - Entertainment Newsline
We love NY...and New York, it appears, loves Jack Harris. Jack is just 20 years of age and already has a portfolio that boasts of Ralph Lauren photo shoots and owning some of London's most credible magazine front covers. Now living in New York, EN put our envy to one side and caught up with the exciting upcoming talent to find out just how he got to this new NY:LON lifestyle.
Name: Jack Harris
Age: 20
Live in: New York/London
Job description: Model
How long have you been doing this for? 4 years
What qualifications do you have? GCSEs and A-Levels in Photography, Media, Drama and Art & Design
How did you get into modelling, & what you do etc? I got scouted in London at a small gig and got my first contract with Select in 2004.
What jobs have you done prior to this? Worked in a small record store for 4 months when i was at college.
Did you always want to do this or did you have other aspirations? I want to work in photography or art and design. I never really 'wanted' to be a model because I never thought about it but now I'm doing it I like it, and hopefully when this is all over I'll be able to get into photography a bit easier.
What is the best part of your job? Getting to travel and meet really talented people that I admire. And the parties.
And the worst? Not getting a lot of sleep. Being away from my friends and family for indefinite amounts of time.
What does your job involve on a daily basis? Going to castings, meetings, going to photo shoots, going to after-parties, travelling a lot.
What is your most memorable moment in your present job? Modelling for Vogue or i-D Magazine.
What's the most common misconception about modelling and your job? That it's an easy job. You do get time off but when you're working it's long hours, lots of running around, followed by lots of waiting around and being moved around.
.
What is your best advice for someone who wants to follow in your footsteps? The best advice i got was be prepared to get knocked back a a lot to begin with; you can't have the right look for everyone you go to castings for. but stay with it and it will pay off.
What are your plans for the future? At the moment I'm living in New York. Eventually I want to move back to London. When I get bored of this/no-one wants me any more, I want to do photography and be on the other side of the lens.
Name: Jack Harris
Age: 20
Live in: New York/London
Job description: Model
How long have you been doing this for? 4 years
What qualifications do you have? GCSEs and A-Levels in Photography, Media, Drama and Art & Design
How did you get into modelling, & what you do etc? I got scouted in London at a small gig and got my first contract with Select in 2004.
What jobs have you done prior to this? Worked in a small record store for 4 months when i was at college.
Did you always want to do this or did you have other aspirations? I want to work in photography or art and design. I never really 'wanted' to be a model because I never thought about it but now I'm doing it I like it, and hopefully when this is all over I'll be able to get into photography a bit easier.
What is the best part of your job? Getting to travel and meet really talented people that I admire. And the parties.
And the worst? Not getting a lot of sleep. Being away from my friends and family for indefinite amounts of time.
What does your job involve on a daily basis? Going to castings, meetings, going to photo shoots, going to after-parties, travelling a lot.
What is your most memorable moment in your present job? Modelling for Vogue or i-D Magazine.
What's the most common misconception about modelling and your job? That it's an easy job. You do get time off but when you're working it's long hours, lots of running around, followed by lots of waiting around and being moved around.
.
What is your best advice for someone who wants to follow in your footsteps? The best advice i got was be prepared to get knocked back a a lot to begin with; you can't have the right look for everyone you go to castings for. but stay with it and it will pay off.
What are your plans for the future? At the moment I'm living in New York. Eventually I want to move back to London. When I get bored of this/no-one wants me any more, I want to do photography and be on the other side of the lens.
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