It happened again. So much has happened in the music world these past few days that I've had to split it into TWO POSTS. Well, I'm not complaining - more music for your ears. Here are the first bits of news...

RIHANNA NEW SINGLE "AS REAL AS YOU AND ME"
Rihanna has recently been talking about the release of her new album and how it will be "worth the wait" but she couldn't let us wait without giving us something to whet our appetites. This single won't actually be on her album but it appears on the soundtrack for new movie Home. Great ballad. Have a listen here.


BLUR NEW MUSIC VIDEO "THERE ARE TOO MANY OF US"
A second single from Blur's upcoming album The Magic Whip and now we can get more of a taste of what the overall album might sound like. However, this is quite a bit different from the first single that they put out here so I couldn't make any accurate predictions at this time. Currently, I'm not enjoying this single as much as their last but it's definitely not a bad song. Check it out here.


MALLORY KNOX NEW MUSIC VIDEO "GETAWAY"
I really, really liked this sophomore album from Mallory Knox and each of the singles that they've chosen to date from it have been great. However, I honestly thought that this would have been a single sooner - huge belter. Watch the cool new video here.


TAME IMPALA NEW SINGLE "LET IT HAPPEN"
I've loved each of Tame Impala's records before this upcoming one, but when I heard that this latest album would be a little bit more "rock-influenced", I was actually more interested. As such, I had no idea what to expect from the first single here. Still the classic psychedelic Tame but I see what they meant - this is a bit of a new leaf.


CURB NEW SINGLE "OUTSIDE"
Since seeing Curb at last year's One Beat Weekender here I didn't actually expect to hear much more from them any time soon if I'm honest but I'm glad that I did - this single here is great. I feel like they've had better songs but this is still a cool summer tune and it would be awesome live.


RAE SREMMURD NEW MUSIC VIDEO "THROW SUM MO"
I've been listening to this single since before the album - Sremm Life - even came out in February so I wasn't too fussed about having Rae Sremmurd put out a video for it or anything but just checked it out because I like the song so much. The video is cool, but I don't think that I'll make much of an effort to watch it again though. Have a watch here.


DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE NEW MUSIC VIDEO "LITTLE WANDERER" 
I'm excited to listen to this full record when it drops on the 31st of March. This music video is surprisingly pretty basic and uninteresting for DCFC in my opinion but the song is brilliant! Definitely a track I'll be listening to long after I've overplayed the record. However, again, I doubt I'd make an effort to re-watch the video here.


LIGHT YOU UP NEW MUSIC VIDEO "ALL WE'VE EVER KNOWN"
Another new album that boasts great instrumentals and vocals, if you haven't already - give Light You Up a listen. This is the lead single from it, so it's been out for quite a while but this music video actually made me like it a little bit more. So simple, but entertaining. Check it out here.


EGO ELLA MAY NEW SINGLE "HOW FAR"
Even though Ego Ella May has reassured us that she's working on putting out something big, there's only so many tantalising single releases that a fan can endure! I hope that this is the last before she releases her masterpiece. Have a listen to the tune here.


WHILE SHE SLEEPS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "OUR LEGACY"
The full album is actually streaming now over at wssofficial.com but this is the latest single from WSS's incredible (8/10) album. I whole-heartedly suggest checking out both. The lads are sounding better than ever! This is right now one of my favourite albums out this year. Check out the music video here.


ALBUMS ALBUMS ALBUMS
Speaking of albums, a lot of awesome records have dropped in the past few days. Of course the first mention has to go to Kendrick's masterpiece - To Pimp A Butterfly - pure gold. As well as that, Tinashe has also released a new mixtape Amethyst. Finally, Earl Sweatshirt, Tonight Alive and Bloc Party have all announced new albums on the horizon. Stoked.


FOREVER CULT NEW SINGLE "WINTER'S GLOW"
Clue Records keep spoiling us. Between Allusondrugs, NARCS and of course Forever Cult I'm smiling at least once a week at something awesome they've done. Now this song here has me smiling again AND it'll be available for free download on the 30th of March... like I said - spoilt.


