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 What we have been up to so far: Reviews 2012

Django Django – ‘Default’


Django Django’s press release promises this of their sound: ‘rollicking sing-alongs’ that gallop into ‘disco sunsets like whisky-addled and leather-saddled bandits on the stolen backs of prairie wild mustangs.’ Although this imagery isn’t quite conjured by their new single, ‘Default’, the track is certainly as frantic and adventurous as the plot of a much-loved Spaghetti Western.


After a three-year hibernation, Django Django demand attention on ‘Default’ with clunky, rockabilly guitars and tambourine rhythms that wedge jaws ajar. Vinny Neff’s sparkling vocals also sear onto the brain and flicker throughout the single’s snappy duration.


It’s strange, because the raw guitar sounds, hand-clap drums and melodious vocals that lie at the heart of the track underpin Django Django as an indie band, but they are far from one. Ballooning synths, samples and malfunctioning cyber glitches are just a handful of the sounds that simmer beneath Neff’s echoes of ‘Default’. For description’s sake, the track’s sound is close to the likes of disco-pop masters, Hot Chip, yet Django Django are also nothing like them. Similarly, they have much to owe to Brian Wilson & co with infatuating crystal-clear harmonies, although their sound remains wholly original.
After criminally cocooning for so long, the adventurous four-piece have finally taken flight into 2012 with a perfectly-crafted pop song. All is forgiven.


Charlotte Krol.

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Hot off the press is the latest song from Sam Duckworth aka Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. As soon as you hit play you are engulfed by a tsunami of energy and emotion. Compared to his earlier songs such as I Spy and War of the Worlds this is much more uptempo. There is a hint of Muse's The Resistance album in the tonality of the instruments which really works with the effects on the vocals. The result of this combination is a very catchy, jumpy song. The call and response element to the song also works with great effect and creates a full sounding song. If this is what Get Cape has to offer I look forward to hearing any new material he's working on in the studio.

Will Jackson


Tom Hoare – Review of Hot Right Now, DJ Fresh.


I’ve started to plan my summer. Having lived in my first student house this year it seems as though the winter has lasted a millennia, it’s been long, dull and bloody cold. It’s amazing how much I now value a radiator and yet I’m willing to save money to enjoy as much heat as possible come summer. I think I want to splash out on a music festival abroad, I’m not too picky, but something involving electronic or dance music would suit me perfectly. Croatia could be on the cards, but then Spain also seems incredibly appealing due to its variety. I’ve never been abroad for a festival and my current portfolio includes Reading, Leeds, Global Gathering and the Evolution Festival in Newcastle, all of which have required a thick, sleeping bag like coat at some point. Wind, rain, mud, the cold, I’ve had it all; I’ve had it all at once in fact. And so my image of this coming summer is something special, it’s an image which is made up of sunglasses, t-shirts, shorts, drinks, friendly people, wild people, tanned people, attractive people, the sun (not the newspaper, which has little need to touch my summer), the temperature, dancing, singing and music. Or to put it simply, my image is summed up by the song ‘Hot Right Now’ by DJ Fresh, I think it could be the sound of summer, and I’m looking forward to it.
Play rating - A

 

Eugene McGuiness Single Review - Mirjam Triebe
by Newcastle Student Radio on Wednesday, 7 December 2011 at 10:19 •
Eugene McGuinness – ‘Lion’


Good old psychedelic surf sound is back! Clapping hands, devilish guitars, a fast hunted voice. That is the recipe for the explosive song ‘Lion’ by Eugene McGuinness. Watching the music video is a MUST. It refers to Reservoir Dogs’ factory scenery and Pulp Fiction’s mad dancing style. When the instrumentation stops and McGuinness sings adjuratory his music reminds a bit of Queen’s intricate compositions
Before listening to McGuinness’ new song I had not listened to his former stuff for a while. That is why, I was a bit overtaken by its intensity since I thought of McGuinness’ music as something more ‘ordinary’. Instead ‘Lion’ fits perfectly into one of Tarantino’s wonderful over-the-top cheesy movies. What is it that makes wild animals so appealing for rock music? Maybe it is the absence of any inhibitions. Anyway. If you like this song you will also love a song called ‘Camel Walk’ from 1996 by a band called Southern Culture On The Skids. Just brilliant.
Rated: A

