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

Lauren Aquilina

An upcoming artist sure to break through.

Lauren Aquilina is a seventeen year old singer/songwriter from Berkshire, UK. Half british and half Matlese, this young girl is proving to be very popular. Her debut single Fools, which she self released, has already become a hit in Malta - reaching number 1 in the iTunes charts.

When listening to Lauren Aquilina I am very much reminded of Daughter. Her soft and (at times) haunting voice matches the beauty and emotion that Elena Tonra is able to produce through her music. It is clear from her style and material that the likes of Ellie Goulding, Sara Bareilles and Laura Marling have been strong influences in her own musical development.

I would check this one out - it wont be long before she is a frequent play on the radio.

Tour Dates:
5th September. The Fleece - Bristol
6th September. Sound Control - Manchester
7th September. Beanscene - Glasgow
8th September. University of northumbria - Newcastle Upon Tyne
10th September. The Cockpit - Leeds
11th September. HMV Institute - Birmingham
12th September. The Borderline - London

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/4810868-lauren-aquilina/calendar

The National Review

A phenomenal band. I first saw The National live when they performed in Birmingham back in 2008.

The National are an indie band from Ohio. By no means new, this band has been around since 1999. From then until now they have released five albums; "The National," "Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers," "Alligator," my personal favorite "Boxer," and "High Violet."

Although this band has released little since their last album "High Violet," (2010) they did recently debut three  of their new upcoming singles; Lola, Sullivan and Prime. They have also just announced that later in the year they will be releasing an LP (dates tbc).

Although their material is labeled as dark and melancholy, I find their songs to be hugely thought provoking and uplifting. Seeing these boys live is pretty special - although far from a crazy and wild night, the gig will leave you feeling both satisfied and content. During one of the shows in which I got to see the perform live, Matt Berninger jumped into the crowd mid song and continued his performance submersed into the crowd - it was awesome!

Something that stood out to me while watching Matt Berninger, Aaron and Bryce Dessner, and Scott and Bryan Devendorf is how good they sound both on and off record. Lead singer and frontman, Matt Berninger has such deep distinctive vocals it is clear why this band has managed to capture such a worldwide following.

I really urge you to see these guys live. I have been thoroughly impressed each time I have seem them live, and would definitely jump at the chance of seeing them again (for a 4th time!).

Tour Dates:
21-24th March. Brooklyn Academy of Music - Brooklyn, NY
5th June. Barclays center - Brooklyn, NY

For further information regarding tickets and/or tour dates, check out: http://www.americanmary.com/tour.php

Walk The Moon

Another little indie band for you all.

Walk The Moon are an american indie band from Ohio. If the music of Neon Trees, Two Door Cinema Club and Imagine Dragons are your thing, than you must check out this band.

With the independent release of their album "i want! i want!" in 2010, Walk The Moon were rewarded a year later with a record deal with RCA Records. In June 2012, the boys released their official debut album, the self titled "Walk The Moon." This album includes their popular singles "Anna Sun" (which is playing a lot on the radio at the moment) and "Tightrope."

Unlike a lot of the bands i've posted about recently, Walk The Moon are an insanely energetic band, with incredibly upbeat and catchy tunes. This band (regardless of whether you know their material or not) will have you swaying and jumping along to their tracks. Whats particularly great about this band is all of its members have great stage presence, and all willing to chip in to deliver a great show. Nicholas Petricca (lead singer), Kevin Ray, Sean Waugaman and Eli Maiman are all truly great performers.

Despite only releasing their debut album last year, Walk The Moon are proving very popular. If indie slash dance pop music is your thing, I really do urge you to check these guys out.

Tour dates: 
25th Jan. Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NYC
26th Jan. Bowery Ballroom - NYC
(Date tbc). Roseland Ballroom - NYC

For more information regarding tickets, and their N.American tour check out: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Walk-the-Moon-tickets/artist/753460#artist_table_focus

Two Door Cinema Club

I'm a Huge fan of this band.

