The Metaphorical Boat

Free Swim - The Smell of Pregnancy

2012-02-27T21:22:00.000Z

Every now and again, I come across a song so off-kilter, so off the wall and so bizarre, that by actually admitting that I enjoy it I begin to question my own sanity. But then again, it's not often that you enter the world of Paul Coltofeanu, who records under the name of Free Swim.

"The Smell of Pregnancy", the highlight of his most recent E.P "Dennis", best examplifies the project's self-described "b***ard-pop stylings. You'll be hard pressed to find another song this year that extolls the virtues of Hornblower, Jason Statham and Vienetta ice-cream in less than five minutes, as well as containing a bizarre Viv Stanshall-esque monologue on the loneliness of going to a National Trust property.

Whilst the odd lyrical content of the song is worth celebrating on its own, what makes the song stand out is that musically speaking, it is near faultless. The song contains one of the most badass guitar riffs I've heard for a long time, as well as ending with enough funky slap bass work to make Les Claypool green with envy. Free Swim is very much a one off artist - in the sense that there isn't any other artist who could do what it does with such aplomb.

Free Swim's E.P "Dennis" is avilable as a free download.
&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://freeswim.bandcamp.com/track/the-smell-of-pregnancy"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Smell of Pregnancy by Free Swim&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Athletes In Paris - Echoes Louder than Voices

2012-02-25T15:13:00.000Z

Newcastle based 5-piece Athletes In Paris are no strangers to this blog. Following the slight u-turn on their last single "No Bridge, No Crossing Allowed", the group return to their indie sound for their next single, "Echoes Louder than Voices." The song has a slight whiff of mainstream rock about it, with the song containing slight nods to The Killers and Kings of Leon to it (especially the 'oh aye ohs' in the chorus). However, the band still contains all those elements that made the group stand out in the first place, not least the band's trademark Geordie accent.

"Echoes Louder than Voices" will be released on March 19th.

The Wonder Villains - Ferrari (Live at Queen's Radio)

2012-02-23T13:57:00.000Z

Derry based quartet The Wonder Villains have been going from strength to strength since the last time I mentioned them on the blog. Their last single, "Zola", was playlisted on National Radio 1 (and even entered the iTunes chart for a brief period), they have found themselves championed by Steve Lamacq, and following the release of their latest single "Ferrari", a re-recording of a track they first released for a compilation CD back in 2010, the band have found themselves being featured on such illustrious blogs such as Breaking More Waves and The Von Pip Musical Express.

This evening, the band are gearing up for the biggest local gig to date, playing at The Speakeasy bar to launch theie latest single. Ahead of the gig, they guys came into Queen's Radio to record a stripped back version of "Ferrari", featuring just vocal, guitar and keyboard, which is very much a thing of pop magic. You can hear this fantastic interpretation of the song below:

And here's the single version, which is out to download now:

The Wonder Villains will be launching "Ferrari" in The Speakeasy Bar in The Queen's University Student's Union from 9PM this evening (Thursday 23rd), supported by Pretty Child Backfire & Purile Honey. Admission is free.

Crow Black Chicken - Murmuration

2012-02-23T00:52:00.000Z

How do you like your blues-rock served? Polished like a 24 carat diamond? More easy going than a Dutch McDonald's worker? Or do you prefer it scuzzy, hard hitting and raucous? If it's the latter, then hard working Irish trio Crow Black Chicken are right up your metaphorical street.

For a band that have over 100 gigs in the past year, including a prestigious slot at BBC Introducing stage at the Glastonbury Festival, it could be quite difficult to cross it over to a studio setting. Thankfully on "Murmuration", their latest single, the band have nailed it rather well, with the powerful, whiskey-soaked vocals and scuzzy blues guitar work of Christy O'Hanlon really shining through. It's an exciting single, as if someone's managed to bottle a hurricane.

"Murmuration" is available as a free download, and will feature on Crow Black Chicken's debut album, due out in May.

Joywave - True Grit

2012-02-20T19:41:00.000Z

After doing the music blogging thingy for a while, there is always the risk of unhealthy sense of lethargy setting in. When you spend all your time searching the web, the local scene and your inbox for the latest fantastic artist to blog about, it can feel that sometimes it can start to become something you feel you have to do, rather than something you want to do. I've always said to myself that when updating the blog starts to feel more like a chore rather than helping to spread the word about artist's I'm truly passionate about, then that's the time to bring the blog to it's conclusion. But anyway, you're not reading this blog to read my quarter-life crisis (and if you are, then you really need to get out more), you're reading this to find out about the latest great artist that makes this venture worthwhile, a group that floats my Metaphorical Boat.

Hailing from Rochester, New York, Joywave make smart, accessable synth-pop with a heart of gold. "True Grit", the first track taken from their debut E.P, calls to mind "Saturdays=Youth" era M83, yet adds a layer of sophistication courtesy of some charming orchestral hits, as well as with the enrapturing vocals of Daniel Armbruster. This is enjoyable music indeed.

"True Grit" is taken from the band's debut E.P "Koda Vista", which will be released in March, and is available as a free download.

