The Black Keys - El Camino - A Blog For Valeska

The 'The Black Keys' aren't a new band, or even a band that are just realising their potential, in fact 'El Camino' there 7th studio album, and the 6 that precede it were far from steping stones to stardom. However, it is 'El Camino' that saw 'The Black Keys' soar to new found heights of popularity in the States and across the world. 

'El Camino' released on 6th December 2011 by 'Nonesuch Records' under the 'Warner Music Group'  has rapidly become an album on the CD racks and iTunes lists of people from all walks of life. The greatest testament to that is that I ran an online contest to determine the subject matter of my next blog. It could have been anything and Marta, a well-educated Nicaraguan women who works for the United Nations, asked me to write about this band, and this album. If that doesn't speak of their universal appeal, then I don't know what will. Some people could see it as their 'sell out' album..others as the album simply good enough to fixate a wider target audience. Lets put the needle on the record take a listen…

As successful and as popular as their sixth album, 'Brothers' was, it was 'El Camino' that firmly stamped them as one of America's favourite talk show, award ceremony and A-list event rock groups. It isn't hard to see why people started taking notice with Hollywood A-lister 'Johnny Depp' paying homage to the two-piece band's avante garde contribution to Rock and Roll with their collaborated live performance at the MTV Movie Awards in 2012. There is nothing quite like jamming with 'Johnny Depp' to get heads turning.

The album starts with intent; leading track and premiere single 'Lonely Boy'  delivers the knock out punch to any doubters. 'El Camino' and 'Lonely Boy' were nominated in five categories for the 2013 Grammy Awards. The song also became the group's best charting single in several countries. With the clear influence of co-producer 'Danger Mouse' it's a fantastically well constructed Rock/Dance mash up, all the while staying true to the root instruments of Rock and Roll. A track that is impossible to ignore, even when you delve into the lesser promoted tracks on the album, it will keep you coming back for another guilt-free listen. The duo declared this their legacy album releasing two more singles 'Gold On The Ceiling' and 'Little Black Submarines'. While 'Little Black Submarines' shimmeringly-soulful introduction lends hand to their blues/soul influences, briefly breaking the album up intently before thundering back the years with a riff not out of place on another of the bands influences, T-Rex, album. It also serves to jump start us listeners back into sonic bedlam. 'Gold On The Ceiling' is another impossibly catchy rock infusion with anthem-esque choruses and hip shaking rhythm work. 

The album is a roller coaster of emotion and musicianship which would be impossible to ignore by any music fan; not just rock fans or indie fans but music fans of all genres. I believe this goes a long way to explaining the rocketed reputation of these determined chaps from Akron, Ohio. The entire album carries on in the same vein, keeping it's listeners guessing as to wether they'll be dancing, grooving, head banging or crooning to the next track. But one thing is for sure: they will be moving.

New 'BRMC' - Teasing us into anticipation

Time to dust off the black jeans and leather jackets 'Black Rebel Motorcycle Club' are back! They have just released a teaser track from their up coming seventh album 'Specter At The Feast'.

Now I can't speak for all of you, but up until this release I was stating 'BRMC' as a band soaring higher and higher in credibility. As hard as it is to beat 'Baby 81' the bands fourth studio album, and as much as they might of failed to in your opinion, I would argue we weren't left disappointed with the follow up albums. With 'The Effects of 333' and 'Beat The Devils Tattoo',  it was the bands dedication to their Rock and Roll roots that kept us panting for more. Now that the time has come, it seems as though we won't be disappointed this time around either.

All you need, in true 'BRMC' fashion, is the first five seconds of newly released teaser track 'Let The Day Begin' to get you're heart bouncing around inside your chest in anticipation for another, credibly underground, possible favourite album of the year. Keeping faith with the dirty grooves and moody vocals, drenched with sing back choruses that their avid fans have fed on for over 14 years, they are straight back to business.

