As we get into what might well be one of the saddest months of the year, with Autumn and Winter rearing their heads, it's nice to know that we have a heap of new music to fill our mundane morning commutes and dreary late night walks with.


PETITE NOIR - LA MAISON NOIR/THE BLACK HOUSE
I have been following Petite Noir since I had my first ever touch screen iPod and I feel like whenever we get something fresh from him, it comes in dribbles. Now after this drought, Petite Noir is back to quench our thirst and about time to. His recent single "Blame Fire" is easily the best work I've heard from him since discovering him in 2012. The production sounds SBTRKT-esque at points with a political sample edge akin to Moses Sumney. I'm over the moon that this gets to be in my ears so soon (the 5th of October).

KELELA - TAKE ME_APART, THE REMIXES
After making it pretty high up on my list of favourite albums from 2017, Kelela is collaborating with some of the biggest names in production and some of the most groundbreaking people in music over the past couple of years - both underground and more mainstream. My favourite remix right now, unsurprisingly comes from resident favourite - Kaytranada - and is an effortless classic. However, I'm most excited to hear the contributions from LSDXOXO, Bad Sista, GAIKA and serpentwithfeet. The album drops on the 5th of October a year after the release of her amazing debut.

JESS GLYNNE - ALWAYS IN BETWEEN
I must admit, I never did listen to Jess Glynne debut album in 2015 but after seeing her live at Lollapolooza Festival in Berlin in 2016 I definitely think I had more respect for Jess as an artist. She was slaying the charts across both of those years with both solo and featured material however something about her never fully clicked in my mind. Her latest single "123" is a little bit vocally lazy but is undeniably catchy. The sophomore drops on the 12th of October and I'll definitely be tuning in to see if I've been missing out all these years.

BASEMENT - BESIDE MYSELF
One of my favourite new discoveries of 2016 - I was a little bit late on the bandwagon but I've done my catching up and I can happily say that Basement are one of my favourite UK Pop Punk bands at the moment, both live and on record. After having their last album Promise Everything on a loop for months it will be nice to have something new from them to spin. This will be their first release via Fueled By Ramen too and whilst I do love most of the material that comes from the FBR camp, I will be interested to hear how this changes the band's sound. Listen in with me on the 12 of October.

DJANGO DJANGO - WINTER'S BEACH EP
Another blessing from Django Django this year - what have we done to deserve all of this new music?! Their album earlier this year Marble Skies was the soundtrack to my trips around Australia and with winter hot on our tails, what better way to march through frosty streets than with Winter's Beach in our ears? Their latest single "Swimming at Night" wouldn't have gone amiss on the last album however, I love how robust the instrumental sounds on this. It actually reminds me a bit of Dutch Uncles' "Big Balloon" at points. Out on the 12th of October I expect that these six new tracks will feature heavily in my wintery days.

MØ - FOREVER NEVERLAND
After battling in MØ's corner for years before she broke the mainstream with Major Lazer, I have to say that I was a little bit disappointed with her debut record No Mythologies To Follow. Although it included some of my favourite singles of hers including "Maiden" and "Glass", I felt like the album had a lot of filler to it and some of the previously released singles now sounded a little bit too polished in my ears. However, I still stand by MØ's talent and expect that there will be a few sweet heavy hitters on this sophomore release. Out on the 19th of October.

NAO - SATURN
Nao is another artist that I will be campaigning for until she gets all of the credit that she's due. That said, her latest singles from the upcoming album have each made pretty big waves, and her most recent single "Drive And Disconnect" was going round and round in my head for days after the first listen. On her debut album Nao was able to highlight the most subtle and something unusual sounds giving her voice the experimental touch that she's often labelled with. I suspect that this flair will still be present on Saturn however I anticipate a very different sound for this one. Closing out the month for us on the 26th of October.


Alongside these we also have potential gems to listen to from these artists later this month - Tom Walker, Neneh Cherry, Farao, Tom Odell, Lil Yachty, Robyn, Nothing But Thieves, Ty Segall and Unknown Mortal Orchestra. I'm always overwhelmed with the amount of music being delivered every single day and this is not even close to half of it. Sometimes I wonder with music where the balance between quality and quantity should lie but as this list shows, this month we may just have the best of both worlds.

The first day was the hardest, simply because there were so many acts that I wanted to see and therefore, so many clashes. We spent most of the day stage hopping but managed to catch a lot of great sets...

TEI SHI
I'd heard the name Tei Shi floating about for a while now and I'm really glad that I went to check her out. I actually thought she was British, especially because her sound isn't one that you hear coming out of The States much these days. I loved her cover of Beyonce's "No Angel". Catching her live has made me excited to listen to a full body of work. I'll definitely be keeping an ear out for this songstress this year and after chatting to her, it's only made me like her more.