The Diamond Noise - Never Say Never Say Never

2012-02-16T22:36:00.000Z

I've always had a pechant for "short sharp shock" music - that is songs that are economical with their running times, whilst still remaining in-your-face and brimming with exciting, primal energy. Elastica's debut album remains the most consistant example of this sort of music, and individual efforts from The White Stripes (Fell In Love With a Girl, Hypnotize) and The Vaccines (Norgaard, Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)) remain amongst their strongest sounds.

Which leads us on to London based quartet The Diamond Noise. Their debut single, the Greg Haver produced "Never Say Never Say Never", which in its sub-150 second timeframe more than delivers in the 3 s's. The song mixes the primal garage-punk that made people sit up and take notice of The Vaccines with the vocal stylings of The Hives (with the occasional Jack White inflection thrown in for good measure). If The Diamond Noise can continue with their short sharp shocks, then I expect we'll be seeing a great deal from these guys in the future.

"Never Say Never Say Never" will be released on 2nd April.

The Super Happy Fun Club - Way Back (The Conflict)

2012-02-16T22:05:00.000Z

To celebrate Valentines Day, Chicago based rockers The Super Happy Fun Club (who get top marks for that name, incidentally) are offering a track from their upcoming 2nd album for free. But depite it's target date, don't be tricked into thinking that this is some soppy, sentimental drivel.

"Way Back (The Conflict)" is the sort of tune that MTV2 would've lapped up in the early 00s. Falling somewhere between Scouting For Girls and 30 Seconds to Mars (wait, come back), it's an angst-y rock track filled with gang vocals and heavy guitars.

A Plastic Rose - Build From The Ground Up

2012-02-12T20:38:00.000Z

After such a long wait, it looks like 2012 is going to be the year that Belfast stalwarts A Plastic Rose finally release their debut album. It couldn't have come at a better time, with the band riding a new wave of hype after supporting Snow Patrol in London and at their record breaking Odyssey gig.

In anticipation of the album, the band are releasing a new single next month. "Build From the Ground Up" is a mature, string-laden heavy alt-rock track that seems ready-made for arena anthemics. If you hadn't already taken notice of A Plastic Rose before now, then this promises to be the track that makes you sit up and pay attnetion.

"Build From the Ground Up" will be released on March 16th, and will feature on the band's debut album "Camera.Shutter.Life", which is due for release in the summer.

Parchutes Over Paris - Evolution of the Species

2012-02-12T00:07:00.000Z

Belfast based sextet Parachutes Over Paris are shaping up to be one of the more exciting new bands to break through in NI in 2012. After spending a year honing their craft live, the group have just released their debut E.P "The Gultiness of Youth", from which "Evolution of the Species" is taken from.

"Evolution of the Species" is an exciting piece of indie-rock, with the synth and guitar lines working in tandem with each other to create something rather memorable. It's toe-tapping sensibility brings about obvious comparisons with Two Door Cinema Club, although the great lyrical depth sets them apart from them. Even more excitingly, when the band play this song live, there is ample use of cowbell, and we all know that the key to musical greatness is more cowbell (well, at least if you're a fan of THAT Saturday Night Live skit).

"The Guiltiness of Youth E.P" is available as a free download for a limited period.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://parachutesoverparisband.bandcamp.com/track/evolution-of-the-species"&amp;gt;Evolution Of The Species by Parachutes Over Paris&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

In Their Thousands - Tear It All Apart

2012-02-08T23:35:00.000Z

Formed in Donegal in May of last year, In Their Thousands take the folk-rock template and take it to interesting new depths. "Tear it All Apart" starts delicately enough, with it's glockenspiel/acoustic guitar intro and harmony vocals. However, as the track progresses, it begins to get more heavy, with the mantra "you can tear it all apart" developing different meanings as the song progresses.

"Tears it All Apart" is taken from the band's debut release "E.P 1", which is out now.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Averkiou - Fuzzy Photograph

2012-02-07T14:13:00.000Z

Making noise is easy, anyone can do it. What is trickier is taming the noise and then putting a leash on it. Which is exactly what Florida quintet Averkiou do on their latest track "Fuzzy Photograph."

"Fuzzy Photograph", with its scuzzy guitars, which mix with tender vocal harmonies to make off-kilter pop tunes, calls to mind Teenage Fanclub during their "Thirteen" era. It's quite a noisy track, but it is kept under control in such as way that it doesn't feel unharmious. It's a great introduction to a band that I will be keeping my eye on in the future.

"Fuzzy Photograph" is the first track from Averkiou's "New Imperative E.P", which will be released on February 10th.

This Many Boyfriends - Starling

2012-02-06T13:42:00.001Z

Leeds based funpop band This Many Boyfriends have announced the release of their new single "Starlings", which is their first release since last autumn's "Young Lovers Go Pop!", and their first release since the death of their guitarist Peter Sykes.

"Starling" sees TMB continue their penchant for writing short, snappy, indie-pop tunes with lots of heart and just as many hooks. Built around an infectious guitar hook, the song is about loving birds, as well as being in love with a bird, which sees the song working on more levels than one. It's a great, fun single, and hopefully will see the band gain a few new followers.

"Starling" by This Many Boyfriends will be released with a fanzine made by the band themselves, which will be released on February 20th. The band will be touring the UK at the end of February/beginning of March with both Allo' Darlin and The Cribs (no dates on this side of the pond just yet, but fingers crossed).