As with most 'teaser tracks' this probably won't be selected as the first single and will probably end up as a middle album track, and even if such tracks do sometimes end up as the album gem, you could still argue the best is yet to come…

Check out new track 'Specter At The Feast' here http://blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com/

Jack White - Going Solo

Jack White is a man dangerously close to needing no introduction around the globe, with a back catalogue of projects consisting of 'The Dead Weather', 'The Raconteurs' and of course 'The White Stripes' it isn't hard to understand why.

However, for those of you unaware of his extensive back catalogue, sit comfortably…

Jack White, real name John Anthony Gillis, started his career as co-founder of 'The White Stripes' along with drummer 'Meg White' real name Megan Martha White. They started their ascent as a part of the Michigan garage rock scene, eventually being signed by a local independent label called 'Italy Records'. The band commenced by releasing their self titled album in 1999, moving on to release cult classic 'De Stijl' in 2000. In 2001 they released 'White Blood Cells' drawing critical acclaim from both the UK and soon after their native USA. In 2003 the band released their most commercially and critically successful album to date, 'Elephant'. Including single 'Seven Nation Army' propelling 'The White Stripes' into rock and roll folk law and to the forefront of rock fans minds across the globe. 'The White Stripes' went on to make two more studio albums including 'Icky Thump' debuting at number one in the UK and number two on the Billboard 200. On 2nd February 2011 the news of the bands split went public through their website www.whitestripes.com. Sighting a "myriad of reasons" for the break up.

Jack White then went on to form 'The Raconteurs' in 2005 along with Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler. They went on to enjoy great success on both sides of the Atlantic, rocketed with first single 'Steady As She Goes' from debut album 'Broken Boy Soldiers'. In 2008 second album 'Consolers of the Lonely' received a Grammy nomination, ensuring Jack White to be a magnet for the 'music experts'.

'The Dead Weather' were the latest group formed by a man seemingly on a mission, driven by success, inspiration and hunger for more of the same. Formed in 2009 with 'The Kills' front woman Alison Mosshart, Jack Lawrence remaining on bass duties and completed by 'Queens of the Stone Age' keyboardist and guitarist Dean Fertita. Debut album 'Horehound' was released through White's own label, Third Man Records on the 13th July 2009. On 16th October, 2009, Mosshart confirmed that the second album was "halfway done". The first single 'Die by the Drop' was released on 30th March 2010. The new album, 'Sea of Cowards' was released on 30th May in the UK and again on White's Third Man Records label.

Right, now that's the back drop, the moulding and progressive talent that all lead towards Jack White's solo career and first album 'Blunderbuss'.

The album is spearheaded by first single 'Sixteen Saltines', a riff drenched in White's signature 'ballsy blues' style, stirred with his screeching vocals and poured into our ears with a simple pulsating drum groove. Okay, so you're not being handed a revolutionary new sound or direction by White, but why change something that is still relevant..if it's not broke, right? 

Second single 'Freedom At 21'  follows directly after 'Sixteen Saltines' on the album, it hands us a riff capable of evoking neck jaunts from even the most stiffened of listeners, polished with Jack's direct vocal and tingling lead guitar parts it leaves no questions or lasting wonderment, just saw necks and raised upper lips. The album has its diversity though, with songs like 'Love Interruption' lending hand to Jack's well celebrated musical upbringing of blues and soul. It floats out of the album like the a tepid heated breeze passing over Whites song book on his Nashville, Tennessee ranch.

The diversity doesn't stop at the album either, he presents his latest showcase with a typically unique live performance. Splitting his set in two Jack collaborates with an all male backing band for the first half and all female backing group during the second. The first time this has ever been attempted and evidently pulled off.

So that's Jack White's career to date. A rocketed, hard earned ascent to the top of Rock and Roll folk law. Counting several bands, several albums, several more band members, and several, several more songs. All gathered into a repertoire not short of most people's life times work, and not one to be sniffed at, wouldn't you say?

Ben Howard Live At Bristol 02 Academy 29/02/2012- Feeding The Flames

Ben Howard first came to my attention at a local music festival called Lemon Fest in a town called Newton Abbot in September 2010. Even then, in the early stage of his career, you knew he had something special to share as on that summer-like evening as the sun was nearly setting he managed to captivate the crowd in silent awe. Not a house hold name by any stretch of the imagination but something was happening and we all knew it. 

