If you're in search of bands that encapsulate Americana, a group of five souls from Hampshire might not be your first port of call. But New Desert Bluesaren't a group who let something as pesky as geographical location get in the way of their Transatlantic tunes. Their latest single "Adam", is a dark yet enjoyable slice of roots rock, inspired not only by classic Americana sounds, but also from more contemporary bands like Arcade Fire and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.
Say what you like about Jools Holland, but 20 years into hosting "Later...", his show can still throw up the odd musical surprise. Anyone who watched the live show on Tuesday evening would have been treated to the musical delight that is Melt Yourself Down, performing their single "We Are Enough".
The band are made up of six individuals who have been part of London's jazz scene over the years with many different projects, including Polar Bear & Acoustic Ladyland. In spite of this, their sound encompasses many different genres, including electronica, punk, world beat and alternate rock. My initial thoughts on the group are as follows:
1. Melt Yourself Down sound like a screamo band with funky brass taking the place of scuzzed out guitars.
2. Melt Yourself Down want to be nominated for the Mercury Prize. I mean, they really, REALLY want to be nominated for the Mercury Prize.
3. I really hope that Kushal Gaya didn't destroy any of the studio's equipment during their performance. Amps aren't cheap.
4. They are very good indeed. Musically they're faultless, and it's fair to say that there isn't any other bands out there doing exactly what they do.
"We Are Enough" is taken from Melt Yourself Down's self-titled album, which is out on 17th June.
Dungannon born/Belfast based 4-piece Hurdles have been making a name for themselves on the local scene for a few months now, having first played live in November and releasing two songs at the end of last year. The band have now released "Kaleidoscope", a song that deserves to be the band's breakout single.
Recorded at Start Together Studios (probably the best recording studio that Belfast has to offer), "Kaleidoscope" sees the group beginning to grow in confidence in their own sound. The track is a great slice of Phoenix-esque indie-rock which is slickly produced and performed with much aplomb. It's a great leap forward for Hurdles, who are now sounding like a band who could just as easily have come from Brooklyn than the back end of Northern Ireland.
"Kaleidoscope" is out now on a pay what you want basis.
It's not too long to go until summer, which means that the anticipation for this year's festival season is starting to build up. To help you decide what you might want to spend your hard earned money on this summer, The Metaphorical Boat will be providing a round-up of the festivals happening in Northern Ireland this year. The first part will look at three of the major festivals happening in Northern Ireland - Tennent's Vital, Belsonic & Glasgowbury:
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Tennent's Vital
What is it?
A two day outdoor event featuring some of the best known artists in the music world. Last year it saw performances from Foo Fighters & The Stone Roses, among others. Where is it?
Boucher Playing Fields, Belfast.
When is it?
Wednesday 13th August and Thursday 14th August 2013.
How Much Is It?
It is £49.50 for each day. Who's headlining?
On Wednesday, the headliners are Kings of Leon, a band who always go down well at Irish festivals.
On Thursday, local juggernauts Snow Patrol will be taking to the stage at Boucher Road for their only European date over the summer. Given that their three nights playing at the 15,000 capacity Odyssey Arena were sell-outs last year, it's safe to say that tickets for this one won't be on sale for long.
Who else is playing?
The support artists for Snow Patrol are definitely on the energetic side. US singer/songwriter Jason Mraz, up and coming Dublin group Kodaline and local hero Foy Vance will be taking to the stage on the Wednesday.
Website? Is here.
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Belsonic
What is it?
Less of a festival and more of a series of gigs under the same banner, Belsonic is one of Belfast's premier summer music events. It's ability to attract world class names, as well as incredibly strong supporting acts, adds to its prestige. Last year, the festival boasted names such as Tom Jones, David Guetta, Emili Sande & Two Door Cinema Club. Where is it?
Custom House Square, Belfast. It's situated right in the middle of the city centre, so it's relatively easy to travel to and from.
When is it?
Between Friday 16th August and Monday 26th August 2013.
How Much Is It?
Prices start at £27.50 for each day, plus booking fees. Who's headlining?
Seven bands will be headlining the stage at Customer House Square. They are Basement Jaxx, Ben Howard, The Lumineers, Jake Bugg, Steve Angello & Bullet For My Valentine.
Oh, and a little known band called Suede, who are playing their first Belfast gig in over 10 years.
Who else is playing? Steve Angello will be ably supported on Sunday 25th August by An21, Max Vangeli, Third Party & Qulinez (me neither).
Bullet For My Valentine will be supported by fellow shouty rockers Bring Me The Horizon.
What is it?
Seen as the jewel in the metaphorical crown of Northern Ireland's festival season, the "Small But Massive" festival's aim is to "nurture young creative talent while providing a platform for the Irish music scene," a vision that has seen it pick up a plethora of awards. Where is it?
Draperstown, in County (London)Derry. And definitely not in Glasgow, as many people are still prone to believe.
When is it?
Friday July 19th & Saturday July 20th. For the first time, the festival will be happening over two days - Friday will feature solely Derry artists (this being its year as UK City of Culture), with Saturday's festival featuring music from all over Ireland.
How Much Is It?
£35 for Saturday, £45 for both days. Who's headlining?
This year's Glasgowbury boasts three headlining acts. Firstly there's Derry dance duo The Japanese Popstars, who will be delivering the bass & beats up the side of the mountain. Instrumental rockers And So I Watch You From Afar will be bringing their energetic show to Draperstown, and Downpatrick's The Answer will be delivering some classic rock vibes.
Who else is playing?
As always, Glasgowbury plays host to the cream of musical talent in Northern Ireland (and a few from down south as well). Some of the artists returning to the festival include Derry poppers Wonder Villains, indie-rock mainstays RunawayGO, singer/songwriter VerseChorusVerse, rock titans More Than Conquerors, heavy rockers Trucker Diablo and returning after a long absence, Jetplane Landing.
And as always, the festival plays host to many Glasgowbury first-timers. This includes singer/songwriters Susie-Blue & Rosie Carney, classic rock revivalists Million Dollar Reload, indie rockers The Clameens, grunge revivalists Vanilla Gloom, rising rock stars Those Ghosts, and Donegal folksters In Their Thousands.
It's always lovely to hear new material from Kent folksters Keston Cobblers' Club. Their debut album "One, For Words" demonstrated their own quirky take on English folk, and their memorable music videos helped them to stand out among the post-Mumford crowd. Fleetwood Mac really have no excuse not to return their calls.
The band have released a new single to coincide with their tour dates supporting The Leisure Society. "Beam" is another reliable foot-stomping folk effort from the group, but what makes the song is the nifty music video that they've made for the release. Meager in budget yet brimming with fun and creativity, the clip sees the band invading a clothes shop with a group of friends, sort of like an eccentric English version of the Harlem Shake.