Silhouette - Can't Keep Up

2012-02-06T01:53:00.001Z

One of the interesting signs of the strength of the music scene in Northern Ireland is to observe how often music from the province is used in its adverts. In the past year, we've seen music from the Lowly Knights used to sell electricity, whilst Cashier No.9's "When Jackie Shone" was used as the soundtrack for a Belfast tourism video.

Now the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has released an advertisement that it hopes will get the masses flocking into the area, and the song they have chose to soundtrack it comes from Shauna Tohill, who performs under the pseudonym Silhouette.

Ms Tohill has already begun to make a name for herself as bassist for blog favourite Rams' Pocket Radio, as well as performing live on stage with Snow Patrol as Gary Lightbody's female counterpart on "Set the Fire to the Third Bar", but she is also a great performer in her own right. "Can't Keep Up" is an energetic piece of dance-rock which calls to mind The Gossip. Shauna Tohill is in full-on diva mode throughout the song, with the strength of her vocals carrying the song through.

The NITB made a wise decision when they chose Silhouette to soundtrack their ni2012 advert. It's been many years (if at all) since this area has produced so much fantastic local music, and "Can't Keep Up" is a sterling reminder of that.

"Can't Keep Up" is available to download from Silhouette's Bandcamp page, and the advert it features in can be seen here.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://silhouetteofficial.bandcamp.com/track/cant-keep-up"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Can't Keep Up by Silhouette&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Freedom Fry - Earthquake

2012-02-04T22:22:00.000Z

On the latest single by US/French duo Freedom Fry, "Earthquake", the duo seem to be channelling something of a Metronomy vibe. It mixes shuffling organ/keyboard lines with Marie Seyrat's breathy vocals, and even manages to fit in a rather suave guitar solo for good measure. This is laidback lounge at its finest.

"Earthquake" will be released on February 14th on Caveman Arts Society. A music video, which sees Marie build her bandmate Bruce with jigsaw pieces, can be viewed below:

Rainy Boy Sleep - Shopping Centre Song

2012-02-04T21:45:00.050Z

I don't know what it is about the city of Derry at the moment, but at the moment it can do no wrong in producing fine new musical talent. I'n the past few months I've already written about such talents as The Jepettos, Best Boy Grip, Our Krypton Son and The Wonder Villains.

One artist from the city who is already causing a few ripples is Stevie Martin, who is better known to his fans and followers as Rainy Boy Sleep. To coincide with his support slot with James Morrison, he has released his first E.P on Hidden Art, entitled "Shopping Centre Song". The title track is a tender one, combining beatbox percussion with heartfelt lyrics, as Mr Martin advices his love not to "let the road lead you way."

"Shopping Centre Song E.P" by Rainy Boy Sleep is avaiable to download now, whilst the video (which is not set in a shopping centre, strangely enough) can be viewed here:

Rams' Pocket Radio - 1+2

2012-02-01T23:34:00.003Z

Things have been going rather swimmingly recently for Peter McCauley & company in the Rams' Pocket Radio camp. They were playlisted on BBC Radio 1 (although oddly enough it wasn't with their current single at the time, "Dogs Run in Packs"), they supported Snow Patrol during one of their sell-out performances in Belfast's Odyssey Arena, and have a tour of the United Kingdom scheduled for February which already has several sold-out dates. Now they are gearing up to release their latest single, "1+2", which combines all the elements that make them so attractive in the first place - massive piano hooks, anthemic production and the empassioned vocals of Peter McCauley. With a bit of luck, this will hopefully be the song that pushes them over the hill into the mainstream consciousness.

"1+2" will be released on March 19th.

Public Service Broadcasting - Roygbiv

2012-02-01T22:32:00.007Z

Public Service Broadcasting, the brainchild of the wonderfully named J. Wilgoose, Esq, seem to be a project that wears its influences clearly on it's sleeves. It might seem rather obvious to make comparisons to Boards of Canada, giving their pechant for sampling old public information films, and the fact that they've given their latest single a title which matches the name of BOC's most famous song, "Roygbiv."

However, there is much to seperate the two, for whilst Boards of Canada gains warmth through synthetic means, the warmth that permeates throughout Public Service Broadcasting feels organic in nature. With the samples n' synths mixing with guitars and the banjo, "Roygbiv" is a song which is filled with colour, which is rather apt, as the title is an acrostic for the colours of the rainbow.

"Roygbiv" will be released on March 4th.

Caught Live - Snow Patrol/Everything Everything/A Plastic Rose

2012-01-31T23:06:00.002Z

This review was carried out for Queen's Radio, and is published with permission.

Venue - The Odyssey Arena, Belfast

Date - 25th January 2012

A lively crowd pack into the Odyssey Arena after standing in the pouring rain for hours in anticipation of Snow Patrol’s final concert of three in Belfast’s biggest music venue. But before NI’s brightest stars take to the stage, there is music from two up and coming groups.

Local heroes A Plastic Rose are used to selling out smaller Belfast venues to their loyal and dedicated fans (“you may have seen us in Auntie Annies or the Pavilion,” lead singer Gerry Norman helpfully reminds us), so transferring their sound over to a much bigger space, to a crowd who are largely both unfamiliar and unprepared for their alternative rock sound, is a tough task. Although early songs get little more than a polite response from the crowd, many of whom are still filtering into the arena, they are soon won over by the band’s sound, as well as the humour of lead singer Gerry Norman. He jokes that for the next twenty minutes, “we’re going to steal Snow Patrol’s fans,” and calls Snow Patrol member Gary Lightbody a hippy for having long hair.

