Maps & Atlases Review

I have previously posted about this band: Maps & Atlases.

On 6th March I was fortunate enough to see Maps & Atlases live at Dingwalls, Camden in London.

Supporting Maps & Atlases was The Physics House Band.

The set list for Maps & Atlases was: Pigeon, Winter, Artichokes, Old & Gray, Remote & Dark Years, Will, The Charm, Old Ash, If This is, Was, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Silver Self, Living Decorations, Fever, Solid Ground. Their encore consisted of: Daily News.

In terms of comparing this gig with others that I have been to I would have to give it an average score of 6/7. For me there were times when Erin Elders, Shiraz Dada, Chris Hainey and Dave Davison seemed to struggle to capture and hold the full attention of the crowd. Also the performances of their tracks just didn't seem to construe the true excellence that their tracks boast on record.

Despite my slight disappointment however I still had a great night of live music. When Maps & Atlases performed their single, "Silver Self" the crowd kicked into action and went positively crazy. In addition to this I thoroughly enjoyed their fantastic cover of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears For Fears.

Overall despite my initial disappointment of Maps & Atlases failing to live up to their full potential and my expectations, I still had a lot of fun. By the end of the night the sell out crowd seemed to be pleased and so I would say if you are a fan than definitely give them a go.

Everything Everything

Two words: Everything Everything.

This british indie band is formed of Jeremy Pritchard, Jonathan Higgs, Michael Spearman and Alex Robertshaw. Despite hitting the music scene in 2007, it wasn't until 2010 when they were nominated for the BBCs Sound of 2010 poll, did the boys get their first big break. Although not featuring in the top five of the poll, Everything Everything were very successful in using this as a platform to get their name and music out there. Later that year, the boys released their much hyped about debut album "Man Alive."

After the release of "cough cough" and the more recent "kemosabe," Everything Everything have announced they will be releasing their second album "Arc" on 14th January.

Lead singer Jonathan Higgs has such a distinct and individual voice it is impossible to mistake Everything Everything with other indie bands currently featuring in the charts.

Although I am pretty keen on this band, in terms of live performances they haven't received the best reviews. Even though their music is anything but standard, with catchy offbeat rhytthms and jerky beats, their performances have apparently lacked energy and confidence. I would say however that from the early days of 2010 when they released their first album, to the band they are now, there is certainly a noticeable difference. Their music has become a lot less chaotic and much more listener friendly - watch the gap, there are going to be a lot of more crowd pleasing singles coming our way soon. As for their overall performances, touring alongside Snow Patrol is surely going to help anyone find their performance style!

Give them a chance ...these boys have not peaked yet and believe me, when they do you will want to be there!

Tour Dates:
22nd March. Brooklyn Bowl - Brooklyn, NY
25th March. The bowery Ballroom - NYC
2nd May. Liverpool Sound City Festival 2013 - Liverpool
3rd May. Live at Leeds 2013 - Leeds, UK
25th May. Victoria Park - London, UK
8th June. The Parklife Weekender 2013 - Manchester, UK
11th July. T In The Park - Glenrothes, UK
13th Sept. Festival No.6 2013 - Portmeirion, UK
4th Oct. Newcastle O2 Academy - Newcastle, UK
11th Oct. Manchester Ritz - Manchester, UK
13th Oct. Liverpool O2 Academy - Liverpool, UK
15th Oct. Bristol O2 Academy - Bristol, UK
16th Oct. Portsmouth Pyramid - Portsmouth, UK
17th Oct. Cardiff University - Cardiff, UK
18th Oct. Birmingham Institute - Birmingham, UK
20th Oct. Norwich UEA - Norwich, UK
21st Oct. Nottingham Rock City - Nottingham, UK
22nd Oct. Sheffield O2 Academy - Sheffield, UK
24th Oct. London Forum - London, UK

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates (UK and European tours) check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/1729573-everything-everything/calendar or http://www.everything-everything.co.uk/events

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

King Charles

This indie folk singer from London is awesome.

I first came across King Charles when he supported Mumford and Sons in NYC a few years ago. After seeing him perform live I was an instant fan. During his set I was particularly impressed with the performance of his single "Love Lust." Also that night King Charles accompanied Mumford and Sons during their fantastic encore performance of "Lady of the River." This talented artist not only can sing but can play the guitar, piano and cello.

Charles who is referred mostly by his stage name, King Charles, first went on tour in 2008 with Noah and the Whale, and Laura Marling. He has received quite the fan base over the years, and from my own experience I can say you won't be left bored. Not one to easily forget, with his wild mess/beehive hair do, handlebar moustache and old school quirky attire, this vibrant singer will have you tapping your foot to the beat by the end of his shows. 

Tour dates:
1st April. Rescue Rooms - Nottingham
2nd April. Colchester Art Centre - Colchester
3rd April. o2 Academy - Leicester
4th April. Waterfront - Norwich
5th April. Central Station - Wrexham
6th April. The Sugarmill - Stoke-On-Trent
7th April. Slade Rooms - Wolverhampton
8th April. The Kazimier - Liverpool
9th April. Leopard - Doncaster

For more information regarding tour dates and tickets check out: http://www.kingcharles-music.com/

Fleetwood Mac

There is nothing wrong with a bit of old school. I truly love this band. 