SPECTOR
I've known about Spector for a few years and I've never really thought that there was much unique about them and even watching their live set I didn't see or hear anything that really stuck out to me or hit me in the gut. However, they played an enjoyable summer set - songs that you can move to and shout along to. I'd never pay money to see them myself but I'm glad I caught their set.


FLOATING POINTS
After seeing him DJ with Mr Scruff last year here I knew we were in for some funky jams. I did actually get him confused with Catching Flies at first but the jazzy vibe soon brought me back on the right track. Non stop tunes, everyone was just in the perfect mood.


KINDNESS
Another name that I'd been seeing around for that longest while and I had the completely wrong idea about what he was going to sound like - I was expecting a Kurt Vile type sound. When he stepped on stage with his amazing band I was blown away by how soulful he was. Amazing vibes and beautiful songs! If you don't already know his stuff - get on it.


SHURA
After hearing Warpaint's remix of her song "2Shy" I was totally up for catching a live set of hers especially in a festival setting. Unfortunately, it wasn't the most memorable set of the weekend but she did her thing and I didn't realise how many fans she had! There was a much bigger crowd than I'd expected. Cool set - I'm interested to see her once there's more material in her arsenal.
 

CHET FAKER
I was super excited for this set which made it all the more stressful that it clashed with Django Django. I only managed to catch about 20 minute of the show before heading to the main stage. However, luckily we managed to squeeze our way into the jam packed tent close enough to hear him play "Drop The Game" - what a moment! Would love to see him again live asap.


DJANGO DJANGO
Finally!!! I have wanted to see this band live since hearing their debut record in 2013 here so even though it's two years on and I couldn't even catch the whole set, I'm just glad that I got to see them with my own eyes. It was nice to hear their new singles "Reflections" and "First Light" live, but they couldn't hold a candle to their older tracks. I just wish I could've stayed for the entire set.


FKA TWIGS
FKA Twigs, in the flesh... wow! Her album isn't actually the easiest to listen through beginning to end but live, I could've watched her all night. She really knows how to put on a show! I wanted to close my eyes and just feel the music but I just could not take my eyes off her - she was mesmerising. She had the whole crowd in the palms of her hands. The whole experience seemed surreal, all I can say is - believe the hype.


CARIBOU
The set that I was looking forward to the most and I didn't even get to see half of it. I was so upset. Bittersweet to be honest because I did catch "Odessa", "Your Love Will Set You Free", "Can't Do Without You" and "Sun", which were some of the biggest moments of the set but I just wish I'd been there from start to finish. "Sun" in particular is an encore that I'll remember for a lifetime. Perfect headline set.

Alright, so before we actually officially come to the end of January I thought I'd do a big catch up on all things music news this month. "Big" is a massive understatement - so much has happened that I had to split this post into TWO POSTS. January has got the ball rolling fast and I have a feeling it'll even begin to pick up pace in the months to come. Either way, let's dive in...

DJANGO DJANGO NEW SINGLE "FIRST LIGHT"
I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to hear something new from Django Django for! Their debut self-titled album was spectacular and now they're graced us with this new track from their upcoming sophomore record! Good enough to match the songs on their debut but different enough to have not made the cut. In other words, a pretty darn good follow up single. Have a listen here.


DON BROCO NEW SINGLE "FIRE"
Looking forward to the new Broco record - again another awesome debut. This latest single, although good, has already lost the battle of possible favourite on the new album. Lyrically this is slacking just a little bit and in my opinion "Money, Power, Fame" is a better single. However, these things always sound different listening to the record as a whole so I suppose I'll just have to wait until then. But for now, here's "Fire".


LIGHT YOU UP COVER BRING ME THE HORIZON "DROWN"
Light You Up are impressing me more and more each time I hear anything from them or about them. Tom's voice in this acoustic cover is killer! I know that as a full band they're be a marvel to see live! Have a listen to this cover here. I'm actually glad they covered this song because I loved it when it came out and hearing it stripped back has just made me appreciate it that much more.


ALBUM RELEASES
Even though there was already mounds of albums worth keeping an eye out for this month here, there are still several surprises coming from all angles. Actually speaking of Light You Up, they've released their debut album - All We've Ever Known. Roam have released an EP - Viewpoint. Storm The Sky and Cardinals have also both released new records and Foals, Diamond Youth, Arcane Roots and Deaf Havana are all currently in the studio preparing new albums! Tame Impala, Denai Moore and of course Don Broco each already have albums scheduled for 2015 - SPOILT FOR CHOICE!


TURBOWOLF NEW MUSIC VIDEO "RICH GIFT"
Turbowolf have continued to impress me since their support tour with Royal Blood here last year. Really interesting band. As expected, this track is laden with innovative riffs and catchy basslines (listen to this with earphones on). Check out the new video for this banger here.