By the end of the set, they have the audience firmly on their side, getting the whole crowd to chant Snow Patrol, and singing along to their closing song, “Kids Don’t Behave Like This.” As the band leaves the stage, there is no doubt that A Plastic Rose have won over the crowd, and have probably gained a few new fans as well.

<a href="http://aplasticrose.bandcamp.com/track/oceans">Oceans by A Plastic Rose</a>

Next up are Manchester based quartet Everything Everything, who have been the main support act for the majority of the tour. Their esoteric, keyboard based sound is rather dissimilar from the bands they find themselves sandwiched between, which leads to a rather muted response from the audience. Whilst songs such as “My Kz, Yr BF” go down well, the audience, which by this stage is at near full capacity, seem restless throughout, and the band fail to really engage with them. With quite a niche sound, it would have been an uphill struggle to connect with the crowd, and unfortunately it seems that this evening, the band just didn’t gel.

And up next are the band the 10,000+ crowd have been waiting for, as the instrumental “Berlin” plays as Snow Patrol enter the stage to a thunderous applause. After beginning with “I’ll Never Let Go”, the band goes straight into their ode to Belfast, “Take Back the City”, with the crowd singing along to every word in unison.

It’s a testament to the sheer class of the band’s back catalogue that they can play a modern day classic like “Run” so early on in their set and still have plenty more classics in waiting. For “Set the Fire to the Third Bar”, the band invite Shauna Tohill of Rams Pocket Radio/Silhouette to duet with Gary Lightbody on the track, whilst the band dedicate “Chasing Cars” to Davy Matchett, and give a rare live performance of “Somewhere a Clock Is Ticking.”

One of the most magical moments of the night occurs when Gary Lightbody gets the crowds to put their mobile phones in the air during “You Could Be Happy”, leading to a sea of light permeating throughout the stadium, like thousands of electro-fireflies. “It’s technology, but it’s like nature,” Lightbody philosophises. “It’s like we’re all floating in space.” The band’s finish off with “You’re All I Have, before the band exit the stage to rapturous applause.

Before the band take to the stage for an encore, Gary Lightbody announces that this evening’s gig has broken the Odyssey Arena’s attendance record (or as he puts it, the gig is “super-duper sold out.”) He pays tribute to the other bands playing that evening, telling Gerry Norman of A Plastic Rose that regarding his hair, “the feeling is mutual,” before dedicating the first song of the encore, the tender Teenage Fanclub referencing “Life-ning”, to his father, who is sitting in the audience. The group then launch into the uplifting “Open Your Eyes,” before finishing with the powerful “Just Say Yes”, leaving the stage to a thunderous reception.

As the crowd filters out of The Odyssey Arena, they will remember this evening’s record breaking gig with fondness. Snow Patrol have indeed taken back the city with aplomb.

The Bland Band - Palsboda Jam

2012-01-28T22:29:00.004Z

Describing themselves as a "modest little band", Swedish four piece The Bland Band make pleasant music that can probably be best described as indie-country. Their debut single, "Palsboda Jam", which is available to download for free, is a charming affair that calls to mind some of the more laid back work of Van Morrison.

Fixers - Iron Deer Dream

2012-01-27T16:01:00.003Z

One of my Tips for 2012, Oxford based Fixers, have released the new video for their single "Iron Deer Dream." The track is a re-recording of last year's single, and sees the band at their psychedelic pinnacle.

The music video is very much a "what the hell" moment, given that it features people suffering from a condition where they have various breakfast cereals growing on their body, before being cured by eating cactus jam.

"Iron Deer Dream" will be released on March 11th.

Tea Leigh - Left Behind

2012-01-27T12:52:00.007Z

After Popjustice's sweeping declaration that Lana Del Rey is now firmly the property of pop, the hunt is on for hundreds of indie bloggers to find a new alternative chanteuse to rally behind (well, at least among those who either ignore PJ or haven't moved on to the fabulous Lucy Rose already).

Whether Boston based Tea Leigh can be that person to whip the blogosphere into that dizzy hysteria remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that there is a lot of charm in her track "Left Behind."

A song that revels in it's lo-fi aesthetics (c.f the tape hiss), "Left Behind" is a minimalist track, featuring just finger picked guitar and luscious harmony vocals, with heartfelt, delicate lyrics throughout ("love is like the schoolyard, you dared me to do it").

There is a lot of potential and charm in Tea Leigh's lo-fi recording. However, I can't help but feel that with a bit of production polish, Tea Leigh, like Ms Del Rey before her, has the potential to have something truly magical in her hands.

Good Dangers - Abigail

2012-01-25T13:00:00.005Z

It's been a few months since I last wrote about London five piece Good Dangers. They are gearing up to release their first official single in a few months, but before that they have released a 'taster' track, which is available as a free download.

"Abigail" is a textbook example of Good Danger's creative genre-mining style - the drumming style is taken straight from post-punk, the guitars and vocals call to mind early shoegaze (the recurring 'oohs' seem to be taken straight out of "Pearl" by Chapterhouse), and the melody seems quite similar to Green Day's "Wake Me Up When September Ends."