MUSE NEW SINGLE "PSYCHO"
In time for their killer tour that they're embarking on with Marmozets in tow, comes this gem of a Muse single. Definitely a band that I would love to see before I kick the bucket and with singles like this on their back I can vouch that when I do see them, it'll definitely be one to remember.

So a few months ago I saw Moose Blood supporting Mallory Knox here and I said "I know that it wasn't their own headline slot (which I feel they would be ten times better in) but I still wanted to see a bit more energy." Well, I did manage to get a ticket to their headline show so let's see if my prediction about them being ten times better was correct...

First up supporting was Boston Manor. I'm pretty sure that I hadn't heard of them before this show but I can't see why not because they were awesome. They actually reminded me quite a bit of The Story So Far, which is probably part of why I liked them so much but either way, they were great. The sound levels were off but this didn't seem to phase them, they had good stage presence and carried the set really well, I just wish it was a bit longer! I definitely need to keep my eye on them and if you haven't already listened, I'd advise checking them out.

Next up, another name that I hadn't really heard anything of before - Choir Vandals. They had a slightly more indie rock sound about them which I wasn't expecting. The song that they opened up with was awesome!! Everything that followed was fine, but compared to the opening, nothing caught my attention as much. They played through their set pretty quickly not pausing for too long to interact with the crowd or even welcome applause but they did manage to pack a lot in so this was forgivable. Overall, they were cool, a slight come-down from the high energy of Boston Manor's set but enjoyable nonetheless.

And finally, Moose Blood. Oh. My. Goodness. I know that I said "ten times better" but I don't think that I was ready for what that really meant. I was actually worried before the set started because in the weeks leading up to the show I'd been listening through their record I'll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time and it is incredible. I was worried that they wouldn't be able to do it justice live. They did. The crowd was with them 100% from start to finish - requesting their favourites from the record throughout the set, singing the lyrics along with Eddy, crowd surfing and moshing in the tiny <200 capacity room - spirits were just elevated. They opened up with "Pups" and after the initial response the band actually seemed a little shocked at the level of enthusiasm, and it didn't falter. "Chin Up", "Swim Down" and "Bukowski" drew a huge crowd response. When they played my current favourite from the record "Gum", I couldn't stop a huge smile from spreading across my face and this stayed there as lighters were lifted during "Cherry". Their confidence levels seemed much higher than when I saw them supporting, and rightly so - absolutely fantastic band. It appears that No Sleep Records can do no wrong. Now just waiting for Balance And Composure to come to Birmingham...........

Overall Rating - 8/10


Here are some pictures from the night... 

FINALLY! It's actually daft how many times I've missed my chance to see this band! Literally just like with Mallory Knox, I've even met the lead singer and still somehow missed the chance to see them. I couldn't let it pass again...

First support act to the stage was Chunk! No, Captain Chunk!. I've heard the name around for a few years now so I was excited to check them out. Okay, first of all, I had no idea that they were French! It took me a long while to grasp what accent the lead singer had, all I knew is that it wasn't British. They played one of the most mixed sets I've seen in a while. The sound levels were pretty off. The drums and bass were super overpowering so the guitarists suffered for the set. Also, the lead singer struggled a little bit with crowd interaction. Despite that though, he was awesome, I really liked his vocals. However, I do wish their songs were a little less predictable. Pop punk to a tee! When he said "this last song's about friendship" I really had to hold back the laughter - it just reminded me of this. Their bassist and one of their guitarists were strangely immobile throughout the set which was sad but to be honest, the drummer, other guitarist and the lead had ample energy to get the crowd hyped up. They're definitely a band that I need to check out a bit more. Also, their cover of "All Star" was cool.

Next up, was The Summer Set. Another band that I've been hearing about for some time and again I had mixed feelings, but less about external factors this time. They were a really tight band, and were obviously all having so much fun on stage but the lead singer did seem a little posy from time to time. I can't lie, my favourite thing about them by far was their drummer, she was just a wonder to watch. However, their bassist when they covered "Sing" was insane. The crowd was so psyched for them, I will most definitely have to do some more research!