Although this Brisith-American rock band first got together in 1967, it has by no means been a smooth and happy ride. This group has gone through everything including number one hits, sell out tours, solo careers, divorces, break ups and fights. 

Despite their rocky track record there is no question however this band is amazing. Their top hits include Rhiannon, Landslide, Dreams, Go Your Own Way, Chains and Tell Me Lies. 

Recently Stevie Nicks announced that Fleetwood Mac would be getting back together once again and touring in 2012. In addition to this, there are rumours that another album will be released. 

To date, Fleetwood Mac have released over twenty albums. "The Dance," being their reunion album, was released in 1997 and their most recent album, "Say You Will," was released in 2003. Although their are many albums, the groups' members have changed constantly over the years. 

John McVie and Mick Fleetwood have been the most constant members in the band, being present for practically the entire Fleetwood Mac journey. The lead vocalists Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks are the next prominant members in the group, however Christine left the band in the 90s and has yet to announce whether she will be re-joining the other members for the tour in 2012. Today Fleetwood Mac consists of John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.

Although they have had their fair share of ups and downs this band is full of great muscians, and would be truely awesome to see live. I will certainly be trying to get tickets to their tour - but a hint to you all - buy tickets as soon as they are released as their 2009 tour tickets sold out in just twelve minutes.   

Tour dates:
8th April. Madison Square Garden - NYC
24th April. Prudential Center - Newark, NJ
24th Sept. The O2 Arena - London
29th Sept. LG Arena - Birmingham
1st Oct. Manchester Arena - Manchester

For more information regarding (all) tour dates and tickets check out: http://nme.seetickets.com/search?q=fleetwood%20mac&browseOrder=Soonest&pageSize=30&pageIndex=1 and http://www.ticketmaster.com/Fleetwood-Mac-tickets/artist/735087

Gold Panda

If electronic music is your thing than you HAVE to check this guy out.

Gold Panda (real name Derwin Panda) is a musical composer, performer and producer from London, UK. I first came across this artist when his single Trust was played on Radio 1.

Despite signing with a record label in 2010, Gold Panda has yet to make it mainstream. In 2010 he released his debut album "Lucky Shiner" which in 2011 won him "The Guardian First album award for the best debut." As for this year, Gold Panda has so far released an EP, "Trust."

In terms of performances this guy is one cool dude. Wearing a hoodie, Gold Panda lets his music do the talking. While many have been put off by his seemingly disengaging stage presence, others have looked beyond this and enjoyed the sublime music that he so effortlessly creates.

Word to the wiser however this type of music is not for everyone, and so as much as I and many others love it, this wont be everyones cup of tea. Saying that, I do urge you to keep an open mind when hearing this, as Gold Panda really does create the most exquisite mixes and sounds (Like Totally).

Tour Dates: 
11th May. Knitting Factory - Brooklyn, NY
12th June. Electric Brixton - London, UK

For more information regarding tickets and (Aus/NZ/ N.America/ European) tour dates, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/2332370-gold-panda/calendar?page=1

Of Monsters and Men Review

This indie band certainly lived up to all expectations. 

I have been a fan of Of Monsters and Men for a long time and so knowing I had secured a ticket to their sold out gig in Birmingham made me ecstatic! (See previous post for more info about the band: Info)

Being a band full of individuals who can play an array of instruments, it came as little surprise that their music live was even more incredible than when hearing it on cd. With this ability, Of Monsters and Men are able to combine their diverse skill set to produce and deliver songs that just keep the crowd wanting to hear more. The evenings set list mostly consisted of singles from their debut album "My Head is an Animal" - although they did perform a very good cover of Skeletons  by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. 

One thing I did find ever so slightly disappointing was the lack of  'oomph' Nanna Himarsdottir and Ragnar Porhallsson seemed to have. Despite their impressive singing and continual chat with the audience, I felt they were just going through the motions. Dont get me wrong it was still a great gig and I thoroughly enjoyed myself; but comparing them to the likes of Mumford & Sons and Editors, I would say they came up slightly short. 

But anyway, enough of the negatives - with the combined effort from all (5) members the entire venue was soon filled with singing and clapping (see pic below). This gig definitely had a great atmosphere, and I would certainly recommend everyone to see them. 

Tour dates: 
3rd March. Norwich  UEA - Norwich, UK
5th March. O2 Sheoherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
6th March. 02 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
7th March. O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
7th June. The Governors Ball Music - NYC
2nd July. 02 Academy - Bournemouth, UK
3rd July. De La Warr Pavilion - Bexhill-On-Sea, UK
11th July. T in The Park - UK
17-18th August. V Festival - UK.

For more information regarding tickets and (N.American and European) tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/3631016-of-monsters-and-men/calendar?page=1

http://musicgigsnfestivals.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/of-monsters-and-men.html

Final goodbye on stage 

Of Monsters and Men performing 

Entire crowd getting into the show