Two years later this theory came to light. Mainstream exposure for Ben is currently at large with his debut album 'Every Kingdom' experiencing full critical acclaim. In February I got my second chance to see this talented Devonian perform live, only this time both his reputation and the venue were more established.

It was a sell out gig at Bristol's O2 Academy, some 1600 people descended with tingling expectation dutifully placed in the pits of their stomachs, and after plenty of highly complementary reviews based on recent shows around the country you could understand why. Anticipation for the arrival of Ben and band soared with every track change from the resident DJ, then finally in standard gig protocol the main lights dimmed and the stage lights raised to reveal the entrance of the main act. 

Ben humbly welcomed the crowd to the show with a croaked and retiring whisper and in unison we leaned in with eagerness to gladly welcome an already growing itinerary of crowd pleasers.

Fantastically aided by his band consisting of multi-instrumentalist India Bourne, who changed from bass guitar to cello to drums throughout the entirety of the show, all the while, filling the room with soaring backing vocals. Percussionist and backing vocalist Chris Bond, aided and accompanied by an electric guitarist using an array of techniques to keep every song within its aura. Together they burned through a thick set of songs changing pace with slow and high tempo numbers. Stoking the fire with a majestically captivating ending to 'The Wolves' sending the crowd into bedlam, then letting the embers tentatively glow with songs such as 'Bones' and 'Gracious'.

It was a mesmerising evening at Bristol's 02 Academy that night. Ben cut a humble figure hanging over the microphone with general bemusement at the sheer numbers of adoring fans cheering and singing to every song. The volume of which only slightly increased with prolific singles 'The Wolves', 'Keep Your Head Up', and 'The Fear'. Proving debut album 'Every Kingdom' to not only be one for the daytime radio DJ's and single searchers but a true classic in the making.

Justice @ The 02 Academy Bristol 09/02/2012

The Justice documentary 'A Cross The Universe' gives you a good idea of what to expect at a Justice gig. Rock and Roll attitudes submerged in heavy beats, synthesisers, emphatic choruses and hysterical crowds of fans, all encased with a casual comical value. So as you can probably tell, there really is nothing quite like being there in person, as I found out on the 9th of February at Bristol's 02 Academy.


As always Justice had sold out their venue for the evening, their reputation of a night of debauchery deemed too difficult to pass up for fans coming from all corners of the UK. Gaspard Auge` and Xavier de Rosnay have built a reputation for their rock' n' roll style juxtaposed with nu-disco, french house and electro funk sound, and it works fantastically. 

Justice first came to prominence with a remix of Simian's song 'Never Be Alone'  originally created for a Paris college radio stations remix competition. After being aired in clubs and through internet sites the song finally got release in the UK under the title 'We Are Your Friends' using a sub label of Virgin Records and this got them the chance of releasing their first album 'Cross'. 

Propelling them to almost instant legendary status after picking up award nominations for 'Video of the Year' at the MTV Music Video Awards for 'D.A.N.C.E' and claiming the 'Video Star' prize at the European Music Awards alongside 'Best French Act of the Year' Justice soon became festival favourites playing at 'Coachella' 'Sonar' 'Oxygen' and 'T in the Park' to name but a few. 

After releasing their live album 'A Cross The Universe' the lads released much anticipated second album 'Audio, Video, Disco' in 2011. It was a smoother, less punctuating release in comparison to the almost flawless first, but it was different, and different was good. They still outlined their knack for hitting explosive hooked choruses with tracks like 'Civilisation' and 'Newlands' whilst introducing a slower groove to songs such as 'On'n'On'. The funk and soul element is still very much alive too with song like 'Helix' keeping you guessing and anticipating the next move throughout the albums entirety.

The stage was set, quite literally, the dummy Marshall stacks were in place each side of the stage and a rather provocatively placed sheet failed to cover up the outline of the infamous cross front and centre. 

