Dr John - Locked Down (Album Review)

Well, this is our first album review, and might I say, this is gonna be a good one. Just before I start reviewing this album I want everyone to know just who exactly Dr John is.

Dr John, is from New Orleans and is aged 71 years old! Now to classify his genre, it goes along the lines of blues/pop/jazz. He was inducted in to the rock n roll hall of fame in 2011 and has been in the music industry for over 50 years. He is an icon for people like John Mayer, and has released over 20 albums in his stella career. So that's who he is, but my question is as to why it has taken this long for people recognise the talent this guy has. He is an icon of blues music and once you hear this album you will realise the amazing-ness of Dr John.

This album from the get go, has the tone set. It is everything I thought, and more. Let's be honest, a majority of the time you hear about music from other people, well this particular album, I heard off the radio, the guy said that this album is one of the greatest albums he has ever heard. I thought, why not, let's check it out, let's see what all the hype could be about, and like I said, it lived up too the expectation and more.

This album really brings out the theme of New Orleans. I see it as a state in America, that screams the music genre Jazz. I loved it from the start and it is just great quality. This album has a little bonus for all music fans, it is produced and festers backing vocals and excellent blues guitar riffs from the lead sing of the Black Keys, Dan Auerbach.

After looking into the album after listening to it, finding out that Dan is a producer and is a supporting musician to Dr John, you can hear a slight riff or two that makes you instantly think of the Black Keys.

Some of the songs that are stand outs are Locked Down and Getaway.

My final opinion is simple, GO BUY THIS ALBUM. If you want to enjoy music again,instead of listening to acts like Justin Bieber and Flo Rida, than go buy and enjoy this.

Locked Down is available now

This album is too good not too miss, so please, buy this.

Rating

8/10



By Dylan

Yacht Club DJ's - Gig Review (19th of July 2012, Corner Hotel)

What can I say about Yacht Club DJ's! They know how to put on a show! Without a doubt. If you haven't heard of Yacht Club DJ's, it's simple, they are the dance, mash up duo, who know how to please a crowd.

There is one thing you really need to know about these guys, THEY LOVE TO PARTY. I can honestly say, these guys are the hardest partiers around.

Yacht Club, collaborate songs that you dream of, and also play the classics that you love, like Smells Like Teen Spirit and Parlez Vous Francais?. This isn't something you see often, and the best part is, there is a little something for everyone.

This gig was a triple header, with them headlining behind bands like, Bleeding Knees Club and one of, if not, the best local band around, who know how to rock, DZ Deathrays. The venue was the Corner Hotel in Richmond, and to be honest, it didn't feel like it when you were there and these bands were playing. The atmosphere was ridiculously intense and the sound was pure awesomeness. Yacht Club would have to be one of the acts you got to see before they become big.

All in All, there is nothing like going to a Yacht Club DJ's set, and if you like to party as hard as they do, then you know your gonna enjoy it.

All of Yacht Club DJ's content is available on iTunes, Facebook and Soundcloud.

BUY THERE MUSIC, SUPPORT THERE PASSION!

Rating

5/5

By Dylan

Twin Shadow - 5 Seconds

Twin Shadow or the amazingly talented George Lewis Jr. has recently released his first lot of new music, since debut album Forgot (2010). This little known artist has a unique sound to combine with his extravagant lifestyle makes for a great live performer and great interviews.  Recognized for their first full album Twin Shadow were named band of the week in Rolling Stone magazine in October 2010. This band has a unique sound in the ever changing music genre scene sounding from a band that is out of style, with an 80’s like sound. This sort of sound contributed to them being signed to the ever growing 4AD records, which specialize in unique sounds and very colourful characters, which Lewis Jr. certainly fits. This newest track and the album Confess draws from the experiences of Lewis Jr. who was caught up in a motorcycle accident in Boston. This near death experience which left him in hospital where is much of the inspiration for this song and for the album comes from. 

This song is every much a progression from Twin Shadow's first album, with the drone of keys that run throughout the whole song, a trademark of Twin Shadow. Accompanied with a simple drum beat and reverbed guitar/grunge guitar riff at times. All the pieces move together at once, but the voice of Lewis Jr. is the making of this track, the lyrics come based on a novel he wrote and the way the chorus is delivered brings passion.  The progressive movement of the keys and the eerie sound at time gives this song the edge and darkness on which the song is based on. This song it very much based on the meaning of the song drawing on the near death motorcycle experience and the way Lewis Jr. sings it. Although some may debate it is a very simple and out-dated sound I would have to disagree. The layers of the song work beautifully together, each layer works together and doesn't over shadow the other parts. Every time I listen to this song I can appreciate something new about it. 

I look forward listening to this new album, after being thoroughly impressed with Forgot. They have found a way to continue their unique sound without becoming bland and a band which is known for its rigid sound. 

Both 5 seconds and the album Confess is available worldwide. So grab your copy and enjoy stepping back into the 80's 

Rating

4/5 

5 Seconds - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiC9XNQSxFQ

By Nick 

The Hives - Take Back The Toys (Single Review)

Man, oh man, do I love The Hives. They are so original, creative and are one of the only indie punk bands that you could possibly not get sick of.  With that all being said, they have a new single out, which is titled “Take Back The Toys”. This is what I love about The Hives, there song titles are so different, and they pull them off. 

