Pete and The Pirates Interview - Noize Makes Enemies

Starting off with a list of apparent joke-fuelled ambitions may not be the usual progression into success for a band, but from the minute you hear; “She dances like she’s got her feet in her brain/ She dances like she might never again” followed by a sporadic and chaotic guitar riff, it’s clear Pete and The Pirates are no ordinary band.

“When we first started we had this sort of five step plan. The first was to play a gig and I think the second was to play a gig in London. The third was to get signed and the fourth step was to play at Reading festival because we’re all from Reading; but those were kind of just jokes. And we’ve obviously done those now. The fifth was to play at Wembley…but that’s a joke too. We just want to make a really good new album that everyone likes.”


The normally tambourine toting, Tom Saunders, vocalist from Pete and The Pirates, is refreshingly humble and chilled out in a way that quick fame and recognition can often destroy; something paradoxically personified by Razorlight’s Johnny Borrell.

But following an epic 2008, his feet remain firmly fixed to his Reading roots, having realised a dream and passion he’s had from the very start;

“I’ve always been hitting things and making noise. I’ve never wanted to do anything else. And we all sort of knew each other because we lived close so we started working together. But we all have really different influences. If someone asks us when we’re together, we all just start talking over each other. We all like Sonic Youth and Pavement. A massive influence for me is David Bowie. Not just in terms of song-writing but also just in terms of the standard that I set for myself. Does that make sense? You can re-write this in a way that makes sense!”

Explaining a lot of the band’s eclectic and jangling trademark sound, Tom’s modesty and effortlessly down-to-earth nature is unavoidably endearing. It also, in many ways, along with their talent, reinforces why Pete and The Pirates have such an excitably loyal fanbase. With their debut album, Little Death, released early last year receiving mixed reviews from music journalists, the band went on to play Bestival, Reading and Leeds Festival, demonstrating their unquestionable musical prowess.

“2008 was pretty amazing. Summer was a massive highlight. Tell any band that they’re going to spend the three months going and playing at festivals and they’re gonna love it. At Bestival we were told we wouldn’t be able to play because of the weather. We were gutted so we drowned our sorrows but then found out we could play after all. We were pretty drunk but it was amazing.”

Having seen in the New Year headlining at Camden’s trendy KOKO, the perfect end to an amazing year and the high benchmark for the band in 2009 has well and truly been established:

“We were a bit worried because we had all drank a lot but it was great. A surprisingly good way to spend New Years Eve – everyone loved it. I don’t have any new years’ resolutions though. I have very little will power so a while ago I made a resolution not to make any more resolutions.”

But for a band that in have already fulfilled four of their wildest ambitions, with a new album on the way and their new single, Jennifer, out this week, what does the new year have in store for the four Berkshire boys?

“We’re locked in a room at the moment, choosing what songs to put on the new album which is out sometime this year. We want it to make it as good as ‘Little Death’…and better.”

Whatever happens, 2009, for Pete and the Pirates, seems deservedly occupied with an abundance of success, more fulfilled ambitions, festivals and seemingly inevitably…a lot more alcohol - at least if 2008 is anything to go by.

Gig Review - Kings of Leon- Bournemouth International Centre 14/12/08

A normal Sunday for people in Bournemouth would usually consist of a poor attempt at a roast dinner, students desperately trying to start and finish the assignment due midday on Monday or a night in watching Coronation Street. But this was no ordinary Sunday, this was the day that Followill fever hit Bournemouth in a big way.

The South American four-piece began their astounding almost two-hour set at 8.45pm, following support from M83 – a French electro band that arguably received less audience encouragement than their talent would warrant. Although, judging by the crowd’s intoxicating hysteria on the first strum of a recognisable chord sequence from Kings of Leon - impatience and anticipation may have had a lot to do with the seeming dismissal of the support.

Kings of Leon have been propelled into the mainstream since the release of their last two albums at a rate that their chequered shirts and newly short do’s could barely keep up with. Yet, unlike the fickle scene-chasing fans of many other bands of the genre, the self-professed Kings of the Rodeo’s fan base which have been there since the beginning have stood proudly, like parents watching their child achieve their ambitions – something that the band are appreciative of, later telling their sea-side audience “It’s fans like you who keep us doing this”.