Mirjam Triebe

No Artificial Colours Review by Aliena Haig
by Newcastle Student Radio on Thursday, 3 November 2011 at 16:30 •
No Artificial Colours

The newly released 1 minute, 44 second EP “Street Knowledge” from No Artificial Colours is nothing to write home about. There is nothing particularly catchy about the rather stiff trance single and would be appropriate to have playing in the background of a social surrounding. The single certainly has an eerie aspect to it, with its repetitive scalic riff and unchanging high hat synth, giving the song a somewhat mystical feel. Though it isn’t bad to listen to, “Street Knowledge” does nothing to demand attention and makes for very passive listening. It does, however, create an ambience and provides the perfect soundtrack to a laid back environment.
Aliena Haig

 

Lion Sex Review by Alex O'Hare
by Newcastle Student Radio on Thursday, 3 November 2011 at 16:25 •


I decided to review this track as the band’s name, Lion Sex, didn’t seem to cast any preconceptions to what they might sound like (apart from the obvious). First impressions of the rock ballad ‘Nobody Said It Was Going To Be Easy’ is that it is simple and lacks creativity, yet some of the best songs written are the simplest. The stand out feature of the track is lead singer, Jef Leopard’s classic gravelly voice, reminiscent to that of Ville Valo of H.I.M. fame. Although the track has a catchy bridge and chorus, the simple structure of the song fails to take the track to another level. The band compare themselves to Marmite – you either love them or hate them. This song seems to break the mould, with nothing to love or hate about it. I found it hard to want to listen to the song more than once. This isn’t a love song for lion sex.
Alex O'Hare

Urusen Review By Will Jackson
by Newcastle Student Radio on Thursday, 3 November 2011 at 16:24 •


Urusen review “And they burned until they burned no more.” are the catchy lyrics from Urusen’s latest offering, The Islander. It begins steadily and, as more ingredients are added, builds in tempo and complexity with two complementing vocal lines harmonising. There is a feel of Mumford and Sons to the structure and it works really well. Urusen, a London based band, are ones to watch from the alt-folk scene and their 2011 highlights included Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party and The Big Chill. With their most recent tracks, produced by Steve Osborne (Elbow, PJ Harvey, KT Tunstall) it will not be a surprise to see Urusen at the big festivals again in 2012. Their second song from the soon-to-be-released album, A Once Was Tramp And Tree, follows a similar style of a single vocal line and simple guitar accompaniment finished off with strings and a hypnotic harmonium. The make up of the song provides a full and enhanced experienced with no unnecessary parts. The new album is expected in mid November and looks likely to be very popular amongst all ages. Along with great musical talents, their stage presence empowers them to entertain thousands and it seems like no crowd would be too intimidating for this London group who combine British Indie with folk music in a combination that just works.

Will Jackson

Mummy Short Arms Review by Jenny Thynne
by Newcastle Student Radio on Thursday, 3 November 2011 at 16:22 •
Mummy Short arms

Having never even heard of “Mummy short arms” I was impressed by how quickly this song grew on me. “Change” not only has lyrics which are both cleverly constructed and also memorable, it also has a sound which is pretty different to anything I’ve heard recently. The guitar work is easy to listen to but this opposed with the singer’s harsher tones makes it more interesting. Mummy short arms have their own style and appear to be going in a direction which is completely their own. This to me gives them a certain charm and makes me want to listen to more of their work to see if they manage to keep up the interest. I really enjoyed this song and am tempted to download the album to see if anything else catches me as much. I actually rate “change” pretty highly, good listening.
Jenny Thynne

Fixers Review by Sophie Coletta
by Newcastle Student Radio on Thursday, 3 November 2011 at 16:20 •
Fixers – Majesties Ranch