Two Door Cinema Club are an indie band from N. Ireland. Forming together in 2007, this trio have gone on to achieve unbelievable success. Their debut album "Tourist History," which was released on March 2010, won the 'Choice Music Prize' for Irish Album of the Year. Songs from the album that I recommend checking out are "Undercover Martyn," "You're Not Stubborn" and "Something Good Can Work."

On September 3rd, Two Door Cinema Club released their highly anticipated second album "Beacon."  Within its first week of release, "Beacon" went straight to number one on the Irish Album Charts. So far only the single "Sleep Alone" has been released from this album, however they have recently announced the follow up single will be "Sun" (18th Nov).

This band has grown a very large and loyal fan base, so don't be surprised if their gigs are sold out. This lively band, with their well polished set, will certainly have you dancing and bopping away to their infectious upbeat tunes. So date, Two Door Cinema Club have proven to have enough raw talent and energy to pull off a great show regardless of the venue and/or crowd size.

This really is a must see band. Check them out,  you won't be left disappointed.

Tour dates: 
24th Jan. 02 Academy - Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
25th Jan. 02 Apollo Manchester - Manchester
26th Jan. 02 Apollo Manchester - Manchester
28th Jan. Southampton Guildhall - Southampton
29th Jan. Rock City - Nottingham
31st Jan. Solus - Cardiff, UK
1st Feb. 02 Academy - Birmingham
2nd Feb. 02 Academy - Birmingham
4th Feb. Music Hall Aberdeen - Aberdeen
5th Feb. Barrowland Ballroom - Glasgow
7th Feb. O2 Academy Leeds - Leeds
8th Feb. O2 Academy Brixton - London
27th April. Alexandra Palace - London

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates (European), check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/804901-two-door-cinema-club/calendar?page=1

Bloc Party Review

When I saw Bloc Party last month, it was confirmed why they are one of my all time favorite bands.

To put it bluntly, they were: AMAZING!!

I was fortunate enough to get tickets to their sell out show at the O2 Academy in Birmingham. The evenings set list was: Octopus, 3x3, Hunting for Witches, Positive Tension, Kettling, Waiting for the 7.18, Song for Clay, Banquet, Coliseum, The Prayer, V.A.L.I.S, We Are Not Good People, Real Talk, One More Chance, Flux, Helicopter. Encore: Ares, This Modern Love.

One thing that I appreciated was the diversity of the crowd. There were the older fans, the twenty/thirty years old who remember the bands original music from the albums "Silent Alarm" and "A Weekend in the City," and finally the younger folks who were into the mosh pit and sounds of their latest album "Four."Just a note; due to the intensity of the crowd (and the mosh pit) it was virtually impossible to take any snaps of the band so I am afraid there are no cool shots of the band in action..sorry!

Kele as ever was great on stage.  A hugely charismatic guy, with distinct deep vocals, Kele effortlessly worked the whole crowd. The atmosphere was electric, with every soul in the venue squashed together with the hope to get closer to this epic foursome. It came as little surprise to me that the loudest response/applause from the crowd came when Bloc Party played their older tracks; The Prayer, Banquet, This Modern Love and One More Chance. For me the highlight was when they performed Banquet. I may be slightly bias due to it being one of my favorite songs but the packed out venue crowd seemed to be in a frenzy - everyone singing and dancing and quite frankly not caring who the hell was watching. It was brilliant.

I can honestly say if I had the chance to buy tickets to see Bloc Party again I would do so in a heartbeat. Although a long time coming, I can finally say  I have seen this awesome band live - and boy were they good!! 

Tour Dates:
4th Dec. Apollo - Manchester, UK
11th January. Wellmont Theatre - NJ

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates (N.America and European tour) check out: http://blocparty.com/#live

The Shins Review

 As predicted The Shins were truly awesome live!

