Coming into the last real month or so of summer everyone seems to be packing in the hits just in time for the fall/autumn tour schedules to start pouring in. Luckily my playlists keep receiving the blessings so no complaints from me here! Check out some of the tracks that have been on rotation over the past week.

ARCANE ROOTS - Off The Floor
I feel like I've been waiting for Arcane Roots to bring out Melancholia Hymns for a lifetime now. I'm just clutching at the strings they're giving us in the form of singles. The latest track being "Off The Floor" and the transitions in this gem - oh my. Arcane Roots have always had a knack for getting many different levels together in one song.


EVERYTHING EVERYTHING - A Fever Dream
Yes, yes, yes. I didn't even realise that I'd missed them so much these past couple of years until I heard this new music from them. Over the years as a band Everything Everything's sound has become a bit more performative and their songs much fuller instrumentally, and this track - along with the fantastic "Can't Do" - is no different. The operatic vocals in the intro and fade out just add to the subtle production layers added throughout.


MR JUKES - Grant Green
I actually found out about Mr Jukes' new record via Facebook and it wasn't until I had already listened through the debut a few times that I found out that Mr Jukes was actually Jack Steadman's (Bombay Bicycle Club's frontman) new solo project. I've always loved Bombay's sound and I was shocked to find out that something this far afield from that had come from the frontman. Either way, I'm loving the new album and hoping I get to see it live in September for his solo tour.


TYLER, THE CREATOR - 911/Mr. Lonely
After listening to the new record Flower Boy I'm still not 100% which song is my favourite but for now I'd say that it's between "911/Mr. Lonely" and "Pothole" for my most played. Tyler has been on the back burner for me for the longest time and it wasn't really until mid-2016 that I actually started seriously listening. However, after this latest album I'm happy to say his music will be constantly on rotation.


TRASH - 81
This song actually led me search whether they had any gigs coming up this year (they do by the way - free show at The Lock Tavern, check the Dice FM app for tickets). It's been a while since I heard music like this played live and after hearing "DIIV - Dopamine" a few days ago it's been on my mind quite a bit. TRASH are a new discovery for me and after seeing them live in a few months, hopefully I'll be able to say more for their music as a whole.


BONZAI - I Feel Alright
After writing about her last EP last year here and finally seeing her live at this year's Parklife Festival I'm still not sure what I'd call Bonzai's "sound" but I do know, whatever it is, I like it. This song, although much poppier than some of her older material, still packs that signature Bonzai punch and actually does make you feel good.


MEG MAC - Ride It
THESE. HARMONIES. Meg's voice has always grabbed my attention and after listening to her new debut album Low Blows this song is probably the one that caught my attention the most. The instrumental had a bit of a Duffy vibe about it but the vocals are something that only Meg Mac could've pulled off. After discovering her music a couple of years ago she's always been an up-and-comer that I vouch for consistantly but with this debut, I think my words are wasted. Just listen for yourself.


PVRIS - Half
I know this actually got leaked a couple of weeks ago but I've been listening to it a lot since then and thought it deserved a mention. All three singles from PVRIS' new record so far have been visually and lyrically intriguing and displayed a tremendous amount of growth from the band. To be honest I haven't heard a song yet and not wished I'd written it myself first. This record is shaping up to make it onto my top ten albums of 2017 list.


Sidenote: Aminé released his debut album earlier today and I'm currently halfway through it - enjoying so far but haven't listened to the whole thing so didn't want to choose a favourite yet. Currently bopping my head to "STFU" though.

I didn't even intend to do a music news post this week but all of the following things have literally just popped up these past couple of days and they're just too interesting to let pass by!!

BRING ME THE HORIZON NEW SINGLE "DON'T LOOK DOWN"
I was actually really disappointed with this single after hearing their single "Drown". I really liked that release despite the controversy but this one I can't stand behind. It's a bit all over the place.  There are some better bits towards the end but overall I was like this sounds like (the current) Enter Shikari not BMTH. Either way, have a listen and form your own opinion here.


WHILE SHE SLEEPS NEW SINGLE "NEW WORLD TORTURE"
While She Sleeps on the other hand have gone above and beyond. This new single leaves me with nothing but high hopes for the new record. This Is The Six is a pretty hard debut to follow but WSS don't seem to be dipping in quality any time soon. Memorise the lyrics here. Preorder Brainwashed here out on the 23rd of March.


COASTS NEW SINGLE "WASH AWAY"
I actually found out about Coasts when I shazam-ed their song "A Rush Of Blood" and have been trying to catch up on them ever since. Before I could even do the rest of my research, they've already gone and released a new song! Have a listen here - it's a good'un.