Luik - We're Both Extermined

2012-01-21T12:50:00.005Z

Hailing from the Netherlands, 4-piece slowcore group Luik make moody indie music that's about as fast as a three legged tortoise. The lead track from their debut album, "We're Both Extermined", is a downbeat yet atmospheric track that in-trances from the opening beat.

The band have made an equally moody video for the song, which was shot in Beijing, China:

"We're Both Extermined" is taken from their album "Owls", and is available to download for free.

<a href="http://snowstar.bandcamp.com/track/were-both-extermined">We're Both Extermined by Snowstar Records</a>

Kayfabe - Bicycle Day in the Cosmos

2012-01-19T15:05:00.004Z

Named after the term for a wrestling story line that is presented as real (presumably), Kayfabe is a collaboration between Nial Conway of Irish electro duo Nouveaunoise and singer/songwriter Paul Melia.

Their debut single "Bicycle Day In the Cosmos", is a promising start for the group. Both artists have taken the strongest elements from their own acts (Nial's ability to mould engaging electronic soundscapes, Paul's knack for writing strong pop hooks), and have created a monster of a tune.

As Paul sings on the chorus, "there's another place outside the one we know." Kayfabe is currently a side-project for the guys, but if they can continue to produce tunes as engaging as "Bicycle Day in the Cosmos", perhaps this other place could become their new home.

"Bicycle Day in the Cosmos" is available to download for free.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://kayfabe.bandcamp.com/track/bicycle-day-in-the-cosmos"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Bicycle Day In The Cosmos by Kayfabe&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Wrongkong - My Dearest Enemy

2012-01-18T15:18:00.000Z

On "My Dearest Enemy", French-Canadian synth-rockers Wrongkong appear to have pitched themselves somewhere in between Moloko and Florence & the Machine, especially with vocals from the lovely Cyrena Dunbar. The production is quite dance orientated, which isn't surprising, given that one of the members was part of The Strike Boys.

"My Dearest Enemy" is taken from the band's album "So Electric", which is out now.

Francois & The Atlas Mountains - Les Plus Beaux

2012-01-18T14:55:00.000Z

On their latest single, "Les Plus Beaux" (which according to Google, can be translated as either "The Best" or "The Most Beautiful), Francois & The Atlas Mountains mix African percussive rhythms with indie-pop vocals, sung in a sensual French accent. It's a gorgeous piece of work, which goes to show that the French are the undoubted musical kings of sexy.

"Les Plus Beaux" is taken from the group's album "E Volo Love" (absolutely no idea what that translates as), which is out on 23rd January

Proof I Exist - Modern Day Love Song

2012-01-16T00:46:00.000Z

Cleveland based artist Paul Kulis, a.k.a Proof I Exist, seems to be channeling the energy of Eels' front man E on "Modern Day Love Song". His vocal delivery, lyrical themes, and liberal use of profanity would not seem out of place on "Daisies of the Galaxy." What differentiates him however is an upbeat production, which calls to mind 90s one-hit wonders Deep Blue Something (especially the guitar solo, which does have a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" feel to it).

"Modern Day Love Song" is taken from Proof I Exist's album "Suburban Sci-Fi", which is available to download for free.

Ted Morris - New York

2012-01-14T23:51:00.003Z

I'm a real sucker for brass-led rock, which is why I was so enamored with "New York" by Hässleholm native Ted Morris.

"New York", which is available to download for free, acts as an open love letter to the City that Never sleeps, mixing Randy Newman-esque pianos with triumphant trumpet blasts.

Auction for the Promise Club - Under China

2012-01-13T16:30:00.002Z

With an indie-noise based sound and a female frontwoman, it could be easy to compare Cornwall based trio Auction for the Promise Club to The Joy Formidable. However, what sets the band apart is in the vocals of Zoe White Chambers.

On the on the verses of their track "Under China", Zoe showcases a sense of real vulnerability in her voice, which has the feeling of Ellie Goulding. However, when the track hits the chorus, the heavy guitars come in and we see the strength coming back. When she shouts "take me down," we begin to feel like we're being taken down with her. It's a striking introduction to Auction for the Promise Club, and it will be interesting to see where the band will go from here.

"Under China" is taken from the band's debut E.P "One", which will be released on February 24th.

A Cavalcade of Cover Versons

2012-01-13T15:05:00.004Z

And by cavalcade, I mean two. But I hope you won't begrudge me the opportunity to use that awesome word.

Anyway, on to the covers, which are available to download for free from the respective artist's Bandcamp pages:

Moscow Times - Electric Feel

Belfast band Moscow Times cover of MGMT's 2008 single serves as a reminder that behind the the day-glo production, there is a fantastic song just waiting to escape. Stripped down to just guitar and vocals, this version is simple, yet empassioned.

<a href="http://moscowtimes1.bandcamp.com/track/electric-feel-mgmt-cover">Electric Feel (MGMT Cover) by Moscow Times</a>

David C. Clements - Video Games

It seems that Lana Del Rey's "Video Games" has been covered more times in 6 months than "Yesterday" has been in over 40 years. David C. Clement's version, recorded live for Across the Line, has more of a country feel to it.