Described as an amalgamation of MGMT and Animal Collective, Oxford based, five-piece Fixers certainly revel in tendencies of the latter with their new single ‘Majesties Ranch.’ Taken from their forthcoming EP ‘Imperial Goddess of Mercy,’ the song begins with a 25-second intro which sounds partially like the opening of a bad horror film, and partially like a yoga session backing track, and is undeniably an unnecessary attempt at trying to be original. Introduction aside, the song kicks into a harmony-laden explosion of synth and sleigh bells that give it a surprising summery tone despite having the obvious Christmas association. The song takes you on a journey of intoxicating rhythm that you can’t help but dance to and will likely become a chorale of the fall, especially if Zane Lowe’s got anything to do with it.

Sophie Coletta

The Destructors Review by Lisa Bernhardt
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:54 •
Album review Media Studies by The Destructors

Let‘s be honest: I didn‘t decide to listen to this album because I‘m a fan of The Destructors (in fact, I hadn‘t heard of them until I got the CD) or due to the appealing (?) cover or because I‘m listening a great deal to punk rock. As a media student it was mainly the album title that drew me towards this record- how often do you find a CD that‘s directly related to your uni subject?! And in terms of the lyrics, there is indeed a resemblance to issues covered within my course such as influences of TV and newspapers on the public opinion and their manipulative potential, even though expressed in a manner that one would hardly find a lecture. Especially the line „Who gives a toss about Jonathan Ross?“ will keep on sticking in your mind- it‘s simply the catchiest phrase of the entire album. In terms of the music- well, nothing surprising, basically the stuff you‘d expect from a punk rock band with some tracks being better (and in my personal opinion that means melodic)than others. So Media Studies isn‘t a big deal overall and is likely to appeal to a small specialised audience only despite the lyrical theme which might make it interesting for other people as well (ergo media students).
Lisa Bernhardt

Portishead Amnesty International Vinyl Release Review by Mirjam Triebe
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:52 •
Portishead – Chase the tear


Fancy a trip on a space ship? Uhm, that could be hard to put into action. In the meantime listening to Portishead’s single ‘Chase the tear’ could at least make you feel as if you were an astronaut. Its pumping, playful beats might make your limbs nervous and restless. But then Beth Gibbons’ mysterious voice comes floating along saying “winter sigh summer’s gone/Holding off tomorrow’s sorrow/So I don’t want anymore”. Lyrics which fit perfectly well to the despair of the dark and chilly season. Still, the song conserves the pulsating energy of gone summer days and triggers a desire to be out and about. First released in 2009, the song will be rereleased as a 12” vinyl single on November 14th (all revenues forwarded to Amnesty International). Great news for vinyl enthusiasts like me! The remix by Toronto’s Doldrums on the B-side is also very well-done. Less gloomy but as danceable.
Graded: A
Mirjam Triebe

Seun Kuti Review by ALiena Haig
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:48 •
Seun Kuti – “Rise Up”

Seun Kuti’s new single “Rise Up” is not only very patriotic, but also filled with heavy political concerns. Singing about the state the citizens of Nigeria (his native country) are living in and portraying images of hunger and poverty, this single certainly touches on numerous worldly problems. The music, however, contrasts greatly with the lyrics. The determined and rebellious statements in combination with light, afro-cuban rhythms make for an interesting blend. The song is more poetic than musical, in the sense that the words, though lyrical, have no melodic shape. Having performed on BBC Later with Jools Holland, his acclaim is slowly on the rise, along with the release of his album “From Africa With Fury.” There is clear anger in his song and a true sense of fighting for what is right. His upcoming performances will surely be met with mixed emotions, if not a catalyst for future change. This single is certainly one to take note of and brings to light a very personal and emotional account on current events.
Aliena Haig

S.C.U.M. Review by Mirjam Triebe
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:47 •
S.C.U.M. – ‘Again into Eyes’ (Album)