Lastly, officially the hundredth artist/band I've seen in Birmingham - Tonight Alive. So many emotions experienced in just over an hour. This show was more than worth the wait. From the moment they stepped on stage almost every other detail is blurry. They played every. single. song. that I wanted them to! I was surprised that they opened up with "The Edge" but who on earth is complaining?! A switch went off in my brain after the first note; all I was focused on for the next hour or so was the band in front of me. I think this show just reminded me just how good an album The Other Side was. Also, sold out really did mean SOLD OUT - for some time it seemed like it was too packed to even form a pit - this was eventually proven wrong. To be honest, I was surprised I still had a voice after the show, I mean just look at this setlist! I only remember three moments in the set where Jenna spoke and each time it felt like she was having a private conversation with each and every one of us, not just saying things at a mass of people. I don't know if it was the show that was special or just the band, but the vibe that evening was something else. I can't choose a favourite song of the night, they each meant something different. I just hope that this isn't the last I see of them - HUGE HUGE talent!

Overall Rating - 9/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

A couple of weeks ago I went to see Mallory Knox on their biggest UK headline tour to date. I have been trying to see this band ever since I first wrote about them here. I even met the lead singer Mikey, yet still they've managed to evade me every time I had the slightest opportunity to see them. Finally, two albums on, I got my wish...

First up supporting was Moose Blood, whom I'd been hearing a lot about prior to the gig and so I was really looking forward to their set most out of the three supports. They were definitely good, and their songs were very catchy but they really could have been a lot more engaging in terms of stage presence. I know that it wasn't their own headline slot (which I feel they would be ten times better in) but I still wanted to see a bit more energy. They actually have a headline tour coming up in January here so hopefully I can get along to that and get a better view of them because they seem like nice guys with a lot of potential.

A band that I had never heard of before called Fort Hope were up next. At first I absolutely hated the lead singer's voice but as the set went on I found myself liking it more and more. I feel like it's the kind of voice that I would definitely enjoy more on record because their songs were actually awesome! They had a good set, I think it managed to wake me up a little bit.

The final support was Frank Iero (aka FrnkIero andthe Cellabration) and oh my goodness. When these guys stepped on stage I finally realised how many girls there were in the crowd because each of them was screeching. I was thinking "Who on earth are these guys?!"... I later realised that Frank was the guitarist in MCR but that's besides the point. Everyone was so excited for them it was as if they were headlining. If I'm honest though, they deserved it - their set was pretty amazing. I would happily go to an actual headline set of theirs. Their drummer was INSANE! There was loads of high energy all round - very strong support set.

Last but most certainly not least, Mallory Knox. I will start by saying - PERFECT setlist! Absolutely perfect. You can see the full list here but standouts were "She Took Him To The Lake", "Beggars", "Shout At The Moon" and "Death Rattle". Heck, every song was a standout! I just wanted to shout until I had no voice left. I don't think I realised just how great Mikey's voice was until I saw them live, he is very talented. Oh! Their new single "When Are We Waking Up?" also sounded huge! The crowd could have be a touch more crazy but they played their parts well. This gig also made me realise how much I really liked their sophomore album Asymmetry too - it's brilliant. I would say, definite contender for my top 7 albums of the year. They played hard and deserve all the success that comes their way. I looked forward to seeing them again!

Overall Rating - 8/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

Just as November comes to an end, let's see what things we've missed in the last few days...

BIPOLAR SUNSHINE NEW SINGLE "DAYDREAMER"
I'm still wondering when we're actually going to get an album or even an EP from Bipolar Sunshine to be honest. But at least we're getting singles out of this waiting game. This latest single here isn't my favourite of the recent bunch but maybe it will grow on me in time.


LOS CAMPESINOS! NEW SINGLE "WHEN CHRISTMAS COMES"
What better way to start off December than with a festive belter from Los Campesinos!? And hey what d'you know?! It comes as part of a Christmas EP here which you'll probably be playing from now until the 25th.