<a href="http://davidcclements.bandcamp.com/track/video-games-live-on-atl">Video Games live on ATL by David C Clements</a>

The Cold 100 - New Stories

2012-01-12T19:00:00.000Z

Scuzzy blues-rock is the order of the day for Dublin based quartet The Cold 100. Their song "New Stories", which is available as a free download, sees whisky-soaked guitars mixed with shades of Britpop influences (Simon Delaney's vocals delivery is quite similar to Richard Ashcroft, particularly in the verses). They have an interesting style to them, so it'll be interesting to see where they go from here.

(NOTE: The Cold 100 should not be confused with the similarly named Manchester band Cold One Hundred who were featured on the blog last August)

Allo Darlin' - Capricornia

2012-01-12T18:29:00.004Z

Indie-poppers Allo Darlin' are gearing up to release their sophomore album "Europe" this spring, ahead of a UK tour (with the fabulous This Many Boyfriends supporting on a few of the dates). The first single to be taken from is "Capricornia", which is a charming re-introduction to the world of Elizabeth Morris & co.

"Capricornia" will be released on February 13th on Sub Pop.

The Jepettos - Goldrush

2012-01-11T18:00:00.000Z

In an episode of The Simpsons from the mid 00s, Homer wears a bracelet with the initials "WWJD" on it, which he claims is his philosophy of life. When Lisa says that it's profound that Homer would wear a bracelet inspiring him to think "What would Jesus do," he is immediately annoyed. "Jesus? I thought it was Geppetto." I have no idea whether this exchange was the inspiration for Derry 5 piece The Jeppetos' name, but I'd like to think that it was.

The band, which centres around the vocals of husband and wife team of Mike & Ruth Aicken, utilizes interesting instruments in the sound to create dynamic soundscapes , with clarinets, the glockenspiel and even a keyboard-flute featuring in their sound. This is most evident on the title track of their most recent E.P "Goldrush." Featuring local legend Duke Special on the piano, the track, which is available as a free download, is a whimsical, quirky folk track that won't let go until you get a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

"Goldrush" is taken from The Jepettos' debut E.P "Start a New People", which is out now

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thejepettos.bandcamp.com/track/goldrush"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Goldrush by The Jepettos&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Best Boy Grip - Barbara

2012-01-05T22:00:00.001Z

"This ain't gonna be a love song," proclaims Eoin O'Callaghan at the beginning of "Barbara" by Derry based band Best Boy Grip. The group produce what could best be described as piano-pop with a dark heart. The sharp contrast between the jaunty, polished Beatles-esque melody and the bleak, bordering-on-nihilistic lyrics is stark - it's as if The Feeling have recorded an album inside a black hole.

"Barbara" is title track from their debut E.P, which mixes the dark with the light throughout.

David C. Clements - Hurricane

2012-01-01T23:14:00.005Z

As a new year dawns, it is usually a great time to ring in the changes, attempt a reinvention or do something a little bit different. Perhaps it's fitting that the first day of 2012 sees the release of the first new material from Belfast based David C. Clements, who up until yesterday went under the moniker of Captain Cameron.

The first tunes to emerge from David C. Clements is a two track E.P entitled "The Longest Day In History." (Note to youngsters: prior to 2004, us old timers used to call a 2 track E.P a 'single'). The lead track, "Hurricane", is a slow burning 6 1/2 minute alternative folk epic that mixes entranced romanticism with multi-tracked harmonies and expansive production values.

Unlike many songs of its length, it does not waste a single nanosecond of its running time, avoiding the pitfalls of being either overly strung out nor overlong. This of course means attempting to cut it down to a radio edit would prove to be a difficult task, which probably means that the other track on the E.P, the jaunty "Not Sleeping", will pick up the lion's share of airplay.

Welcome to 2012, David C. Clements. Hopefully the year will be a good 'un.

"The Longest Day In History" is available as a free download from David C. Clements' Bandcamp page.

Hurricane by David C Clements

Whales In Cubicles - We Never Win

2011-12-31T13:33:00.004Z

In all my time running this blog, one thing I always try to remind myself is not to jump to conclusions when looking at an artist. Just take London based Whales In Cubicles for example. Having taken a look at their name and the title of their upcoming single "We Never Win", I automatically assumed that the band are a politically charged band. Not that I've got a problem with explicitly political music (I love The Clash as much as anyone else). It's just that when looking at music with such messages, you might end up judging a song based upon whether you agree personally with the politics of the song rather than on the merit of the song itself, which can lead to much confusion.

However, it turns out I was wrong, as I learned that "We Never Win" wasn't written with a clear political motive, instead being more about being afraid to try. This 90s influenced rock tune benefits from its unusual rhythm structure (which I believe is in 13/4 time), and its slow burning anthemics, where the main vocal hook ("we never win") transfers from hushed resignation to an anthemic climax. Note to self - never judge a book by its cover.

"We Never Win" by Whales In Cubicles will be released on 23rd January as a limited edition vinyl on Young and Lost Club.

We Never Win by Whales In Cubicles

Our Krypton Son - Catalonian Love Song

2011-12-28T22:00:00.001Z

Melodramatic pop is the order of the day for Derry based Chris McConaghy & company, better known as Our Krypton Son. The debut single release, "Catalonian Love Song", is a smashing slice of romanticism that calls to mind both the work of Scott Walker, with echoes of Brett Anderson's recent single "Brittle Heart." Exquisite production, lush strings and a recurring piano riff make this one of the most ambitious songs to come out Derry in a long time.