FKA TWIGS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "VIDEO GIRL"
She just doesn't stop does she! After her latest self-directed video "#throughglass" here, she's now released another new music video, this time directed by Kahlil Joseph but FKA is still just as fabulous. The video is more my speed but the best part of all this is the song - one of my favourites on the record. Looking forward to more from this lovely lady. Have a watch and a listen here.


SOUNDGARDEN NEW SINGLE "STORM"
That I am able to even write this in my generation makes me ridiculously happy! It feels like absolutely ages since I heard new music from Soundgarden. Have a listen to the new track "Storm" here. I'm not sure if this means a new album but I sure hope so.


BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB NEW MUSIC VIDEO "HOME BY NOW"
From Bombay Bicycle Club's recent album Song Long, See You Tomorrow comes another music video. A great video for a great song. I feel like this record didn't get as much recognition as it should've because there is an abundance of tunes on it, this being one of them. Stream the new video here.


14TH NEW SINGLE "SWEET LIES"
14th have been busy since I last wrote about them as a new discovery here and it seems that they've welcomed a new member and to commemorate this they've released a new track here. I'm looking forward to some album buzz now. They've been dormant for quite a while so I'll be expecting lots more activity in 2015.


NICK MUVLEY NEW MUSIC VIDEO "I DON'T WANT TO GO HOME"
After seeing Nick Mulvey last week here I still haven't had enough of him yet. I loved this song when he performed it live and I still love it here. Maybe even more so with this brilliant new video shot in Australia to go along with it. Fantastic voice and equally talented songwriter.


THE BONGO CLUB NEW SINGLE "GET MYSELF TOGETHER"
The follow up to the recent single "The Hush Hush Song" from their upcoming debut record and an awesome follow up at that! I am loving all of these music videos as well, they are both brilliantly shot. I am ridiculously excited for this debut!! Have a listen to their new single here.


FOO FIGHTERS NEW SINGLE "CONGREGATION"
Another great song from their upcoming Sonic Highways record (out on the 10th of November)  has been released. I like it but so far nothing has been able to top "Something From Nothing" for me. That song is huge. This has some great elements though for sure. Excited is an understatement for how I feel about this album/project. Have a listen to "Congregation" here.

It's insane to think that a festival like Glastonbury could all be over in just three days! I almost feel bad for sleeping because there was so much to see and do in just 72 hours. Either way, it was the most incredible few days that I could've asked for an all I can say now is, roll on 2015!!

THE PREATURES
Still sad that I missed Darlia's performance before this but nonetheless, I'd never heard of this band before I was standing at the barrier for their set, so I really didn't know what to expect. Despite their lead singer seeming a bit try-hard at times throughout the set, they had some really really good songs and great band chemistry. An enjoyable set overall and I will definitely be keeping an ear out for these Aussies.

LONELY THE BRAVE
A name that I'd been hearing quite a bit recently but had not yet checked out, so I was intrigued to see what they could do as a live band. A huge contrast to the more laid-back Preatures but this wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I did find myself looking at my watch towards the end of the set but the majority of the set was alright. Not sure if I'll keep up with them much but I definitely don't dislike them.

GEORGE EZRA
Probably one of the biggest shocks of the weekend. First of all the name George Ezra did sound familiar but nothing sprung to mind when I heard it. When the young Bristolian stepped on stage looking a little sheepish, I was very taken aback by the beautiful, deep voice that came from him. His set was quality and actually fun - the tent was absolutely packed. I look forward to listening to his debut album released last week!

THE KOOKS
The "surprise" set of the day. I hadn't heard much of their music post-"Naive" days and I hadn't really heard anything good about it thus far. When they opened up with some of their new R&B-influenced material, I have to say I wasn't impressed. The "diggity"'s threw me off a little bit. However, when they played their latest single "Around Town" I changed my mind - really good song. The rest of the set followed suit and overall it was a great set.

DOLLY PARTON
Although many people questioned her name on the bill, Dolly managed to pull in the largest crowd of the entire weekend and played a genuinely beautiful set on the Pyramid Stage. Her interesting, endearing and quite hilarious country anecdotes really made the set feel more intimate.She played through some old favourites and some new songs finally ending with a cover of "I Will Always Love You", which I'm sure brought some to tears. Definite standout set from the weekend.

ED SHEERAN 
If you've read my blog before, you probably already know that I don't care too much for Ed Sheeran or his music. I didn't even want to be at this set because Bombay Bicycle Club were on at the same time. However, in order to get a good spot for The Black Keys I made a compromise. Thankfully he is better live than on record. Despite him only having his acoustic guitar and no band on main stage, he still managed to entertain the crowd and the riff to "Sing" was in my head for a good while afterwards.

THE BLACK KEYS
Even though I've seen them before, this time was better than the last. The songs from their latest album sounded good but none of their songs hit me as hard as the ones from El Camino - definitely my favourite album of theirs. "Little Black Submarines" was a huge highlight. A band full of geniuses and an afternoon full of glorious music.