As the call from the fans grew louder the lights faded and the calling card introduction of first song 'Genesis' announced the french duo's arrival. Appearing from a thick mist covering the sold out venue came our hosts for the evening, it was difficult to make out much more than the leather jackets, Gaspard's hairline and the intermittent glow from two cigarette ends. They really arrived when their silhouettes were illuminated by the blinding light of the cross.

Dropping into the 'Thriller-esque' groove 'Genesis' took the dance floor over instantly and everyone, in unison, lost themselves in it. This truly set the tone for the evening, an evening dominated by overall admiration of the two men commanding the room so dominantly. The raw from adoring front row ravers propelled the sound of Justice to new levels of hysteria that night and I can honestly say I failed to see anyone not moving to their feet..and more. 

If there was one criticism it was a small one. As in true 'Justice' fashion they blended popular samples into their own tracks and it was of course flawlessly done. But they didn't last long and just as you came to realise the song they had dropped in and came to enjoy its comparative groove it was gone, leaving no real time to revel in it. As I said it was a small criticism on an otherwise flawless show. They truly did explode on the Bristol 02 that night and gave it everything they had to please us. 

It's not everyday they come to England to play but when they do next a recommendation to see them perform would come very highly from me.

Kings of Leon Documentary Talihina Sky

Soaring to new heights or a band hitting turbulance?

'Kings of Leon' have shared an abundance of success since forming in 1999.

Five albums and a documentary later its easy to see why they have vastly become one of the worlds favourite rock bands to date. However, as I am about to explore, new documentary 'Talihina Sky' may have been a stumbling block against an otherwise arguably flawless existence. 

The bands debut album 'Youth and Young Manhood' (2003) was groundbreaking this side of the atlantic, giving them huge success in the UK. Follow up album 'Aha Shake Heartbreak' (2004-05) saw the Followills gain accolade from some of their rock peers. Touring in 2005-2006 with Bob Dylan, an opportunity not taken lightly by the Followills holding him as a hero and inspiration of the band. They also went on to support nations favourite Pearl Jam during the same period on the South Pacific leg of their world tour.

'Kings' first number one in the UK came with the release of their third album 'Because Of The Times' (2006-07). Although some reviews were far from flattering it still shifted over 70,000 copies in its first week.'Only By The Night' (2008-2009) arguably the bands most commercial album to date saw them gain long awaited recognition by their native, America. With debatably a slightly more watered down radio friendly sound, singles 'Sex On Fire' and 'Use Somebody' propelled the album to new levels of success across the globe. Giving the band a broader appeal that stemmed from air time on prime time radio stations.

The bands latest album 'Come Around Sundown' (2010-2011) saw this seemingly unstoppable force of rock and roll gain more reward with a Grammy nomination for best rock song in 2011 for 'Radioactive'.

After all the success obtained through these albums comes Kings Of Leon's latest venture, the homely titled documentary 'Talihina Sky'. It centres on the band's up bringing, family and friends all of which seemingly shaped the four twenty and thirty somethings into the group we know today. 

Even with a relatively acceptable running time of 1:23:06 it feels like more of an endurance test rather than a trip behind the scenes. Choosing to focus mainly on their roots it would have been more bearable had it included more live, studio or touring footage. Instead the viewer is subdued to home videos and interviews with family and friends. What starts as an interesting insight into their religious roots and humble upbringing in Albion, Oklahoma seemingly appears to be filler material opposed to the anticipated footage of the years of sex, drugs and rock and roll that made this notorious foursome irresistible to UK music magazine headlines and the behaviour which made them the adopted sons of the UK's rock scene. 

Director Stephen C.Mitchell was there from the beginning, handing brothers Nathan and Caleb their first song writing deal whilst working on music publishing in Nashville. Admitting that the early footage of the band forming in their garage with brother Jared and cousin Matthew along with early tour and gig footage was "lost or stolen" they had to dive into the archives and recover footage the lads had taken themselves. Being brought up in the 'home video atmosphere' they took to the camera with ease, however the footage is much to be desired.