This was also demonstrated by the set list; entwining tracks from all four of their impressively diverse albums into their set. Starting things with ‘Closer’ and the bass-heavy ‘Crawl’ before the renowned ‘Kings of the Rodeo’, meant a crowd of hysterical fans dancing like their lives depended on it…with the occasional over-zealous crowd surfer being dragged out by security of course.

Four songs in and lead singer and guitarist, Caleb Followill, followed the typically epic ‘Molly’s Chamber’ with a brief belated introduction: “We’re Kings of Leon”. Greeted by an uproar of applause from fans hugely appreciative of the refreshingly humble approach for a band that, in 2008, need no introduction.

Whilst bassist and many a female fan favourite, Jared Followill, spent a lot of the show with this back to the audience, he turned to lend his vocals to chart topping ‘Use Somebody’ and to demonstrate his bass prowess on tracks like ‘Sex on Fire’. The musical ability of Kings of Leon is something that prevails in a way that leaves even the most fickle of music fans questioning how they possible stayed under the radar for so long. Guitar riffs and Caleb’s raspy vocals tugged at the hairs on the back of everyone’s necks amongst an atmosphere of fans clearly having the time of their lives.

And the perfect end to the perfect show? A four song encore. Leaving the audience to work themselves up into a frenzy for five minutes and to allow Caleb to no doubt consume as much Evian as his bladder capacity would allow after an immense performance of ‘Trani’, the band returned to play ‘Knocked Up’, the show-stopping ‘Charmer’, ‘Slow Night So Long’ and ‘Black Thumbnail’.

If only all Sundays were like this.


Set List:
Closer
Crawl
Kings of the Rodeo
Joe’s Head
Molly’s Chamber
Fans
Revelry
Milk
Four Kicks
Pistol of Fire
Wasted Time
Notion
Sex on Fire
The Bucket
Use Somebody
My Party
Cold Desert
Trani
Encore – Knocked Up, Charmer, Slow Night So Long, Black Thumbnail

Single Review - Calexico - Victor Jara's Hands - Noize Makes Enemies

It is unlikely that Calexico will be whatever you are expecting, or at least that was definitely the case for me. The Arizonan six-piece recorded their 2005 EP with folk, often spine-tingle-encouraging, Iron and Wine, and whilst Calexico have the same southern sound -with country and folk attributes –they inject an unexpected world music overtone to their music.

Calexico’s latest release, ‘Victor Jara’s Hands’ is no different –incorporating all of these factors into a style that is a very welcome distraction from a typically bleak British December, but arguably lacks a great deal of relevance in the modern music industry. However, perhaps this is not such a bad thing.

Kicking off 2009 with a sixteen-date tour of Europe, Calexico, although undoubtedly not everybody’s preferred musical style, are talented and definitely would appear to be doing something right.

If a band that have an established approach which exudes innovation and works for them, should they need to tamper with and manipulate their music to appeal to mass audiences? I would suggest not.

The world is a more interesting place because everybody is different, and the music industry is undeniably a better place as a result of mould-breaking bands like Calexico.

EP Review - Get Well Soon - Listen - Noize Makes Enemies

Get Well Soon are a seven-piece German band. Fronted by Konstantin Gropper who is quite the talented multi-tasker; songwriting, singing and playing a host of instruments in the band.

It is these kinds of quirky factors that become less surprising, and almost characteristic of Get Well Soon. In an adjective, they are; diverse. Incorporating, violins, banjos, what sounds like a glockenspiel and then fusing these into dark instrumentals not unlike the newer work of Radiohead and teaming this with Gropper’s vocals - reminiscent of Matt Bellamy’s (of Muse).

Add in Gropper’s vast American/Canadian influences which range from Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth to Leonard Cohen and the foundations for the choice of adjective should be a great deal clearer.

Get Well Soon’s latest EP is a showcase for the above descriptions and with tracks like “Christmas in Adventure Parks’ showing a more folk side to the band, their status for most successful newcomer tour in Germany this year demonstrates the success of their fine balance between dark gothic tendencies and more mainstream genres.

With it’s potentially niche audience, Get Well Soon are unlikely to beat Alexandra Burke to the Christmas number one spot this year, but Gropper’s musical talent is indisputable and music fans willing to open their minds to the more experimental; this EP could be well worth a listen.