WAYWARD DAUGHTER EP LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT
If you're still confused on a Christmas present to buy for someone close, this would be a great shout. Wayward Daughter announced the launch for their Carry Me EP happening at The Garage, Highbury & Islington on the 16th of December. If it's anything like their last EP launch here it'll be BIG. I'd suggest grabbing ticket from here ASAP.


BEYONCE NEW MUSIC VIDEO "7/11"
To be honest, I'm sure 95% of the people reading this have already seen the video BUT in case you're one of the few who has been deprived of it somehow click here to make yourself smile. I wrote about the song about a week ago here and I still don't think it's a good song but this video is just so entertaining  that I can't overlook it anymore. Beyoncé is queen.


MALLORY KNOX NEW MUSIC VIDEO "WHEN ARE WE WAKING UP?"
I finally managed to catch Mallory Knox live last week (review coming soon) and they were everything that I expected and more and so was this new music video actually. Mikey's voice has improved in my opinion and I loved this sophomore album. This fantastic song coupled with this attention-holding video, yes. Check it out here.


IGGY AZALEA NEW LYRIC VIDEO "BEG FOR IT (FEAT. MØ)"
Even though I'm not really a fan of Iggy I am definitely a fan of MØ and all in all, this is a catchy single. I have to admit that in this song, MØ doesn't really sound like herself but as it's a pretty different genre to her comfort zone she had to switch it up a little. It's definitely the standard Iggy formula for a chart hit but despite the samey-ness I'm sure fans will still listen to it here.


NME AWARDS TOUR LINE UP ANNOUNCED
2015's NME Awards Tour is looking HUGE! Fat White Family, The Amazing Snakeheads, Palma Violets and Slaves all in one show?!?! No doubt that this'll sell out pretty easily. This year's line up here was still awesome but very versatile. Next year's four artists are each pretty similar and also pretty awesome. Check out the flyer here.


FIRST FEW FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hopefully most people will have caught the first Reading & Leeds 2015 announcement this week, but in case you didn't, among the names mentioned were Metallica (headlining), Jamie T, Run The Jewels, Pierce The Veil and more. Then Glastonbury announced Lionel Richie for the Sunday earlier today. Finally, Field Day had their first announcement too with Chet Faker, Caribou, Django Django, Patti Smith, DIIV and more. Well, well, well 2015!


SLAVES NEW SINGLE "THE HUNTER"
Yet another reason to go and catch them at next year's NME Awards Tour, Slaves are killing it right now. If this single hasn't already, I'm sure that the tour will generate a lot of new fans for them. I love the bass intro to this track - they would be immense to see live. Have a listen here. Little bit prog rock - I like it.


AS ELEPHANTS ARE NEW SINGLE "BREATHE"
I feel like I haven't heard a lot from As Elephants Are in a while so it's nice to have something new from them to jive to. Also, another band that I'm waiting for a debut record from. I'm sure that that will be their catalyst - they already craft songs so well, a full length would be too golden to ignore. But until then, here's the new track.


WHILE SHE SLEEPS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "FOUR WALLS"
I just love how close this new record seems! Only two singles out and I already know this is going to be an album to write about. WSS's tour next year after the album release will be frenetic. Seeing them at Reading this year was already manic - on the back of these two spectacular albums - oh goodness! Have a listen to the new single here.


JUCE NEW MUSIC VIDEO "6TH FLOOR"
The three piece girl band literally bringing the old school back to the present. Of course almost every artist has had old school influences that work their way back into the mainstream, but JUCE are bringing it back with no changes. These songs sound straight out of the 80s - vibey. Listen and watch here.


THE NIGHT VI NEW SINGLE "FEARS"
Yay! I am loving this six piece at the minute and I don't think that that'll change too soon. All of The Night VI's songs just sound so silky smooth. It'd be lovely to hear them live. Always happy to hear something new from them be it an original or a cover. But until the next one here is the enchanting "Fears". Grab the EP it's from here.

Finally coming to the end of what has been an absolutely huge month for music and here are a few of the albums that you have lined up for you in these last 7 days...