'Talihina Sky' is not one of KOL's best achievements, and after much anticipation it is rather disappointing it's not the portrayal of one of the worlds biggest bands that we expected or wanted. This won't signal a decent from the summit of chart rock, however it will trigger an expectant, possibly impatient reaction from fans waiting for a highly anticipated NEW project, hopefully, worthy of its hype.

The NME "Cool List"

Accurate portrayal or are they just trying too hard? 

So it's that time of year again, NME have compiled a top ten cool list for 2011. I've included a small insight into each artist, you may need it... 

1. Azealia Banks - Unsigned female lyricist from Harlem, NYC. Created waves within the music industry with her very first recording 'Seventeen'. Currently working on a debut album. A fairly expected number one spot from NME-namely as no one seems to have heard of her.

2. Jarvis Cocker - Self explanatory figure head of the Britpop movement of the 1990s with band 'Pulp'. Going on to secure legendary status with a well decorated solo career and eccentric reputation.

3. Honor Titus - Lead singer of punk band 'Cerebral Ballzy' originating from Brooklyn, New York. He has an energetic stage presence and anarchic attitude.

4. Serge Pizzorno - Guitarist/Lead song writer for Leicester rock band 'Kasabian'. One of the most emphatic lyricists and dressers of our time.

5. Tom Meighan - Lead singer for band 'Kasabian'. Comes with swagger and a cocksure attitude worthy of topping any frontman poll position. 

6. Lana Del Ray - A stage name inspired by late Hollywood actress 'Lana Turner' and the Ford Del Ray. Or Elizabeth Grant to friends and family. Is an American singer/songwriter and darling of daytime radio.

7. Rhys Webb - Formally known as 'Spider Webb' it's hard not to include this organ/bassist from band 'The Horrors' in the top ten...right?

8. Theo Hutchcraft - The slightly serious looking, impeccably dressed singer of Manchester electro/synth/pop band 'Hurts'.

9. Matt Helders - Rap enthusiast and beat keeper for Sheffield indie muses 'Arctic Monkeys'. Upholding the bands famously dry/witty sense of humour with various youtube hits.

10. Ellery Roberts - Lead singer for Manchester based band 'Wu Lyf' - World Unite Lucifer Youth Foundation. Creating suspense and mystery by not giving interviews or releasing information to the press until recently. They describe their music as "Heavy Pop". Probably the most talked about new British act from last year.

So there you have it, NME's idea of cool. You may feel disillusioned by some of the results feeling that some candidates are more worthy than others or that several artists were overlooked. Is this list a comprehensive guide or just a forced conception of what NME deems 'cool' for the benefit of its target readership?

You decide.

Bon Iver live @ The Hammersmith Apollo 24/10/2011

Bon Iver- electronically enhanced bliss

As soon as Justin Vernon performed 'Skinny Love' on 'Later...with Jools Holland' in December 2008 I knew I had to see him live. Three years later my dream became a reality.

After a busy day in and around London, seeing a lot of what our capital has to offer, the scene was set and I descended on The Hammersmith Apollo with bated breath and raw enthusiasm. The venue living up to its prestigious reputation, entering the crowd in the efficiently sloped standing section it's hard not to realise how beautiful a setting it really is. The balcony cascading out in an almost eager fashion craning its neck pushing the crowd closer to what is about to unfold.

After somewhat enthusiastically familiarising myself with the bands newly released self titled album 'Bon Iver' released on 21st June this year I knew I was in for a treat. Their second album truly advancing from where 'For Emma, Forever Ago' so blissfully left off.

After what seemed like hours, as it so often does whilst waiting for a much anticipated act to arrive on stage he strolled out from side of stage. His 6ft plus frame welcomed with an eruption of applause from the sold out crowd. Flanked on each side by his band consisting of two drummers, a bass player, guitarist, percussionist and brass section the anticipation reached its pinnacle. A shy and withdrawn figure crowds the microphone and welcomes us to the show."Hi, we're Bon Iver". Make no mistake, Vernon is the engine room, the inspiration, the main man behind this project but it is a collective of musical talents making up this performance and we are humbly welcomed so.