Album Review - Her Space Holiday - XOXO Panda and The New Kid Revival - Noize Makes Enemies

Visually, Marc Bianchi, aka XOXO Panda looks like a cross between Weezer front man Rivers Cuomo, with the tattooed torso of Travis Barker. Originally hailing from the bands Indian Summer and Mohinder, this paradoxical and somewhat unexpected appearance is undoubtedly a direct consequence of Bianchi’s background in hardcore music.

Clearly an innate courage for change, Her Space Holiday’s new album is a clear progression from previous work. Tracks from ‘Telescope’, the bands 2006 release, demonstrate Bianchi’s lyrical capability but are musically somewhat easier to apply to a genre or compare to bands such as The Postal Service.

However, whilst his latest album has the same acoustic theme and warming lyrics, there is something quite traditional or older sounding about the thirteen tracks, particularly musically on “No More Good Ideas”. Whether it’s the optimism and upbeat tone to the music – something which is seemingly becoming less commonplace in modern music, or whether it’s due to the harmonies and impossible-to-pigeon-hole sound; either way it’s inarguably refreshing.

There’s an aurora of maturity and reflection on experience that is inevitable with a singer/songwriter who has been in the music industry for as long as Bianchi. But rather than a patronising and irrelevant slant after twelve years of making music, the consequences on tracks like “Year in Review” and “The World Will Deem Us Dangerous” are lyrics that demand attention and seem to effortlessly soothe any potential personal dissatisfaction by persuading it into a broader perspective.

Lyrics such as “Hold your breath and count to three, if you know the words then sing with me” make the album at times feel not unlike a campfire session for fans of alternative music. Yet, at the end of a year that has heard numerous musicians complain about the attributes of fame and at times demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the support their fans show – Bianchi’s positivity and his audacity to bungee jump from one genre to another, at times creating new ones altogether, would appear a breath of fresh air.

Album Review - Popular Workshop - We're Alive and We're Not Alone - Noize Makes Enemies

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 cliché – particularly 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Album Review - The Walkmen - You and Me - Noize Makes Enemies

Amidst the propulsion of The Kings of Leon to previously unknown and unpredicted fame – on this September morning, The Walkmen’s new album seems more relevant than ever.


The New York three-piece demonstrate all the coarse rock of Black Rebel Motor Cycle Club, with the profound impression of a largely vintage check shirt toting band, as their dissatisfied rural sound grinds over each track.

Hamilton Leithauser’s gritty country rock vocals on songs like ‘On the Water’ convey a believable sense of blues, as the band’s maturity – 5 albums in – sets the bar that little bit higher and separates them from the rather wet-behind-the-ears in comparison, Followill family.

The harsh bass and post-punk guitars that previous albums have embodied are not thrust onto the listener in such an unavoidable way with the fourteen track ‘You and Me’, but the band’s trademark sound is still at the forefront.

Although The Walkmen’s country sound does fit in well with the scene of Autumn- as cowboy boots and Topshop’s tartan shirts hang from countless fashion conscious students- despite their clear talent, it is rather likely that their disgruntled sound will tend to grate on more optimistic ears.

Yet, if you like your traditional rock and are partial to a bit of a country blues – The Walkmen’s latest album is indeed worth a listen.

Album Review - Screaming Tea Party - Golden Blue - Noize Makes Enemies

What do you get when you cross two Tokyo guitar and bassists and a London born female drummer?

No, this isn’t some exhausted Christmas cracker joke but the ingredients for arty punk outfit, Screaming Tea Party.

Their mixture of backgrounds and unusual nature creates all the insatiable shambles of the early Libertines work and what sounds like a cross between The Clash and The Mae Shi – no doubt the result of their impressively diverse and worldwide influences.

And this band’s debut EP’s crux is fundamentally all about the diverse.

Ranging from screams and epic guitar riffs to a chilled Moldy Peaches sound, it’s hard to get your head around this three piece. And whilst the punk side to their music is clearly what laces all of their hearts, I’d argue that their hard to fathom style and highly cultured approach is exactly what will make them so addictive.

If you’re sick of the same old shit leaking out of Radio One’s towers and you’re looking to shake up your music collection; I suggest you let Screaming Tea Party chuck you into their international punk world; it’s unlikely you’ll be turning back.