MALLORY KNOX - ASYMMETRY
Feels like aaaaaages since Mallory Knox put out an album after their awesome debut - Signals. But the time is finally here! I hope that this album is equally as huge. Judging by the single "Shout At The Moon" they released earlier this year, it definitely has the potential to be. Find out for yourself on the 27th of October.






TAYLOR SWIFT - 1989
I was debating even writing about this one because of how much I dislike Taylor Swift BUT as much as it physically pains me to admit - some of her songs are really catchy. I probably won't listen to her album on the 27th of October but I doubt I'll be able to get away from it in the mainstream so might as well embrace it in advance.





WAYWARD DAUGHTER - CARRY ME EP
Since their debut EP "How Long Will You Wander?" it's been track after track after beautiful cover and finally we have another EP to celebrate with! The title track that they released this month here was huge, and I'm expecting even bigger things from the EP itself. Pre-order it now or grab it on the 1st of November.

There have been so many new singles dropped these past couple of weeks. I have been a little AWOL as I was caught up in the huge Foo Fighters secret UK set drama. I've already mentioned some new songs in other posts or on the blog's Twitter account here but for those that might not have had a mention yet, here...

LOWER THAN ATLANTIS - Emily
So it's reached that point with LTA now. The point where you've had enough of the singles - JUST GIVE US THE ALBUM ALREADY! As it stands, in my opinion, none of the singles that they've released since "Here We Go" have been as good yet, but I just know that when they come together as an album I'll love it. So, after this alright and catchy single, the next thing I want to hear is the full record.


JAMIE T - 40/40 ICU
Jamie T may have changed his style a little but he still has the same Jamie T sound. Between this single and "Zombie", I know that his album out this month will leave a big impression on 2014. Looking forward to his tour in November!


THE NIGHT VI - Drops (Jungle Cover)
Ever since writing about them as a new discovery here I've been liking them more and more. Now the fact that they've covered a Jungle song has just added to that. Great cover too - a little London Grammar-ish. Looking forward to an album by them.



SPRING OFFENSIVE - Cut The Root
Another band that I've continued to like since their new discovery post here. This isn't their best song in my opinion but it's still great. I would love to see them live. They would really put on a good show. I also would really like to hear this properly recorded.


PRINZE GEORGE - Don't Speak To Me
I feel like Prinze George are a little hit and miss from time to time so I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to get from this song, but I actually really like it. Super laid back vibe and I love the vocals on it too. Yet again, new discoveries here, there and everywhere.



KELE OKEREKE - Doubt
YAY! I wasn't actually sure if Bloc Party would be putting out any new music again and so when I found out that Kele was going to drop a solo album, I was excited to say the least. This song has affirmed my excitement. Not anything like Bloc Party, but still great.


MARY J. BLIGE - Right Now (prod by. Disclosure)
We've already seen what Disclosure can do when on a team with Mary J. Blige so now they're back at it again giving us more club bangers before Mary releases her upcoming record (actually recorded entirely in the UK) The London Sessions.


FALL OUT BOY - Centuries
Okay so I was really disappointed by their last album here, but I don't think it was bad enough for me to lose respect for them as a band. Although, I am a little skeptical about what's next to come. I actually quite like the sound of this song though, so right now, any future album that they release could really go either way for me...


TINY MOVING PARTS - Always Focused
After discovering them on soundcloud I was super anxious to hear an album by them just so I could have more than one track to distinguish the sound of the band and now they have Pleasant Living. They sound a little Blink 182, I'm still not 100% sure about them. A bit of an odd video/song but I actually like it.


MALLORY KNOX - Shout At The Moon
This should be a standout album in October for sure.  All of the singles they've released from it to date have been great, and as a whole body of work, I can only imagine great things. Right now it seems a little more tame than Signals but I'll have to see next month...


SBTRKT - Higher (feat. Raury)
Another huge album, out later this month. It sounds like it's going to have so many different levels and elements too it. As with any album, each feature artist should bring something new to the table but not only that, SBTRKT has brought something new to the table for each artist. I am stoked.


KWABS - Walk
SO MANY UPCOMING ARTISTS!I did used to get Kwabs confused with Kwes quite a bit but now that Kwabs has really managed to distinguish himself as a new different artist and it's nice to see him grow into his own.