First song 'Perth' raises the crowd decibel rating to a climax, a song from the new album it's a chance to see their new material in all it's glory. Subtle, soft and dreamy the guitar and melodic harmonies floating in wave like form over the audience. Backed with tight simultaneous workmanship from both drummers, forming a thunderous tribal intensity seamlessly rolling into next song 'Minnesota'.

'Minnesota' again from second album 'Bon Iver' introduces the bands newly formed electronic inspiration, and it's tastefully done. Subtly emphasising the vocal and guitar lines whilst adding its own venture of melody it is a welcomed new tool to Bon Iver's currently impenetrable armoury. As they glide through songs new and old the crowd becomes increasingly rooted by the intensity of the performance. Justin's vocals bouncing effortlessly across octave scales, whilst the brass section lifts the whole performance beyond levels of distinction.

'Skinny Love' predictably however not disappointingly commenced the encore and the crowd roared with elation, a true sing-a-long of which everyone knew the words. However they weren't finished yet, choosing to end with 'The Wolves (Act I and II)' encouraging crowd participation on a culminating chorus of "what might have been lost" it was a fitting end to an unforgettable experience.

We had travelled through quite a journey watching this show unfold, every song painting a picture in your mind. So needless to say I will be making sure it is not another three years before I see them again.

New York five-some bring music back to the charts

'Angles', The Strokes fourth studio album, is the first in just over five years due to well documented 'band issues'. It is a collective of Julian Casablancas' clear 80's pop influence carried over from his solo project 'Phrazes for the Young'. Nick Valensi's ever catchy and melodic guitar hooks all glued together by the tried and tested back line of Albert Hammond (rhythm guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass) and Fabrizio Moretti (drums) pushing the message home.

Front man Julian Casablancas and guitarist Nick Valensi started writing material for 'Angles' in January 2009.

The album was originally due to be released late in 2009 but disagreements about the songs readiness forced them to push back this date highlighting the bands disparity to get this long awaited album spot on.

Arguably not as fluent or instant as the pinnacle of 'Is This It' or as undeniably driving and powerful as songs such as 'Juicebox' and 'Heart in a Cage' from third album 'First Impression of Earth', 'Angles' may at times lack attention seeking songs throughout its duration but it certainly has a mood and energy worthy of the bands high reputation.

The first single 'Under Cover of Darkness' draws you in, catchy enough for prime time radio and edgy enough for life long fans not to discard them for reaching a possibly unexpected, unsuspecting new target audience. 

'Taken For A Fool' may well inspire the tag of a teenage anthem, assisted by its sing along arrangement of vocal hooks, cutting guitar lines and tunnelling bass and drum work. The albums opener 'Manu Picchu' shows the bands ability to combine unexpected influences, the opening guitar lending hand to roots of ska, alongside Casablancas' crisp, streetwise vocal inevitably provoking a head bop from its first listen, climaxing in true Strokes style with mood altering guitar work and a thundering rhythm section turning it into more of a persistent tic on the top of your shoulders.

 

In conclusion I would say 'Angles' is a worthy addition to the The Strokes' back catalogue and certainly will not do them any harm, gaining new additions to their already flowing fan base. 

However, I would still strongly recommend any new followers revert back to their platinum selling debut album 'Is This It' to see where it all began and to hopefully get a true impression of the bands beginning and convert the new followers among you into life long fans.

‘Tallest Man On Earth’ Artist Review

It must be hard not to feel intimated when the biggest selling folk musician of all time, Bob Dylan, is still making music in the same genre as you. You could be forgiven for being passively cast in to a career performing in his shadow, after all, how do you compete with a man with a back catalogue of over forty albums, and a host of prestigious awards and critical acclaim?

However, ‘Tallest Man On Earth’ has an edge and appeal beyond just becoming another folk singer/song writer, proving he is capable of casting shadows himself.