Album Review - Flobots - Fight With Tools - Noize Makes Enemies

Every now and again, a band comes onto the radio and within the first few seconds, a compulsion to turn up the volume, to listen closer, is felt.

Flobots are that band and they come with a message.

I’d forgive you for a lethargic eye roll at the latter part of that sentence but unlike so many scensters who cling desperately to the concept of depth and concern for the wider world; with this six piece, it’s for real.

Sounding not dissimilar to Rage Against The Machine combined with The Roots, as a result they have all the genre-splitting likeability of bands like Linkin Park and Gym Class Heroes.

The band hail from Colarado and tellingly, formed in 2005 after the American election. Their lyrics tackle racism, globalisation and the greediness at the hands of the people in control but in a refreshing way that is not condescending or superficial.

If you haven’t already heard ‘Handlebars’, it is likely that you are in solitary confinement because the response to the band’s debut has already been phenomenal. Lyrics like “I can lead a nation with a microphone” and “I can keep rhythm with no metronome” teamed with a painfully catchy beat, make the band outstandingly appealing.

With their new album ‘Fight with Tools’ displaying all the familiar likeable attributes, it is likely that Flobots are here to stay.

Album Review - Aidan Smith - Allotments - Noize Makes Enemies

Now onto his fifth album, Manchurian, Aidan Smith, clearly hasn’t run dry of his trademark creativity.

On paper, the structure of his songs just shouldn’t work; teaming endearingly poetic lyrics, soft vocals and a sort of sporadic collision of brass instruments, but somehow it just does.

Allotments is a rather gentle creation that has a very traditional overtone – with upbeat melodies on “Morning Was Your Picnic” creating a sound that is not wholly dissimilar to The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper Lonely Hearts Club work.

Yet, tracks like “Drapes of Black” maintain this jovial nature, but in the same way that Dev Hynes of Lightspeed Champion confuses his delighted listeners with a paradoxical sound of dark lyrics and cheerful tunes, Smith incorporates murkier lines like “The birds murder each other for food, I squawk and spark like a Narcissist each time that I am pissed.”

Smith then turns again with the beautiful instrumental ‘Sore thumbs, sore fingers’ which creates an aspect of the addictive thought-provoking atmosphere conjured by niche bands like Mogwai.

Fourteen track, Allotments, is a mature innovation that will draw in fans of Turin Brakes, Cherry Ghost and Athlete but as a result of Smith’s inspired creativity; a whole variety of audiences.

On a first listen, the album may not tick all the boxes for a lot of music fans – largely because of the unusual and acquired sound, but after a few repeats on your iTunes, it becomes difficult not to at least recognise the imaginative talent of Aidan Smith.

Single Review - The Automatic - Steve McQueen - Noize Makes Enemies

The Automatic are back. And what a welcome return it is.

No sign of novelty monsters coming over any hills, our Cardiff boys have definitely grown into fully fledged men with a bigger and bolder sound that they make no excuses for.

Rob Hawkin’s vocals sound better than ever as he sings out: “I wrote myself into a new story line, this time was different, this time it was mine” in a way that makes it feel that this change of direction has been a massively empowering upgrade for the four piece.

Adding to the rawer new sound is ex-Yourcodenameis:milo frontman Paul Mullen, replacing Alex Pennie who is to pursue something new, leaving behind darker guitar riffs and body-thrashing bass.

With new album This is a Fix and a tour just beginning for The Automatic, there is one thing that is very clear – things are about to get very exciting for Rob, Paul, Iwan and James as well as for their ever-increasing fanbase.

Single Review - Cut Off Your Hands - Expectations - Noize Makes Enemies

Hailing from the same country as Flight of the Concords, you’d be forgiven for believing that New Zealand laces its water with talent, particularly now with the arrival of Indie four-piece, Cut Off Your Hands.

Singing out the humanist of frustrated emotions; “All these expectations keep on pulling at me” and Cut Off Your Hands grip the listener as vocalist Nick Johnston’s voice fluctuates like a pissed off Robert Smith.

Sounding something like Glasvegas without the Scottish overtones, these vocals perfectly accompany heavy guitars and background chants with all the credible subtlety that the Kaiser Chiefs should have strived for.

With a new album expected for October, Cut Off Your Hands have also been recently supporting Foals on their UK tour and would appear set for similarly big things, albeit with a different demographic.