JULIAN CASABLANCAS + THE VOIDZ - Where No Eagles Fly
I still am rooting for new Strokes music always but until that day comes, a little Julian Casablancas can never go amiss. I love this video, the song is a bit flat at times but it's not bad. As my first actual sample of Julian + The Voidz, I'd give it a 6/10.


CALVIN HARRIS - Blame (feat. John Newman)
One of the most consistent pop producers out there right now! He came up with David Guetta pretty much and as much as I love to hate Guetta, he is great at what he does but so is Calvin! Liked his last album and I really like this track...

Now that we've just entered the month of June, I thought that it would be appropriate to catch up on all of the music news that we may have missed in the past few days leading up to this month...

DIAMOND YOUTH RELEASE NEW EP "UK OK"
Diamond Youth, whom I wrote about as a new discovery here almost two years ago, have been wanting to cross the pond and come over to the UK for a long time now. It would seem that they finally have the chance as they are set to support Citizen on tour here in the coming months. However, they have to buy their own tickets. So they've released this EP available for a short amount of time to try and raise money towards it. Help them out and buy it for $4 here.


FOO FIGHTERS ANNOUNCE HBO SERIES "SONIC HIGHWAYS"
It's no secret that Foo Fighters are releasing their eight album this year (in November) but now we find out that they're also releasing a HBO documentary series detailing the recording process - as they recorded a song in eight different cities across America. This has never before been done as far as I know, and to have it done by one of my favourite bands ever makes me even more excited for it. Watch the trailer here.


CARIBOU NEW SINGLE "CAN'T DO WITHOUT YOU"
In fairness, I haven't heard much from Caribou since their album - Swim - and so it is very refreshing to hear this new track from them, and just in time for summer too! It's got such a nice light hearted vibe. I'm really looking forward to the new record Our Love out on the 6th of October. Until that release date, here's the latest track.


MALLORY KNOX NEW SINGLE "QODII"
I'd been hearing about Mallory Knox working on their sophomore album a little bit this year but I had no idea that they were already ready to release new singles from it, and ones as good as this at that! I was a little bit unsure about it at first but after a couple of listens, I definitely like it - am looking forward to listening to the entire album soon. Check out the single here.


WAYWARD DAUGHTER NEW MERCH LAUNCH
All you Wayward fans are definitely going to want to get your hands on the new Wayward Daughter merch. It's all pretty minimalist but stylish at the same time. I'm personally most excited about the custom plectrums, however the new "My Bones Are Like Feathers" tee is very nice too. Give it all a look, and maybe even make a purchase here.


DARLIA NEW MUSIC VIDEO "DEAR DIARY"
Since Darlia's last single "Candyman", I've been really excited to hear new stuff from them, and now I have both a song and a video to sample?! Yes. I absolutely love this song and I'm expecting exciting things from their debut album, they're a very interesting new band right now. Hopefully I'll catch them at a festival this summer but until then, here's their new video.


BIPOLAR SUNSHINE NEW VIDEO "DECKCHAIRS ON THE MOON"
After seeing Bipolar Sunshine live a couple of months ago here, I've been keeping an eye on his movements and he actually released this single a few weeks ago but he's finally put out a video for it, and thank goodness he did - it is definitely a worthy single. Such a nice summer chill vibe. This will definitely be getting a lot of play time these next few months. Treat your eardrums and eyeballs here.


FALL OUT BOY WRITING NEW MUSIC
After their last, and very disappointing, album Save Rock And Roll, I'm not entirely sure that this is a good thing. However, seeing as the last few Fall Out Boy albums were so great I feel like there is still hope for an awesome new album - I suppose we'll have to wait and see just what this new writing will bring.


CIRCA WAVES NEW SINGLE "YOUNG CHASERS"
After chatting with the boys (here) during their NME Awards Tour, I've been waiting for news about them, and here they are with their latest single. As expected it's an indie rock festival anthem - it will definitely be a hit for them at their upcoming Glastonbury appearance. Circa Waves are really trailblazing right now, I expect big things from them over the next year. Have a listen to the new one here.