"Catalonian Love Song" will be released on January 16th through Small Town America.

Catalonian Love Song by Our Krypton Son

Athletes In Paris - No Bridge, No Crossing Allowed

2011-12-28T18:16:00.005Z

The last time we visited Sunderland based band Athletes In Paris, they were treating us to an infectious slice of indie-dance. Now several months on, the band have recorded a new song, which changes the pace entirely.

"No Bridge, No Crossing Allowed", which is available to download for free, is a sleek, sensual number, that mixes glam rock triplet beats with gang vocals and a sleek saxaphone riff (well, 2011 is the year of the sax after all). Whilst the song might be a nice diversion rather than a complete change of direction for the group, it's good to see how varied the band can be.

<a href="http://athletesinparis.bandcamp.com/track/no-bridge-no-crossing-allowed">No Bridge, No Crossing Allowed by Athletes in Paris</a>

Sweet Jane - Nights in White Satin

2011-12-28T13:17:00.004Z

Dublin based Sweet Jane have had something of a successful 2011. Their debut album, "Sugar For My Soul", released at the tail-end of last year, received rave reviews in the press, they played at the annual Glasgowbury Festival in Draperstown and perhaps most excitingly, they supported the mighty Suede during their trio of full album gigs in the Olympia Theatre (I caught them on the "Dog Man Star" night).

To finish off this whirlwind year, the group have released a cover of the Moody Blues' classic "Nights in White Satin." Taking a different approach to the original song, Sweet Jane's version calls to mind the sound of Mazzy Star, with its compressed drums and honeyed vocals of Lydia Des Dolles. It's as if the romanticism of the original has been replaced with existential angst in this version.

"Nights in White Satin" by Sweet Jane is available to download now.

Sweet Jane - Nights in White Satin on Vimeo.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://sweetjane.bandcamp.com/track/nights-in-white-satin"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Nights In White Satin by Sweet Jane&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Ottilia - Forty Million Light Years

2011-12-27T13:02:00.003Z

Based on the demos currently posted on her Bandcamp page, 17 year-old Swedish artist Ottilia Kjulsten is most definitely an artist worth keeping an eye on. The tunes on offer show a real songcraft to them, and surprisingly offer a large amount of variety. "Dazed & Confused" is a tender, country tinged acoustic ballad not to dissimilar to early Laura Marling, whilst the tight beats of "Listening 2 Pictures" seem to offer a female perspective to The Strokes' seminal "Last Nite."

The highlight of the set however is "Forty Million Light Years," a quirky slice of feel good pop in the mould of Phoenix. With its "Close to Me" drums, delicate (faux) string arrangements, a funky as folk bassline, and of course Ottilia's passionate vocals, the song is a real delight from start to finish.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ottilia.bandcamp.com/track/forty-million-light-years"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Forty Million Light Years by Ottilia&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Francis Neve - Dance Around the Fire

2011-12-21T16:23:00.002Z

Essex born Francis Neve released his latest single, "Dance Around the Fire", at the start of December. In the hands of a more tender troubador like Ed Sheeran, the song could have been just another standard singer/songwriter fare. However, Neve subverts this on the record, with the hushed guitar instead being replaced by an onslaught of percussion and synths the size of the Eiffel Tower.

Dance Around The Fire by Francis Neve

The Way Home - The Ship

2011-12-21T15:13:00.005Z

Hailing from Suffolk, London based sextet The Way Home are a self proclaimed 'heavy gospel' group who take in influences from blues, rock, folk and country across their debut E.P.

"The Ship", the lead track from the E.P, is a six minute epic that takes in Janis Joplin, Black Mountain, as well as melodic similarites to "Angel Dance" and, perhaps surprisingly, "Hand in My Pocket" by Alanis Morissette

"The Ship E.P" will be released on February 13th.
&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thewayhome1.bandcamp.com/track/the-ship"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Ship by The Way Home&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Emperors Club - Sham Sham

2011-12-21T14:07:00.004Z

Within hours of Emperors Club making my list of bands to watch out for in 2012, the Iowa quintet released a new song that justifies my support for them.

"Sham Sham", which is available to download for free, continues the band's penchant for mixing American rock with British influences. A more laidback affair, the song mixes soulful Americana with influences from Arctic Monkeys' and soaring harmony vocals that Teenage Fanclub would kill for. Although the song doesn't have the immediacy, nor punch that "Our Time" had, it is a good song that opens the door to a varying sound for Emperors Club.

Sham Sham by Emperors Club

The Metaphorical Boat's Tips for '12 - Part 2

2011-12-19T23:00:00.003Z

Part two of The Metaphorical Boat's tips for 2012 features five bands from outside Ireland, and includes one from the USA, and two from Leeds (believe me, I'm surprised as well).

Emperors Club

The only American based group on the list, Iowa based quintet Emperors Club form the missing link between American alt-rock and Britpop, with the band citing both The Charlatans and Big Star as influences on their sound. Their debut E.P, October's "The Castle", is a fantastic introduction to the band, from the spiky title track, through to the Stroke 9 meets McAlmont & Butler grooves of "Our Time", through to the David Gray-esque "Brooklyn" showing a band with a classic sound, updated to the 10s.

