Ms Mr

I'm a huge fan of this duo.

I first came across this band when their single Fantasy was played on Zane Lowe's Radio1 show, and then again when their single Bones was featured on Game of Thrones.

Ms Mr is made up of duo Lizzy Plapinger (vocalist) and Max Hershenow (producer). Based in New York, these two have to-date released three singles; Hurricane, Bones and Fantasy, all of which feature on their EP "Candy Bar Creep Show."

On 14th May, Ms Mr's highly anticipated debut album "Secondhand Rapture" is due to be released.

Lizzy Plapinger has impressive yet distinctive vocals that have been likened to those of Florence from Florence and the Machine. Having built such a strong following after such a short amount of time, it is clear that Ms Mr is a band to watch out for.

Tour dates: 
15th May. The Bowery Ballroom - NYC
7th June. The Governors Ball Music Festival - NYC
11th July. The Haunt - Brighton, UK
15th July. Manchester Academy 3 - Manchester, UK
16th July. The Institute - Birmingham, UK
17th July. Electric Ballroom - London, UK

For  more information regarding tour dates and tickets, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/5313478-ms-mr/calendar?page=1

We Are Scientists

If you are looking for humor, charisma and great indie songs than We Are Scientists are your calling!

We Are Scientists are an indie rock band from California who are superb live. They always have a great stage presence and give an extremely energized performance which never fails to get the crowd going. In addition to this, the band are are very witty/ funny and always have hilarious on stage banter.

If you have not heard of this band but like "The Maccabees," "The Futureheads" and "Mystery Jets" than this is certainly a band for you. They have five albums "Safety, Fun, and Learning," "With Love and Squalor," "Brain Thrust Mastery," "Crap Attack," and "Barbara." Their most successful album to date has been "With Love and Squalor" which sold over 100,000 copies in its first 6 months.

Songs which I suggest you to check out are "Nobody move, nobody get hurt," "This Science is dead" and "That's What Counts."

Overall I have to say this is a gig not to be missed.

Tour dates
22nd July. Thekla - Bristol
23rd July. Wedgewood Rooms - Portsmouth
25th July. XOYO - London
27th july. Kasbah - Coventry
30th July. Manchester Gorilla - Manchester
31st July. 53 Degrees - Preston

For more information about tickets and tour dates check out: http://nme.seetickets.com/tour/we-are-scientists?src=id1nmenewsrhsgtngtn

Bastille Review

A band to watch.

Bastille, formed by singer/songwriter Dan Smith, is a four man band from South London.

If the likes of King Charles, Dry The River and Gabrielle Aplin are your calling, than this is a band for you. I first came across Bastille by chance when I stumbled across their single Flaws on youtube. After listening to more of their music I instantly became a fan.

Since stumbling across this relatively unknown band all those months ago, Bastille have come along way. Recognised for their talent and potential, Bastille's recently released single "Pompeii" went straight to number 2 in both the Irish and UK singles chart. They have also released an EP "Laura Palmer," and two mixtapes (featuring all covers) "Other People's Heartache Part 1" and "Other People's Heartache Part 2."

Their catchy indie/pop melodies will soon have you singing and bobbing along in no time. Combine beautiful harmonies with an instrumental mix of drums, bass, and keyboards and you will have yourself the sound of Bastille. Despite being relatively new to the scene, this band has already performed at a number of very large venues, such as Glastonbury and Blissfield Festival.

I was fortunate enough to see Bastille when they supported Emeli Sande at the iTunes Festival. As mentioned earlier, I am a huge fan of this band and so I was really excited to see them.

I thoroughly enjoyed their performance. Their evenings set list included: Icarus, Things We Lost, Overjoyed, Bad Blood, What Would You Do (City High Cover), Oblivion, Pompeii, Flaws, Of the Night (Cover). Dan Smith with his hair sticking on end, was great at working the crowd. His strong vocal ability tied with the groups enthusiasm was enough to have the crowd enraptured.

I urge you to give Bastille a chance, I think you will be presently surprised by what you hear. I was.

Tour Dates:
May 2nd. Liverpool City - Liverpool
May 17th. O2 Academy - Oxford
May 18th. The Great Escape - Brighton
May 27th. Evolution Festival - Newcastle
June 15th. Isle of Wight Festival - Isle of Wight Festival
June 22nd. Gold Coast Ocean Fest - Croyde
June 28th. Glastonbury Festival - Glastonbury
July 06th. Blissfields - Winchester
July 26th. The Secret Garden Party - Huntingdon
July 27th. Redfest - Redhill
Aug 2nd. Hertfordshire
Aug 4th. Leopallooza - Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Aug 23rd. Reading Festival - Reading
Aug 24th. Leeds Festival - Leeds
Sept 7th. Bestival - Isle of Wight

For (European) tour dates and tickets, check out: http://www.bastillebastille.com/signup/#url=/live/

Sigur Ros

This band is unbelievable.