“Isn’t that some sort of punk band?”, asked a puzzled friend when I told him that I was writing a review on S.C.U.M.’s debut album ‘Again into eyes’. A quite natural reaction - if you consider their provokingly satirical band name (derived from Valerie Solana’s classic manifesto on the abolition of manhood). In spite of that S.C.U.M’s music turns out to be a rather epic creation bursting with dramatic lyrics and atmospheric guitar riffs. For booklet enthusiasts the arty layout of the CD might be a good reason for acquiring this visual gem. Sometimes their music makes you think of Muse, although the singer’s voice, Thomas Cohen, is maybe more Placebo-like.
Especially, the many musical facets of instrumentation make this album an aural pleasure. From time to time the playfulness leads to an AHA-effect where you might find yourself thinking: “Well, that is a surprising riff!” Spherical moments can be found in the mystic song ‘Sentinal Bloom’ where a two-minute long acoustic piece seems like an extract from some science fiction film. Accordingly, the lyrics seem often blurred and distant as if Major Tom were issuing his blessings.
The London-based band S.C.U.M. is clearly at its best when the most experimental as in ‘Requiem’ or in the playful ‘Whitechapel’ for instance. On the one hand, those outer space sounds may be mind-boggling to some people. On the other hand, the band returns quickly to more traditional composing as in ‘Paris’ which is maybe the most romantic sounding bit on ‘Again into Eyes’. All in all, S.C.U.M. managed to create something original but also included some more accessible songs in their first album. Since, they don’t just rely on compatible hits their creative potential becomes apparent. An essential track is ‘Cast into Seasons’ where the beat of the drums mesmerizes the listener into a dreamy state.
Still, I would prefer a clearer articulation sometimes or less nasal-sounding singing. So, I wouldn’t like to listen it for the sake of the lyrics. Instead, the music would actually work without the singer’s slightly unnerving voice as well. The most danceable songs are perhaps the opener ‘Faith Unfolds’ and ‘Days Untrue’ in which S.C.U.M. creates Joy-Division-like dramas. This is to say, that with those songs a risk of repeating approved melodies comes along. S.C.U.M. is definitely a band to keep track of their further development.
Rated: B
Mirjam Triebe

You Love Her Coz She's Dead by Sophie Coletta
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:44 •
YOU LOVE HER COZ SHE’S DEAD ALBUM REVIEW

You Love Her Cos She’s Dead’s debut, self-titled album (and why wouldn’t it be with a name like that?) has been long awaited ever since the band first broke out in 2008. This record veers away somewhat from the 8-bit genre that was consistent in the singles ‘Superheroes’ and ‘Dead End,’ and consequently the band leave behind many of the Crystal Castles comparisons that have plagued them over the years, taking an approach that articulates inspiration rather than imitation. There is still evidence of Alice Glass-esque vocals from lead vocalist Elle Muerte, however whilst Glass’s vocals are usually euphonious nonsense, Muerte combines this with distinct repetitive choruses that give their fans the opportunity to sing along whilst simultaneously violently thrashing around, something I have never seen at a CC gig. Jay ‘Rocky’ Dead has clearly made some use of the video games used in previous singles on the production side of things, however the band definitely seem to have consciously created a harder, more individual electronica feel. The album explodes instantly with ‘Leap of Desire I’ a bass fuelled vocal anthem that is revisited later with its sequel ‘Leap of Desire II.’ ‘Mud,’ features the vocals of Jay’s sister, and has a clear influence from the increasingly popular dubstep scene, employing the manipulated bass wobble that has become so famously notorious of the genre, and if released will definitely help gain record sales. ‘This Is a Raid’ is reminiscent of Justice’s ambient bass lines, perhaps an influence of Nilesh Patel who mastered the album and has also worked on the French duo’s tracks. ‘Pull Out the Nails,’ is possibly the best track on the album; catchy and as merciless as an epileptic fit, you can almost envision the strobe lighting and drunken mosh pits without even closing your eyes. The album climaxes with ‘Nowhere to Run To’ a distinctly average song, which features an incredibly irritating intro that gives way into more of what you’ve spent the last 34 minutes listening to. The album concludes with ‘Softer Cell’ a trippy comedown of synth that leaves you feeling like you’ve had a crazy night out without even leaving your bedroom. Debut albums are well known for being tentative; a chance for bands to experiment with different sounds and styles in the hope of finding something signature, to call their own: in this case YLHCSD have clearly already found it.
Sophie Coletta