On Monday 31st April I was fortunate enough to see The Shins live at Terminal 5 in NYC. Although it was not completely sold out the place was crammed with men and woman of all ages. First up was the support: Chairlift. Until Monday I had never heard of Chairlift, an American Synthpop band based in Brooklyn, New York.

Chairlift have been touring for the last three months and have some good songs. Although lead singer Caroline Polachek had a good voice, her constant flamboyant dancing proved to be very distracting and at times just weird! I probably wouldn't check this band out again.

Next up were the main act of the night. The Shins.

Kicking the night off with  "Kissing The Lipless," the crowd knew they were in for a great night. Most of the songs played during the night were from The Shins recently released fourth album "Port of Morrow" (see set list below). Although the crowd were cheering from the word go, the loudest reaction unsurprisingly came when they played their most popular tunes "New Slang," "Phantom of Limb" and my personal favorite "Caring is Creepy."

I must say the highlight for me was when James Mercer's (lead singer) performed an acoustic solo of "Young Pilgrims" during the encore. Drenched in sweat, Mercer put his absolute all into it, and as a result had the entire crowd captivated and singing along. His performance was flawless and left me in awe!

Although the band didn't say too much during the entire gig, their vocal and instrumental performances certainly made up for this. Accompanied by new band mates; Jessica Dobson (former beck guitarist), Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse drummer), and special guests Haley Dekle and Amber Coffman of the Dirty Projectors as backing vocalists, Mercer played a strong set.

The set list was:  Kissing the Lipless, Simple Song, Bait and Switch, So Says I, Mine's Not a High Horse, Saint Simon, Pam Berry, Phantom Limb, No Way Down, Sphagnum Esplanade, Simple Song, New Slang, Australia, The Rifle's Spiral, Caring is Creepy, It's Only Life, One by One All Day.
Encore:  Young Pilgrims (solo), Port of Morrow, Sleeping Lessons.

I would definitely encourage you to see The Shins live if you get the opportunity. 

 For upcoming performances (N. America) - check out: http://www.tourtracker.com/artist/the-shins/1402086

The Subways

The Subways are an indie/ alternative rock band from the UK.

Although this band has been around for a while, they have yet to really hit mainstream. Don't let this deter you from seeing them however. To date they have released three albums, "All or Nothing," "Young For Eternity" and "Money and Celebrity," and have been frequent performers at festivals such as Reading and Leeds. 

The subways, made up of Billy Lunn, Charlotte Cooper, Josh  Morgan are certainly known for their energetic gigs. This is a gig where you can be promised lots of crowd surfers, an intense mosh pit and lots of very hot and sweaty dancing fans. I would definitely suggest seeing this band live, as they can always be relied upon to put everything into their performances, whether it be for a large festival crowd or a small sold out intimate gig.

Tour dates:
27th April. Limelight - Belfast, UK
29th April. Cardiff University Students Union - Cardiff, UK
1st May. The Old Firestation - Bournemouth, UK
2nd May. Middlesbrough Empire - Middlesbrough, UK
2nd May. Kasbah - Coventry, UK
3rd May. Kasbah - Coventry, UK
6th May. The Liquid Room - Edinburgh, UK
8th May. Ritz Manchester - Manchester, UK
10th May. 02 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
30th May. The Forum - Hatfield, UK

For information regarding tickets and the rest of their European tour dates check out:http://www.songkick.com/artists/115847-subways/calendar?page=1

The Naked and Famous Review

 A great night overall.

I have been a huge fan of this band for quite some time, so  I was ecstatic to get tickets to their sold out show at Terminal 5 in NYC. For more information about the The Naked and Famous check out my earlier post about them. 

Supporting the Naked and Famous were Now, Now and Vacationer. Due to prior commitments I only arrived in time to see the last few tracks from Vacationer's set. I cannot deny, however good I felt this band was live, they did remind me too much of Vampire Weekend.