CHANCE THE RAPPER 
My friend had been raving about Chance for at least the last five months and stupidly I didn't make time to give him a listen but I'm so glad that I made it to his set because it opened my eyes more than Spotify could have. Backed by an amazing band (kudos to his Musical Director) and his contagious charisma he put on an awesome show and made everyone feel the love. I'll need to listen to my friend more often.

DISCLOSURE
I know, I know! I must be insane to miss Kasabian's closing headline set but there was reasoning behind it I promise! Since I saw Kasabian headline Reading a couple of years ago and hadn't seen Disclosure yet, I opted for the latter and I'd do it again. Beautiful way to end the weekend - Disclosure bringing out almost all of their album feature artists and ending with Sam Smith singing the beautiful "Latch". The lights were magnificent - flares were lit and shapes were cut - electric set!

Last week (14/03/14), I went down to Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath (a place that I'm finding myself far too often), to see As Elephants Are. I can't remember the last time I was in a room with so many rolled up t-shirt sleeves, oversized jumpers and Fenders - you could just smell the indie. Songs from Bombay Bicycle Club, The xx and Tame Impala playing during the intervals said enough. I'd never heard of either of the support acts prior to the gig so was looking for something to catch my attention.

New Bays stepped on stage and definitely caught my attention. They smashed their (surprisingly long) set. I knew that they must've been a local band - the crowd was absolutely loving it - a few brave souls dancing at the front and everyone else bopping about and swaying in time with the music. Their final song "They'll Never Know" really left a lasting impression. It was a tough support act to follow so I was hoping that second support act LIME's set didn't turn sour (pardon the pun)...

Considering how indie the whole atmosphere was, the promoters made a bit of a mistake booking LIME for this gig. They came thrashing in with their slightly more noise rock/punk fast paced riffs and startled the crowd. Before the end of the third song they'd managed to clear out at least a quarter of the room, one lad taking out earplugs as he left (not very hardcore \m/). LIME's set wouldn't have been out of place at last week's Eagulls gig but for this gig it was hard for a noise rock sounding band not to stick out like a sore thumb. Although they were a little sloppy at times they played a solid set and other people's opinions aside - I actually liked them. Kind of timid, but they just got on with it and played good music. Always nice to come to a gig and get something that you weren't expecting.

As Elephants Are came on soon after and definitely showed us why they were the ones headlining. They were super confident and just great really. Even though New Bays drew a bigger and more enthusiastic crowd that night, As Elephants Are smashed it. Also, despite a bit of feedback from the lead singer's two mics - yes, two - there was just a great vibe. They played through hits "Crystal" and "Kingdom" amongst others, and their drummer!! I have never seen a drummer play a right handed kit, left handed and hit every single beat so perfectly - even whilst having somebody adjusting their kick drum mid set. All in all it was just a really good set. The crowd was really more merry than hyped I'd say, but it was nice.

Overall Rating - 7/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

Kicking off 2014 with a bang - January's done well with albums for the month (see last month's releases here). Check out what you have to look forward to this coming week...




MAXIMO PARK - TOO MUCH INFORMATION
I've always been interested in Maximo Park but have never really seriously gotten into their stuff or listened to a full album of theirs. However, after listening to the track "Leave This Island" from this album; maybe it's time for me to actually listen to a whole record. Excited to hear it later on today.






THE FAMILY RAIN - UNDER THE VOLCANO
I wrote abut these guys as a "New Discovery" a while back and at the time I was a little bit unsure of how much I actually liked them. However, since then I've kept up to date with them and listened to more and more of their material and can safely say that I do like them. Hopefully this stays the same when I hear the record today.






BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB - SO LONG, SEE YOU TOMORROW
Probably the album that I've been looking forward to most this month! Since their record A Different Kind Of Fix we've all been waiting a while for something new and the material that I've heard so far ("Carry Me", "It's Alright Now", "Luna"), I can tell that this'll be worth the wait. If you live in the UK have a listen to it today but for those of you in US/Canada it'll be available on the 4th of February.






MAS YSA - WORTH EP
Came across this artist whilst scrolling through Facebook and clicked a link for the song "Why". To be honest, when I first listened to the song I wasn't too sure but after listening to it a couple more times it's definitely grown on me. I assume that the whole EP will be a little like this. I suppose I'll find out on the 4th of February.







DIAMOND YOUTH - SHAKE EP
Ever since writing about them as a "New Discovery" a couple of years back, I've kept an ear out for Diamond Youth and they haven't yet let me down. After their EP's Orange and DMND I'm hoping that this next one will be on par if not even better. It's available on the 4th of February - I'd recommend giving it a listen.