Kerry Ellis Review by Lisa Bernhardt
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:41 •
CD review Kerry Ellis: Defying Gravity G-A-Y remix


There are some things in life that one just can’t go wrong with. Kerry Ellis, one of the biggest West End stars of the moment? Tick. ‘Defying Gravity’, the most famous song from the smash-hit musical Wicked? Tick. A catchy beat you can shake a leg to? Tick. So if you mix these three up, you’re bound to get something truly great. And that’s exactly what the G-A-Y version of Ellis’s rendition of the Broadway-originated crowd pleaser is. It was produced by the people behind the famous G-A-Y club in London which has hosted some of the greatest names in the music business over the last couple of years and now made a contribution to Ellis’s recently released album Anthems. The track will make every musical lover shed a tear of joy as one can finally sing along to an already stage classic while having a total rave-up to this surprisingly well made remix (don’t let the all too neon-discoesque CD cover distract you!). With this piece in mind, all that’s left to hope for now is more musical theatre songs being turned into danceable floor fillers- although letting David Guetta mess with ‘There’s no business like show business’ for a start might not be the best idea.
Lisa Bernhardt

Maverick Sabre Review by Tom Hoare
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:39 •
Review of ‘I Need’ by Maverick Sabre.

In a time where the music industry is crowded with repetitive pop, basic dance and unimaginative hip hop it’s a breath of fresh air when an act like Maverick Sabre comes along. Having collaborated with Chase & Status and Professor Green, and consequently flooding radio stations with his first single ‘Let Me Go’, it was clear that Maverick was going to become something special. But whilst ‘Let Me Go’ was quite upbeat and verging on a fantastic blend of R&B, soul and dance, his new single ‘I Need’ is much more focused on urban soul, with that unique eerie voice fuelling the song. Whilst modern day chart songs run the risk of becoming irritating rapidly, ‘I Need’ is one to listen to for hours and respect for what it is, a truly well made song. One that may just be the spark needed for new such artists to join the industry, and turn it upside down. Amy Winehouse, Jamiroquai, The Lighthouse Family and Jarvis Cocker, all unique and iconic, soon to be joined by Maverick Sabre.
Playlist Rating – A
Tom Hoare

Jon Paul Palombo Review by Mirjam Triebe
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:38 •


Listening toJon Paul Palombo’s new single “Jimmy” for the first time may not make a big impressionon you. His voice comes along nearly too bright, the reggae rhythm seems tooaffected, and the bridge is maybe too cheesy. But after listening to this song afew more times you might find yourself stirred by the exhilarating guitar play,singing along to the chorus unknowingly. Palombo’s West Yorkshire accent also addsan odd flavor to the simple reggae beats. In the end, Jimmy’s story, who is ahopeless homeless, is told in a way that makes you want to jump and dance - orat least it puts a smile on your face and could dispel rainy moods.
Mirjam Triebe


Cosmo Jarvis by Sarah Gallagher
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:27 •
Cosmo Jarvis - My Day


OMG.Best.Single.This.Year. What more could you want than awesome lyrics and a kick ass chorus, this song makes you want to get up and dance, and I mean jumping up off your seat, mouth wide open and screaming, fist pumping energetic burn-those-calories dancing like a raver on acid.
This guy has just released his second album and this is one of MANY amazing tracks, every gal and guy I know will identify with the lyrics this guy is singing... ‘we don’t masturbate with our own minds instead we use the web’ is a favourite of mine; this dude is political without preaching and as crude as he is brilliant. Absolute must have album for this year – it really does have something for everyone whether its full blast in the club or playing through earphones on the way home.
Sarah Gallagher

Echogram Review by Seth Tinsley
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:26 •
Echogram – Conspiracy E.P.