As hard as the support acts tried, the crowd were definitely only there to see one act; the headline. The eruption of cheers from the crowd as The Naked and Famous appeared on stage from a haze of smoke only confirmed this. By starting their set with the first track (All of This) from their debut album "Passive Me, Aggressive You," the crowd immediately leapt into an excited frenzy.

Particularly great performances from the night were "Girls Like You" and "Punching Dream." The atmosphere in the sell out venue was one of euphoria, with the entire crowd singing and dancing along to all their songs.

Although this band said very few words during the night, the crowd seemed not to care at all. Their enthusiastic and incredibly upbeat performances with intense strobe lighting proved to be the perfect combination for the crowd to 'rave.' 

The Naked and Famous performed 14 tracks during their show and ended with the popular single "Young Blood." This gig was a lot of fun and I would certainly recommend you go and check them out.

For upcoming tour dates check out: http://www.tourtracker.com/artist/the-naked-and-famous/848193/

Foster The People

ATTENTION: This band is playing in NY in May 2012 and the support act is The Kooks. (Tickets go on sale Fri!)


Back in July I posted the following:

I was definitely slow to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to this band.

Foster the People are an indie band from Los Angeles, California. Many of my friends raved and recommended this band to me - but until now I resisted. Having finally sat down to listen to them I can safely say their is no turning back - I love them!!

If you are unfamiliar with this band but like the artists Alex Winston, Friendly Fires and The Naked And Famous, than this band is right up your street. Songs I suggest you should check out are "Pumped Up Kicks," "Helena Beat" and "Waste."

Foster The People released their debut album "Torches" back in May and have since achieved great success. A huge contribution to their success goes to the release of their debut single "Pumped Up Kicks." Not only did this song reach number one on Billboard's Alternative Songs chart, but it helped gain them attention from across the globe.  

There is no risk of this band being a one hit wonder, something proven by their gigs. Both highly confident and Energetic, Foster The People certainly don't disappoint. At the end of all their shows they leave their sell out crowds gagging for more, and like an true performers they are only too willing to oblige and play a few more of their tracks! Their gigs are always packed and completely buzzing, something you would expect from their electronic sounds and feel good tunes.

This gig is a must - get a ticket quick as these tickets are not going to be around for long. 

Tour dates:
25th April. Academy - Manchester, UK
27th April. O2 Academy - London, UK
29th May. Rumsey Playfield - NY
30th May. Rumsey Playfield - NY

For NY dates ticket go on sale: FRIDAY 12th December at 12.00pm EST. Here is the link (for 12/30 show) http://www.bowerypresents.com/event/82499
For information and tickets for their European (incl UK), Australian and East Asia tour check out: http://www.fosterthepeople.com/us/events

Wakey! Wakey! music gigs

So I have to be honest I did come across this group on One Tree Hill...and although I wasn't immediately impressed I did eventually warm up to them. 

Wakey!Wakey! is an American indie/rock band from Brooklyn, New York and is fronted by Michael Grubbs. They recently released their debut album "Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said the Last Time I Saw You..." which is filled with mostly laid back melodies that tend to build and end with an energetic climax created from Michaels strong vocal ability and poignant lyrics. 

Bands similar to Wakey! Wakey! include La  Rocca, Michelle Featherstone, Matthew Ryan and Strays Don't Sleep.

Although I have not seen Wakey!Wakey! live, this pretty low key band has received a lot of positive reviews. The general consensus from these reviews are this seemingly unheard of band has great potential and are surprisingly very good live.

Recently they have been supporting bands/artists such as The Spring Standards and James Blunt, which has certainly caused them to grow in terms of reputation and fan base. So I would certainly say this is another safe alternative for those of you looking for a chilled night out listening to live music.
 

 
Tour dates:
 24th Sept. Before the Bridge Music Festival - Collingswood, NJ, US
17th Oct. The Brook - Southampton, UK
19th Oct. Heaven - London, UK

For more information regarding tickets, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/777263-wakeywakey/calendar