LIMP BIZKIT NEW SINGLE "ENDLESS SLAUGHTER"
Limp Bizkit announced the release of a new single this week and actually stated that they'd be releasing it on cassette. After their single release around this time last year, featuring Lil' Wayne (here), who knows what this new track will sound like?! I suppose I'll have to dig out my old walkman and have a listen.


INTERPOL ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM "EL PINTOR" 
Another band that I've been keeping an ear out for since the NME Awards Tour here and how could I not?! They absolutely smashed their set that night and since doing my research on their back catalogue, I would can now call myself a fan. I'm looking forward to hearing Interpol's new record in the near future.


Find out what you might have missed last month in the music world here...

Here's a recap of some music moments that have happened this past month now that it's coming to an end. I'm sure that May will have many more moments to offer us but until then...

PHARRELL WILLIAMS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "MARILYN MONROE"
Pharrell has the habit of grabbing people's attention and especially with his latest album GIRL. So when I heard that he'd released another single from it, with a video - I knew it'd be an instant sensation. Over 8 million views in 5 days...? I think I was right. Have a watch here. WARNING: That ridiculous hat makes several appearances.


ROYAL BLOOD NEW MUSIC VIDEO "COME ON OVER"
Now I know that this song was available quite a long while ago but they have just released a new music video for it and as always with Royal Blood, it's electric. Check it out here. Royal Blood have also been super busy this month, playing on Jools Holland here and releasing a video of what they got up to in March here.


LINKIN PARK BUILD UP TO "THE HUNTING PARTY" ALBUM
Over the past couple of weeks, Linkin Park have released a few snippets about their upcoming album The Hunting Party. I've heard them mention that it's supposed to be going back to their heavier (Hybrid Theory/Meteora) roots - thank God - and so I'm excited. Here is the album trailer, here is the tracklisting for it and here is the first single from it "Guilty All The Same (feat. Rakim)". Check out their Faceboook event page for more updates. Time to get excited!


AS ELEPHANTS ARE NEW SINGLE "WENT WRONG"
As Elephants Are are actually in the middle of releasing a new EP - Hand Prints - and so have been premiering new songs from the EP via souncloud for the past few weeks. This is the latest song that they have revealed to the public and it is quality! Have a listen here.


BEN DEAR NEW SINGLE "NOW IS THE TIME"
The Acoustic Shack has been helping worship songwriters put out their music for quite a while now and also making new worship music available to the public. Ben Dear's song is the latest thing that they had on their page - here - great song.


READING AND LEEDS ANNOUNCE 52 MORE ACTS
Just when I thought that the line up couldn't get any better - they went and announced over 50 new acts, most of which, have got me ludicrously excited! To name a few names - The Story So Far, Tonight Alive, Brody Dalle, Mallory Knox and so many more! See the current line-up here. With line-ups like these, all I can say is this will be an immense summer!


BEYONCE NEW MUSIC VIDEO "PRETTY HURTS"
Well technically it's not new as it came with the actual hardcopy of the album BUT it's new to the public and it is absolutely stunning. This was my favourite song on the self-titled. I will never forget the first time I heard it, it definitely struck a chord with me the first time and hearing it again accompanied by this video... all the same feelings are coming back. One of Beyoncé's best in my opinion. Watch and listen here.


LAYLA NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BLACK MUD"
Layla has released the video to the title track for her new EP just in time for the release yesterday. The video is really interesting, and if I'm honest, I'm completely shocked that not more people know about her. Brilliant songwriter and brilliant vocalist. I would definitely suggest getting your hands on her EP here and maybe pass it on to a friend after! Excluding that, here's the video - share this with your friends too!


RUMOUR HAS IT...
There have been a lot of rumours spreading around the interwebs recently - an Oasis reunion, a Pharrell and Missy Elliott collaboration and rumours of Metallica being the last headliner at this year's Glastonbury. I suppose we'll have to wait until next month to find out?!


PS: Catch up on stuff you may have missed earlier this month here.