This song is good. I can listen to it and just see myself learning all the words, why? it is because a majority of The Hives songs are just so damn catchy, with easy lyrics and great beats. The song itself is a lot like the songs they release to radio stations, it’s a up tempo beat that has quite heave bass lines and good guitar riffs. The drumming is also excellent which makes this song a lot of fun in all ways.

So The Hives have released a new song from there album and, be sure to check this space when one of us (most likely me) have reviewed the album, but from researching the album, it sounds like it will be one of the albums of the year, with it being produced by Grammy Award winner, Andrew Scheps, who was involved in producing albums for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and one of the albums of the year in 2011, Adele’s 21. The album (Lex Hives) is out right now so if you can grab a copy, do it, and like I said, the review will be up soon.

Lex Hives is available on iTunes now, which contains the song Take Back The Toys

Rating

3.5/5

Take Back The Toys - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1ghW0oWA5I

By Dylan

Stars - Theory of Relativity (Single Review)

With a new album, The North, due out on September 4^th, Canadian indie-pop/rock band Stars have given fans a sneak preview of what to expect with the exciting new track “The Theory of Relativity”, which differs in sound to most of their recent previous work. In some ways it could be considered a throwback to the early 2001 album Nightsongs, which featured a more electro-pop style than following albums.

Bursting to life in a flurry of electo-pop, “The Theory of Relativity” maintains a powerful energy throughout, intertwining the catchy lyrics of Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan with strong, bassy synth sounds reminiscent of the 80’s to create an upbeat and genuinely entertaining listen. Whether or not the rise of a more electro style will be a theme consistent throughout the upcoming album or just a one off for this uniquely fun and entertaining track remains a mystery, and one that I hope (and feel) will be worth the wait to find out.

From the first listen, “The Theory of Relativity” has captivated my imagination and once again proven the talent, creativity and artistic range of a truly great indie band.

“The Theory of Relativity” is available for free download at: http://starsthenorth.com/

Check out the band’s official website for information regarding tours, discography, merchandise and more:

http://www.youarestars.com/home/

Rating

4.5/5

Theory of Relativity - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta1xEMypk2Q

By Bill

Muse - Survival (Single Review)

Muse Muse Muse Muse Muse......WHAT HAVE YOU DONE! I dont know what to think about you guys anymore....FIRSTLY, you release a trailer to your new album 2nd Law (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqFZGnfMLMw), then release a song that is written around the olympics. All I can say, is SELL OUTS.

What happened to the same guys who sold out Wembley Stadium two nights in a row, and what happened to the same guys who would put on a show that would make people say "oh man, that was the best concert i have ever been too!" Well lets be honest they are gone. Im just gonna be straight out about this song and say it is shit! The instrumental to this song is good, i can listen to that on its own, but the lyrics remind me of one band, the almighty Queen.

The guy above is a music icon, and Matthew Bellamy, if you think your ever going to be like him, your not! You were amazing before the Resistance. Seriously find your own style cause Freddie Mercury would be embarrassed for you.

If the 2nd Law is going to be like this horrible rubbish that you release, than make this your last album! Cause you are not the same band you used to be.

Survival is available now on iTunes and 2nd Law will be available in Mid September

Rating 

1/5

Survival Song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYMMnHW85mc


By Dylan

Bloc Party - Octopus (Single Review)

To Be Honest, Bloc Party are one of my favourite bands of all time. So i was just as excited to hear that they were making a new album and were touring Australia for Splendour in the Grass. I honestly think i would be going to splendour and playing that much money just to see Bloc Party. But back to topic, when i originally heard that Bloc Party were making a return and writing a new album, yes at first i was so excited, but then i started thinking, Kele left the band to make a more of a dance album, and Intimacy was not the same as there previous stuff. Nervous was an understatement when i saw them release a song called Octopus, so now the review;

I love it. I think that this song is recommended to all bloc party fans. Its good to hear them back together as a band. As horrible as it was hearing the rumours of them trying to find a new singer, and Kele not wanting to be there, this song shuts down all those opinions. When i listen to Bloc Party, i think of Silent Alarm, and tracks like Helicopter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R6S5CJWlco), Banquet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IREXDO_uvyQ), and Like Eating Glass (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP0kxsHXIpA), hearing Octopus makes me cringe cause i can hear the sound of Silent Alarm pushing through.

Although you can hear those sounds, unfortunately you can sort of hear some of the beats and effects that sound similar to Intimacy. Although this song is great, it is obviously decided that Bloc Party are turning into an electronic/indie/rock band, that like to experiment with sound. You can't go past it though, and not recognise the effort they are making to be more known around the world.

So with all that being said, I am quite excited to hear Bloc Party's new album Four, named after this being their fourth album. As a big fan it is something to be looking for when it hits the shelves.

Four is available everywhere on the 20th of August.


Ocotopus is now available on iTunes.

Rating 

4/5


Octopus - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkeUFRK4i7w

By Dylan

Welcome to our blog

Thank you for coming to check out our blog. We have four writers contributing to this blog, we have Nick, Bill, James, Blake and Dylan. We hope you come back to check our reviews as we will be posting them as often as possible. Feedback would be great. Cheers, have beers xo