ROAM NEW SINGLE "SAFEGUARD"
As well as releasing their EP - Viewpoint - this month, Roam have also released a few new singles here and there - this being one of them! In addition to all this, they've even been on a mini UK tour this month. I often find that the hardworking band is the least likely to disappoint. I suppose we'll see what comes of the future.


NARCS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "RHS"
NARCS - one of my favourite new discoveries of January! I actually found out about them after their record label - Clue Records (home to Allusondrugs and Forever Cult) - posted a free download of "RHS" and "Bridge" here. After hugely overplaying these tracks, this new music video came out here. In my opinion, I don't think the video is great at all but being their first, it's onwards and upwards from here.


FESTIVALS FESTIVALS FESTIVAAAAALS
So many amazing festival announcements!!!! They caught us at the worst possible time - when the post festival depression is fully setting in and you realise that you've still got ages to wait. Some huge line ups to have a look at so far are Field Day, Bonnaroo, The Great Escape, Benicassim, Reading & Leeds, and so much more! Summer 2015 is going to be insanely immense.


AS IT IS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "DIAL TONES"
So since hearing about As It Is late last year they have been doing HUGE things! Supporting Save Your Breath on the entirety of their farewell tour (gig review to come soon), getting booked for the entire US Vans Warped Tour and even being the first British band signed to Fearless Records! Now they've released this banger of a single and Rock Sound has even crowned it "the best pop punk song of 2015 so far"... wow! Have a listen right here.


JESS GLYNNE NEW SINGLE "HOLD MY HAND"
I am in love with this woman's voice. Any track she touches turns to gold. Jess Glynne's shown us all this already a bunch of times but mostly on features. Now here she is with a solo song and with this track it's no different. The beat has a very old school vibe about it, which I'm not sure how I feel about yet but there's no doubting her vocals. Check it out here.


LIEUTENANT NEW SINGLE "BELIEVE THE SQUALOR"
In case you hadn't heard, late last year Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters' bassist) was working on a musical side project called Lieutenant and now, here they are with their debut single. It's a little different than I expected, but I suppose that's what side projects are all about - exploring new musical avenues and experimenting. I like it though! Listen in here.


THE SMASHING PUMPKINS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BEING BEIGE"
Honestly, for me 80% of the intrigue came from the title. I don't know why exactly but I just really like it. Also, I think Smashing Pumpkins are pretty great but that's beside the point. The main point is, this is a jam. First time I heard it, I thought that it sounded a little bit Placebo-esque (definitely a good thing). Cast your verdict here.


WHILE SHE SLEEPS NEW LYRIC VIDEO "TROPHIES OF VIOLENCE"
I have such high hopes for this album! I actually can't remember the last time I was this psyched for this type of album. These new WSS single releases are just getting me more pumped. This has to be one of the most engaging lyric videos I've seen in a phenomenally long time. I would love to get my hands on one of these prints. Feast your eyes on the new goods here.


DUTCH UNCLES NEW SINGLE "DECIDED KNOWLEDGE"
Another album that I'm very excited for this year, and it's out just next month! But until then, awesome new singles such as these will suffice. Have a listen here. When Dutch Uncles head out on tour after this release, get on it! I can solemnly swear that it'll be a liberating experience.


NOTHING BUT THIEVES NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BAN ALL THE MUSIC"
I heard about Nothing But Thieves late last year and more recently have seen their name dotted around on 2015 "Ones To Watch" lists. Then in about the space of two weeks, they were everywhere - featured on BBC Introducing's tour and this track was later chosen as one of Zane Lowe's hottest tracks. A really interesting band, and I love the leader singer's voice - get involved now here.


NOEL GALLAGHER NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BATTLE OF THE MIGHTY I"
A couple of the biggest British rock legends join together to make one awesome track - yeah I'd say that's alright. This is a big arena tune and just in time for Noel's tour! Johnny Marr playing guitar (or generally doing anything) on a track is another quality that often provides best results. In this case, this is still true - great song, enjoyable video. 


BEST FRIENDS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "SHRED 'TIL YOU'RE DEAD"
Best Friends have just recently signed to FatCat Records and in order to celebrate this, they have released this new single here. In my opinion, this band is definitely not the most exciting around for me right now but whenever I hear a single I just know there's so much potential there, I'm just waiting for something to really grab me.


EMMAVIE NEW SINGLE "I HOPE WE NEVER BREAK UP (FEAT. EGO ELLA MAY)"
Ego Ella May is the reason for this discovery actually. The two silky soulful voices really compliment each other. Such easy listening and the sad thing is, I don't actually expect to hear many people talking about either of them any time soon! So if you haven't heard of them yet listen to this. If you like Willow Smith or SZA, then you'll probably like them.


PRINZE GEORGE NEW SINGLE "UPSWING"
It's been a while since I heard anything from Prinze George and I'm normally waiting for their electro-pop beats to make me smile in the spring/summer time. However, now I have this track to take me out of the dullness of winter months. Have a listen to the new one here.


