Here we go again then, it’s a New Year with new challenges and new opportunities.
I type this as The Reytons sit atop of the old hit parade with their second album What’s Rock n Roll?
Indeed….guitar music it’s dead they say. They say a lot of things don’t they. Well seems like they have got it wrong again so I’ll better get on and give you my opinion on some more dead guitar music. They will love this. Jolly good and off we go.
Moonlight Parade – Penny
It’s great when a band’s name alone guarantees quality. I think the Moonlight lads have now entered that space. Penny is another slice of sublime indie pop. Starting off with Steve’s great late 80s guitar sound reminiscent of The House Of Love, before Ben’s vocals kick in asking for a penny for our thoughts. Melody and class as always with a throbbing bass line from Al and maybe even a bit of Dub thrown in for good measure. I’ve a feeling this could be a big year for the band, so let’s help them get there.
The Shed Project – If you’re getting busy (you’re getting better)
The people’s band are back with a brand new song from the upcoming second album. This time the Bolton Beatles slow things down with an epic ballad about love and loss and dealing with the after affects of such. It’s got slide guitars, a brilliant melody that harks back to their bedtime track and those songs that Noel sang in Oasis. It breaks out into a brilliant guitar solo and drum section with Roy’s vocals on top form. There ain’t no stopping these boys, doing it the hard way and spreading love with each step they take. See them live shortly on tour with MC Tunes as well.
The Mariners – Bathley Street
Already upto album 3 for these fine group of troubadours. It’s another street named influenced song with it’s kitchen sink drama lyrics about growing up and the type of scrapes kids used to get upto. It’s a 3 minute Grange Hill episode. The tune features a brilliant horn section at the end with an almost Xmas feel to it. It’s not easy writing songs that evoke such memories in people and these lads do it with aplomb.
Balthvs – In Lust – Kalaha Moon Remix
The Columbian Stone Roses are back with a remix of a track off last years sublime album Cause & Effect This is a dark broody cinematic tune which echoes the remixes of David Holmes or the Sabres era Andy Weatherall. It’s quite majestic and has a sound of almost Arabian origin, like a slowed down version of Galvanize by the Chemical Brothers. Ace.
Novelty Island – Eureka! I can see
The long armed TV wearing superstar in waiting is also back with a new song from his second album. It’s a late 50s do wop kind of love song, a bit like Sandy from Grease, if Grease was filmed whilst on LCD. I’m moving to his island if this quality continues. As nutty as snickers as brilliant as Macca.
I’ll end this month’s quick review with my album of the year so far (I know).
Mozart Estate – Pop up! kerching! And the possibilities of modern shopping
Yes he’s back…the greatest pop star that never was. Lawrence, once of Felt, to Denim and now living in a Mozart Estate.
This is surely the first cost of living crisis album written by someone that knows how to struggle and survive. Living on a tenner a day. It’s chocked full of the kind of Wonky Pop (yep) that deals with the hum drum and difficulties of living below an acceptable living standard. It has choruses to die for and all kinds of old weird instruments creating something only Lawrence can create. Choice tracks are Relative Poverty, Poundland, Vanilla Gorilla and, well the whole damn album.
Go check it out so Lawrence can at least get to make another album. We need people like him more than ever.
I’ve made a little playlist of these tracks that you can listen to below… I’ll add The Sheds when its out.
See you soon.
PNL
Michael
The Rebirth Of Cool 