Up for review is the new release from Irish electro rock outfit, Echogram. This 5 track E.P. is the precursor to Echogram’s debut album (due to be released spring 2012) and is wielding some considerable clout in the hype department with such names as Sean Beavan (NIN, Marilyn Manson), Adrian Bushby (Muse, Depeche Mode) and Chris Coco (DJ and prolific re-mixer) lending their technical prowess and support to the procedure. The E.P. kicks off with the title track ‘Conspiracy’.
Dark, metallic, electro pop rock is the idea here but it all seems a little too shiny. Too much gloss means it falls short of NIN or modern Numan numbers, but it does make it infinitely more accessible and will probably see them gain a lot of fans. ‘Conspiracy’ is immensely catchy: the simple repetitive chorus and big synth lines melded with pleasantly distorted guitars and drums sound perfect coming out of any radio or car stereo system. Perhaps this is the thing, it all sounds a little too radio friendly. The production is impeccable and maybe that takes away from some of the excitement and raw energy you’d expect from live performances.
‘Direkt Hit’ follows in a very similar vein with a punchy synth and guitar opening. There are essences of Chester Bennington in Kilian Pettit’s vocals and more Linkin Park style reverby synths giving the track a hefty epic feel. However it still feels a little too controlled and I can’t help wondering what the track would sound like with the excitement of a live setting.
The third track on ‘Conspiracy’ is a dream-like acoustic version of their track ‘Burn’. This does show an interesting other side to the band proving they can still sound just as dramatic with only vocals and guitars. Pettit’s vocals really come across well in this track, effortlessly switching from quiet, intimate musings to belting out soaring chorus lines. The track is really a showcase for the delicate arrangements and beautiful harmonies that Echogram seem to do really rather well.
The fourth track is again a complete contrast and does seem to stick out at a bit of an obtuse angle with the rest of the music offered here. Wobbly, squelchy, synths, big swooshy filter sweeps and poppy 808 drum machines are the flavour of this soft chillout remix by Chris Coco of Echograms ‘The Weakness’. An apt title for what is essentially the least impressionable track on the E.P., I find myself wondering what the original track sounded like and whether it would have sat more comfortably alongside the stronger songs.
Finally there is the 12” extended version of ‘Conspiracy’, which is essentially the same, only somehow twice as long.
The Conspiracy E.P. does give us a taste of what the forth-coming album will sound like and essentially the sound is instantly accessible pop rock with a darker twinge. Perfectly played and produced, mildly middle-of-the-road and perhaps too safe. However, in the current market they are bound for success. No doubt.
Seth Tinsley

Jodie Marie Review by Lisa Bernhardt
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:24 •
Review Single On the road by Jodie Marie


How come that Wales seems to produce one musical talent after the other? A good chance of proceeding the likes of the Stereophonics or Duffy in terms of success has 20-year old Jodie Marie from Pembrokeshire. After signing to the label Decca last year and releasing her first single this summer, On the road is the second track from her forthcoming album Mountain Echo- and it sounds promising indeed. It‘s a warm, almost sunny and very bluesy piece that perfectly suits Marie‘s strong, yet down-to-earth timbre and somewhat reminds one of the soulful music of the 60s. About to go on a Europe-wide tour including a performanceat the Newcastle City Hall in November, Jodie Marie is definitely an artist to watch out for as she isn‘t just a pretty face, but also has a whole lot of talent.
Lisa Bernhardt

Pop Will Eat Itself Review by Oliver White by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:22
Pop Will Eat Itself


The first contribution from Pop Will Eat Itself since Graham Crabb reformed to band earlier this year, as the only remaining band member, is unfortunately average. Their previously industrial style replaced by a kind of punk Americana thrashing, Chaos and Mayhem also lacks the witty and sartorial lyrics associated with previous PWEI hits. While Clint Mansell went on to become a successful film composer for the likes of Darren Aronofsky and the other former band members are working on other projects Crabb has brought Pop Will Eat Itself into the 21st century with the album entitled A New Noise Designed By A Sadist, however the resulting product is more “the recycled noise of a masochist”.
Oliver White

The Drums Review by Jenny Thynne
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:21 •
The Drums.