Sigur Ros is a ambient/ post rock band from Iceland. What makes this four piece band so good is the sounds they are able to produce. Recognised for their "ethereal sound,"Sigur Ros reminds me a great deal of Moby and Orbital .  Lead vocalist, Jonsi Birgisson is able to produce an exquisite, gentle high pitched sound which goes perfectly with the classical, minimalistic sounds produced by the rest of the band.

Something to note about this band - Vonlenska. This term is used to describe the unintelligible lyrics sung by the band. Don't let this put you off however, despite not being able to sing along this will be one hell of a show to remember.

This gig promises to be one of the most surreal experiences you will ever encounter at a music gig. The response from the crowd ranges from pure anticipation and respect to awestruck and serenity. I urge you to buy tickets - I have!

Tour Dates: 
30th June - Eden Project - Cornwall
30th Aug. Jodrell Bank - Cheshire
31st Aug. End of the Road Festival - North Dorset
19th Nov. Capital FM Arena - Nottingham
20th Nov. Brighton Centre - Brighton
21st Nov. Wembley Arena - London

For ticket and tour date (European & N.America) information, check out: http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/tour/

Lord Huron

My latest must listen to band.

A friend of mine recently told me about this band, and having never heard of them before I was eager to check em out!

Lord Huron are a truly fabulous American indie band from LA.  In 2010 they released two EPs "Mighty," and "Into the Sun," and a debut album "Lonesome Dreams" in 2012. Songs definitely worth checking out by the band are The Stranger, Brother, and Time To Run.

I have bought my ticket to see them, I urge you to do the same. They are great.

Tour dates:
14th May. Scala - London
17th May. Thekla - Bristol
18th May. Brudenell Social Club - Leeds
20th May. Hare and Hounds - Birmingham
22nd May. King Tuts Wah Wah Hut - Glasgow
23rd May. Manchester The Deaf Institute - Manchester

For information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Lord-Huron-tickets/artist/1486841

Cold War Kids

A very cool band.

Cold War Kids are an American indie rock band from California. Together this four piece, made up of Nathan Willett, Dann Gallucci, Matt Maust, and Matt Aveiro have released eight EPs and four albums. Starting in 2006 Cold War Kirs released their debut album "Robbers & Cowards," followed by "Loyalty to Loyalty," "Mine Is Yours," and then their most recent (April 2013)  "Dear Miss Lonelyhearts."

I first came across this band many years ago when I heard their single "Hang Me Up to Dry" which I instantly loved. Another single which I adore by these guys is "Hospital Beds," which is actually also been covered by Florence and the Machine.

In terms of live performances, it is safe to say Cold War Kids' music and style has evolved over time.  Expectations of their gigs; lead singer Nathan Willett dancing around like a maniac, shows selling out, songs from old and new albums performed.

Cold War Kids have certainly built up a large fan base (particularly in the states) over the years. With the new album it comes as a relief that these guys are not planning on quitting the scene anytime soon.

Tour Dates:
9th May. The Forum - London
10th May. The Ritz - Manchester
http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Cold-War-Kids-tickets/artist/1091130

With the Lumineers: 7th July. Constellation Brands - Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center - NY
http://www.boweryballroom.com/search/?q=cold+war+kids

A$AP Rocky

 A rap star making serious headway.

A$AP Rocky in an  American rapper from New York. In 2011 he released a mixtape "Live. Love. ASAP" which he received huge support and positive reviews for. In January of this year (2013), A$AP Rocky released his debut album "Live. Love. ASAP" which went straight to number one in the Billboard charts.

In terms of new material, A$AP Rocky recently announced he was working on an instrumental album which he will release sometime this year, without notice.

With a background of violence and drugs from a young age, this rapper has certainly lived a turbulent life. Despite this however, A$AP Rocky continues to release chart topping singles about real life that people can't get enough of. His shows frequently sell out, so if you want to buy tickets I urge you to do so asap.

Tour Dates: 
28th April. Prudential Center - Newark, NJ (Supporting Rihanna)
4th May. Barclays Center - Brooklyn, NY (Supporting Rihanna)
5th May. Barclays  Center - Brooklyn, NY (Supporting Rihanna)
21st May. 02 Academy Brixton - London
22nd May. 02 Academy Brixton - London
23rd May. HMV Institute - Birmingham
25th May. Manchester Academy - Manchester
26th May. 02 ABC - Glasgow
12th July. Wireless Festival 2013 - London
23rd August. Leeds Festival - Leeds

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates; http://www.songkick.com/artists/4610868-asap-rocky/calendar?page=5