Another busy month in music and it's as expected after last months first ever two part series of Music News. Let's see what February has for us...

CHARLOTTE OC NEW MUSIC VIDEO "IF MY HOUSE WAS BURNING"
I only had one question after watching this video here - "WHERE IS YOUR DEBUT ALBUM PLEASE?!" Over the past couple years, Charlotte OC has put out a myriad of fabulous singles and even some EPs but I'm gonna need a full length to accompany these sometime soon. 


BRIGHT CITY NEW MUSIC VIDEO "COLOUR"
Bright City are a collective a talented people based in St. Peter's Church, Brighton. Find out more about the project and the talent involved here, but before that, give their new video a watch here. This is just the first single and you can already tell that this album is going to be brilliant. The production is great and the vocals on this song alone... well! Listen out for Lydia McAllister's (Wayward Daughter) vocals on the album too.


ALBOMBS
As per, there are a bunch of new and exciting albums on the horizon for the coming months. To name a few - Slaves, DIIV, Ghostpoet, Jamie T (new EP), Kanye West, Django Django, The Maccabees, Everything Everything, Florence + The Machine, Wondaland Records and Blur (first in 16 years!) and I'm sure more. 2015, you're spoiling us!


BLUR NEW SINGLE "GO OUT" 
Speaking of Blur releasing a new album, here's the first new single to go along with it! Although it's not mind-blowing in anyway it is however very catchy. I right now that is the perfect way to keep people interested in their comeback. I'm glad to finally have them back... April never seemed so far away!


JIDENNA NEW MUSIC VIDEO "CLASSIC MAN"
Again, having mentioned Wondaland (Janelle Monae's new star studded record label) releasing an EP - Eephus - later this year, I'd better mention the new single/music video that one of her artists, Jidenna, has just put out! So much sass and so much flare, this track is BIG and I suspect that this upcoming EP will be ever bigger.


MNEK NEW MUSIC VIDEO "THE RHYTHM"
I haven't really heard much from MNEK recently if I'm honest, well until now. This song just reminded me of how talented he is! Another huge hit; I expect to be hearing this track played everywhere for quite some time. Let 'the rhythm' get to you here.


JACK Ü FEAT. MISSY ELLIOTT REMIX "TAKE Ü THERE"
After her Superbowl performance with Katy Perry everybody has been waiting to hear Missy Elliott's first comeback track after all of these years. Well, technically we're still waiting, but not without this cool remix with Jack Ü (Diplo and Skrillex). Check it out here. It's clear she still has bars and with the help of Timbaland and Magoo, this should be a comeback you'll remember clearly.


TURBOWOLF NEW SINGLE "NINE LIVES"
Turbowolf continuing to impress me with their riffy goodness. I have to admit that this isn't my favourite single that they've put out to date but it still packs a punch and even more so live. They're touring in April so if you like this track here get along to one of the dates - it'll be big.


WHILE SHE SLEEPS NEW SINGLE "OUR LEGACY"
Okay While She Sleeps, no more singles now until the full album please! I don't want to lose all my excitement on all these singles before I heard the full thing. However, this is a banger! I actually feel like Brainwashed might be better than This Is The Six. Have a listen to the new one here. Roll on the 23rd of March!


EVERYTHING EVERYTHING NEW MUSIC VIDEO "DISTANT PAST"
It is so good to have Everything Everything back! This track has got a little bit of an old school disco vibe about it. It's super catchy and I love this video - very engaging. I look forward to hearing more from them before the release of Get To Heaven on the 15th of June. Give the new video a watch here.


SPIRIT CLUB NEW MUSIC VIDEO "DUSTER"
So, if you haven't already heard, Spirit Club are a new band featuring WAVVES' Nathan Williams. As well as announcing the release of their debut LP - Still Life (listen to the awesome title track here), they've also put out this corker of a track and accompanied it with a music video - awesome! Check out the eery new video/single here.


STATE CHAMPS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "IF I'M LUCKY"
Another band that I've been looking out for since seeing them live here. State Champs actually have a habit of just making me smile. When it comes to pop punk supporting labels, Pure Noise and No Sleep are both fighting for my attention. Well, here's one point to Pure Noise for this very sweet single/video.


TORO Y MOI NEW MUSIC VIDEO "EMPTY NESTERS"
Well, I'd say there was no better time for me to start listening to Toro Y Moi because this new single and video have definitely grabbed my interest. This is really, feel good summer time music! I can't wait to listen to this and watch this video here in a few months when the weather is nice. The new record drops on the 7th of April... good timing.


HEEMS AND DEV HYNES NEW SINGLE "HOME"

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 my first gig of November was Royal Blood, I'd say that there are worse ways to start a month! I still can't believe the way that they've escalated! I'm just glad that I got be there for it from here until now.

As expected the show was sold out but I often find that "sold out" shows still have a bunch of free seats and ample room to move around in by the time I get there. However, this show was definitely sold out, balconies were packed and standing was so packed that I could feel the heart beat of the person behind me. Safe to say that I was steeling myself for a rowdy show. Turbowolf were supporting and although I'd heard of them before, I hadn't heard any of their material until the live show so I wasn't sure what to expect. They were really cool though - super eccentric, mainly due to the lead singer's crazy ad-libs and wild movements. It was like grunge meets glam rock and throws a hard rock party. Lots of mic swinging, foot stomping and hair stroking but amidst all the theatrics were some raging beats, awesome instrumentals and heavy breakdowns. Yes. They tried really hard to get the crowd hyped, managing a couple of pits and some good crowd banter. All in all, they're each fantastic musicians and I'd definitely advise checking them out.

It seemed like we were waiting for Royal Blood for ages but once they stepped on stage everyone forgot about that, the atmosphere went from 0 to 100 real quick. They entered to Jay-Z's "99 Problems" (much to my delight) and then plowed straight in with "Hole". The crowd was galvanised. I have to admit, as a whole, the crowd was A LOT tamer than the crowd at their Reading set this year here, but they did put up a bit of a fight. Pits forming in the middle, sweat flying off of peoples bodies but the best thing about the whole show was that every single person in that crowd knew the lyrics. There wasn't one point in the show when I couldn't just turn to a random stranger and scream the lyrics with/at them as if we'd written the song ourselves and it was brilliant. Comparing it to the first time I saw Royal Blood perform at Institute here they seemed heaps more confident and they absolutely killed it. They played every single song on the album. EVERY. SINGLE. SONG... PLUS B-SIDES. I near on lost my mind. I was a little surprised to leave the show with "Ten Tonne Skeleton" stuck in my head and not "Out Of The Black" but man that song is catchy! It was just a great night and I know it's early on but I cannot wait for another album from them - this debut will be hard to beat! My third time seeing them and definitely not the last. Great show, great band.

Overall Rating - 8/10


Here are some pictures from the night...