Similar to their earlier work, the Drums' "How it ended" maintains its upbeat tone, despite the sadness of lyrics. Typical of the Drums, they seem unable to let go of their success with "Let's go surfing" and there is a distinct summer/surf feel about this song too.The optimistic guitar work does not tie in with the lyrics, which makes the song more ambiguous. The repeated use of "I don't know how it ended", from which the song gets it's title, shows the dejection which the lyrics are trying to convey, but heightens how much the lyrics are being undermined by their musical accompaniment. YouTube comments say "I like how this is a sad song but you can still dance to it" which is exactly what it is, despite the lyrics, the rhythm and music disguise the songs content making it uplifting and easy-listening. I would give it a playlist rating of a B as though it was pleasant to listen to, it was not memorable, nor did it stand out from any of the Drums earlier work. The song was enjoyable background noise yet instantly forgettable.
Jenny Thynne

The Kills Review - Tom Hoare
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 18:20 •
Review of ‘Baby Says’ by The Kills


From the almost flawless album, Blood Pressures, comes another trademark release by Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince. ‘Baby Says’ sees the duo yet again complement each other perfectly; the blend of gloomy vocals and a haunting guitar turn what is essentially a deeply depressing song into something much more captivating and engrossing. Although The Kills never seem to rush anything, this song in particular seems to drift relaxingly into consciousness off the back of a very memorable guitar riff, it’s one which you’ll be whistling for hours to come and longing to perfect on an instrument. If you’re just getting into The Kills, ‘Baby Says’ is very inline with their unique sound (a dark version of The Ting Tings if you like…) and a very commendable record. If you would like to enjoy something similar but with more enthusiasm, ‘DNA’ and ‘You Don’t Own The Road’ from the same album are stunning songs.
Playlist Rating: A
Tom Hoare


Bombay Bicycle Club Review By Sophie Coletta
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 16:38 •
Bombay Bicycle Club
Lights Out, Words Gone Review

‘Lights Out, Words Gone’ is the second single to be released from the band’s third album A Different Kind of Fix, and is one of the majority of songs on it that has employed the voice of Lucy Rose, whose lilting vocals provide a melancholic twist to the band’s habitual sound. The song is distant from its predecessor ‘Shuffle,’ with a relaxed, almost psychedelic tone perfect for those long summer days that are now well and truly over (not that they ever really began). The tormented lyrics often make the song seem more haunting than tranquil and there are definitely better tracks on the album, which is a must have buy this fall. For those of you interested in remixes, Dark Sky have completely transformed the song which has just recently been released by the band, and is well worth a listen, possibly even better than the original if more accentuated, ambient bass lines are your thing.
Sophie Coletta


Wild Beasts Review by Charlotte Krol.
by Newcastle Student Radio on Monday, 24 October 2011 at 16:35 •
NSR – Single Reviews.
Wild Beasts – ‘Reach A Bit Further’
Label: Domino


Notably inspired by the Romantics and the sublime scenery of their hometown of Kendal, Wild Beasts are certainly modern –day Lake Poets in their own right. The next single from their critically-acclaimed third album Smother, ‘Reach A Bit Further’, shows the band submitting to this identity, with strong, lyrical metaphor exploring the vast complexities of modern romance. Yet the quartet also shuns expectations with strange, exotic syncopated drumbeats and pitchy guitars that chase each other amongst chiming xylophones. The vocal call-and-response between Hayden Thorpe’s startling countertenor and Tom Fleming’s warm Cumbrian burr is utterly charming – Flemings’ voice is supremely reminiscent of Elbow’s Guy Garvey’s comforting tone – and the song has, however rare an occurrence, a wonderfully repetitive core. It is an absolute delight to hear.
Charlotte Krol.