Born in Dalarna, Sweden, real name Kristian Matsson, he exudes a collective of acoustic/folk/blues pursued with a husky murmur curiously pleasing to the ear, guitar riffs and chord sequences written to float on the lightest of summer breeze, and thought provoking lyrical content.

He spins yarns on relationships, lifestyles and passers by with attentive curiosity and throat lumping heart.

His fusion of originality whilst lending hand to music of old makes for an exciting yet familiar discern.

With an ever-growing arsenal of songs spread across two EP’s and two studio albums he has plenty of material to sink your teeth into.

Starting with a self-titled EP in 2006 and flowing effortlessly into debut album ‘Shallow Grave’ 2008 he starts with intent and gathers an army of fans and admirers along the way.

Early 2010 gave us his second album ‘The Wild Hunt’ and his newest EP ‘Sometimes the Blues Is Just A Passing Bird’ was released at the end of 2010.

 ‘Tallest Man On Earth’ is an artist gathering momentum, recently playing new single ‘King Of Spain’ on ‘Later…with Jools Holland’.

My conclusion is simple, don’t be left behind wandering what you’ve missed when Kristian Matsson is on his 40^th + album, and gaining critical acclaim only hall of fame members are worthy of captivating.

For more videos of 'Tallest Man On Earth' see the tool bar below.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club LIVE Bristol O2 Arena Friday 10th Dec 2010

Better late than never, better there than not!

For anyone who owns a bands back catalogue, covers their tracks live or generally adores their every creation.

An opportunity to see said band is a more than welcomed one, especially in the South West.

Even from the outset, approaching the venue, the tingling anticipation caused by the arrival of the San Francisco born, L.A. based band was apparent in every one's stomach.

The flock of fans followed the standard gig protocol, tickets punched, coats checked and jager-bombs hatched..it was time for chaos. 

I wont fabricate, I've seen busier venues, but as the lights suitably dimmed fans pored front and forth in frantic fashion.

Appearing from a collage of smoke and blinding white spot lights, drenched in leather and black hooded attire hailed Robert Hayes,Peter Been and new addition on drums Leah Shapiro.

Starting with 'Red Eyes and Tears' an instant crowd pleasing head bop, followed by 'Weapon Of Choice' 'Whatever Happened To My Rock and Roll'

'Spread Your Love' and new anthem 'Beat The Devils Tattoo' it was a constant barrage of dirty riffs and emphatic choruses.

The mood of awe and anticipation spread like wild fire across the three thousand strong audience and they didn't disappoint.

After the onslaught was over the inevitable encore was just as breath taking.

Instead this time opting for the thought provoking sounds familiar on 'Howl' and choosing an organ and acoustic guitar instead of distorted bass and electric guitar to serenade the crowd.

They played their way through an assortment of old and new songs, binding the crowd in admiration of the multi dimensional talents on show...

albeit if at one point Robert Hayes did forget an opening key sequence to a song from the organ, simply stating. 

"There were no robots used in the making of this song" It gave a reachable, human edge to an otherwise super natural experience.

Check out the video bar for live footage!

Debutants Hit The Spot

Funeral Party 'The Golden Age of Knowhere'

At first listen, you may well be tempted to focus your attention to singles 'New York moves to the sound of L.A.' 'Finale' and 'Just Because'..
and we're all guilty of it, but with further listening the realisation of consistency becomes apparent.
The energising grooves, thumping drums and repetitive vocals hooks, all delivered with an unmistakable American resonance are reminiscent of
emo/punk pleasure likened with 'The Used' 'Taking Back Sunday' and 'Brand New'.
The gravely vocal of lead singer Chad Elliot's L.A. inflection works with and against the pop-electro edge in an assortment only found
if you placed Kurt Cobain and 80's synth pop in your washing machine.
The combination of subtle synths and keyboard work throughout their debut album effort 'The Golden Age of Knowhere'  kicks Funeral Party firmly into the market and undoubtedly
many peoples record collections.
The result is an ideal soundtrack for any fusion of events life may throw your way, this album will prepare you for the best and worst times...the rest is up to you.