WAYWARD DAUGHTER COVER PVRIS "MY HOUSE"
When I found out that Wayward Daughter were covering PVRIS, I was elated. When I then found out that they were covering one of my favourite songs on the new record I was losing my mind. When I finally listened to it I was gobsmacked - BIG! Jam along here.

So we've pretty much reached the mid point of November and people are starting to think about Christmas presents and all sorts. Lucky that we have so much new music being released this month, it'd be impossible not to find a present for someone amongst all the releases!




HOOKWORMS - THE HUM
Their debut record Pearl Mystic was really interesting. I remember listening to it last year and thinking that they sounded like nothing else I'd really heard before. This is how I felt with Alt-J's debut but their sophomore couldn't match up. Now let's see if Hookworms are up to task on the 10th of November.






FOO FIGHTERS - SONIC HIGHWAYS
FINALLY! The album is finally here and I can stop writing and blabbering on about it for a while. One last time though - I don't think that this is Foo's best album but I love the idea behind the writing. Always thinking of unique and inspiring ways to produce music! Get your hands on it on the 10th of November and check out the TV docu-series too.







CHERYL - ONLY HUMAN
Well Cheryl is officially back then. I didn't think she'd actually put out anymore music after her big hit "Call My Name" but here we are. I didn't really like the first single from this album - "Crazy Stupid Love" but I think that I can still be swayed. This hits the shelves on the 10th of November.

 




JON HOPKINS - ASLEEP VERSIONS
To be honest, I don't think that I've heard any of Jon Hopkins solo material before but I see his name around A LOT. I can't believe that it's taken me this long to get round to it but it might finally be time for me to check him out. Albums hits shelves on the 10th of November.







TEMPLES - SUN RESTRUCTURED
Well Temples are releasing this album of remixes from their debut record Sun Structures. If it's anywhere near as good as Django Django's version of theirs, this might be a good shout. Their debut wasn't half bad so it'd be interesting to hear it remixed. Have a listen on the 10th of November.







PARQUET COURTS - CONTENT NAUSEA
The Brooklyn rockers are back after their critically acclaimed Tally All The Things That You Broke EP last year. Again they've released it under the pseudonym "Parkay Quarts" and again it's sounding good. I like "Uncast Shadow Of A Southern Myth" taken from it, will definitely give it a gander on the 11th of November.






CULT OF YOUTH - FINAL DAYS
I actually found out about this band on soundcloud because of free downloads of their songs "Man And Man's Ruin" and "Lace Up Your Boots". I really liked "Man And Man's Ruin", listened to it for a while and then pretty much forgot all about them. Would be nice to revisit them as a band with this new album out on the 11th of November.

Last Saturday (21/03/2014) I went down to The Institute, Birmingham to see Metronomy. If I'm honest, I wasn't really expecting too much, of course I knew Metronomy would be good - I just went down hoping to be entertained I suppose. Let's just say I got what I hoped for and so much more.

Nobody really seemed to know who the support act would be and so when this band stepped on, after something like an hour long wait, and began tuning their instruments when the lights had already dimmed - I have to say I was a little bit confused. When they started playing, at first they sounded a little bit like Django Django so I was kind of hopefully excited, waiting for them to start playing something like "Hail Bop". However, when the female member of the band started singing, I knew that it wasn't Django Django. They later announced that they were called Virginia Wing. Throughout the set they had a couple of promising songs that I really got into, but besides that I wasn't feeling them too much - they were slightly underwhelming, and they definitely weren't able to prepare me for what I was about to witness next...

When the lights dimmed for a second time and Metronomy stepped on stage all suited and booted, a huge grin couldn't help but stretch across my face. They actually started slow, opening with "Monstrous" - one of my favourites from the new record. Then the show escalated, leaving the crowd with no time to even register half of the awesomeness that they were witnessing. I'm going to use this junction to highlight how much of a badass Benga is. He is easily one of the best performers I've seen in a long time, and not simply in regards to his musicianship. Benga puts on an entire show of his own, and looks ridiculously suave doing so - brilliant performer.

This show in general definitely made it more evident to me exactly how talented Metronomy actually are. Every single note was executed with precision. Some of the songs that I enjoyed most that night include "Love Letters", "Everything Goes My Way", "Holiday", "Corinne" and "I'm Aquarius" - and that's not even including the encore! Having three albums worth of great tracks to work into a setlist certainly stood them in good stead because by the end of the night they'd played, what seemed in my opinion, the perfect setlist. When they played "Heartbreaker" in the encore, it completely cemented this - the first song that I ever heard by them, and I felt just as good about it then as I did the first time I heard it. Top night!

Overall Rating - 8/10


Here are some pictures from the night...