With a full length album planned in the next year, the next 12 months should see the rise to power of Emperors Club.

The Castle by Emperors Club

Fixers

Based on their latest E.P, "Imperial Godess of Mercy", Oxford based quintet Fixers could be best decribed as psychedelic indie rock with shades of Animal Collective. However, the group are not afraid to embrace pop, as evidenced from their siren sampling single "Swimmhaus Johannesburg" (a song that surprisingly made the daytime playlist on BBC Radio 1).

The start of 2012 will see the group supporting Kaiser Chiefs on tour, before re-releasing "Iron Deer Dream" in February, followed by an album release around April.

Tribes

Since rock music fell largely out of favour with the general public around 2008, every end-of year tip list has featured at least one artist that promises to bring rock hurtling back into the mainstream. The Drums were on many pundits lists in 2010, whilst the hopes of 2011 were very much put on the shoulders of The Vaccines. Could 2012 be the year of Camden fourpiece Tribes? Having released three strong singles in 2011, the most recent of which being "When My Day Comes", the band have built up a reputation for their youthful, Britpop inspired tunes and raucious live performances.

A timely re-release of the single that made me fall in love with the group in the first place, "We Were Children", is being released ahead of their debut album "Baby", released on January 16th. Their guitarist Dan's taboid friendly relationship with Scarlett Johannson should keep them firmly in the public eye over the next 12 months.

This Many Boyfriends

Leeds based "funpop" band This Many Boyfriends came to my attention during the summer through their fantastic "Young Lovers Go Pop!" single. However, they have been together for many years, releasing an E.P in 2010, featuring such charming songs such as "I Can Be a Communist" and "I Don't Like You (Cos You Don't Like the Pastels)".

With a single on Angular Records under their belt, the band are shaping up for 2012 to be their biggest year yet, with a new single scheduled for February (complete with a silly fanzine drawn by the band), gigs with Allo Darlin', and the possibility of an album before the end of the year. Let's hope that the fun continues with This Many Boyfriends.

Various Cruelties

When a band plays on Later...With Jools Holland before they've even released an album, they are surely destined for great things (or have a brilliant PR/management team, although the two are not always mutually exclusive). This bodes well for London (via Leeds) based Various Cruelties, whose appearence on the flagship show has seen a boost in their popularity, even making the Radio 1 playlist this week with "Great Unknown".

It could be possible to compare their chances to those of The Vaccines last year, who had only been together for a few months before being signed in a flurry of hype and also playing on the aformentioned BBC2 show before releasing a single. The band even supported The Vaccines in their earliest days together. However, that is where the comparisons end, for whilst The Vaccines trade in angular indie rock, Various Cruelties offer a more soulful approach to their music, with Motown influences abound.

Their debut album will be released on April 2nd.

And those are The Metaphorical Boat's tips for 2012. Do you agree with the suggestions, or are there any other artists that you feel should be making a mark in the next year? Be sure to leave a comment to let me know.

The Metaphorical Boat's Tips for '12 - Part 1

2011-12-19T15:00:00.003Z

After spending the past 2 weeks looking back at the best releases of 2011, it is time for The Metaphorical Boat to look ahead to the bands that hopefully will be making waves in 2012.

The 10 acts that feature in the countdown are ones that have not yet released an album that I hope will make a mark in 2012. The first part will look at artists from Northern Ireland that I have high hopes for in the next 12 months, whilst part 2 will look at bands from the rest of the world.

Amidships

With their stadium-folk sound, Antrim sextet Amidships are a band of epic proportions. With a 7 track E.P under their belt ("Friendly Fire"), and an increasingly devoted live following, 2012 could see the group break into the consciousness of the UK music scene.

Oceans & Layers by Amidships

Rams’ Pocket Radio

Lisburn based piano-rock artist Peter McCauley, aka Rams' Pocket Radio, is an artist that has been on my radar for some time, ever since I heard the demo of "Dogs Run In Packs" back in 2009.

2011 has been his best year yet, with the support of 6music's Tom Robinson leading him to playing a storming Glastonbury set over the summer. The momentum has increased with the recent DRIP EP, showcasing the extent of the artist's power-piano style. With a new E.P planned for the new year, hopefully we'll be hearing a lot more of Rams' Pocket Radio in the new year.

Sons of Caliber

Belfast based 5-piece Sons of Caliber ply their trade with their own brand of folk, full of guy/girl harmonies and poetic, heart-on-sleeve lyrics. In the past year they've developed as an intriguing live prospect, and tracks such as "My Way of Thinking" and "Falling For You" have shown their knack for writing memorable, pastoral tunes. With an E.P due in the new year, we should be hearing more from the band in the near future.
&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://sonsofcaliber.bandcamp.com/track/my-way-of-thinking"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;My Way Of Thinking by Sons of Caliber&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Window Seats

Belfast based heavy rock band Window Seats have been releasing singles for a few years now. But in the past few months their profile has increased after the release of their "Frozen Bones E.P", as well as the IMTV award nominated video for "Local Superhero." With tunes such as "Juliette's Letter" in their arsenal, the next 12 months should be an exciting time for the trio.

Their entire back catalogue is available to download for free from their Bandcamp page.

Window Seats - Juliette's Letter by Window Seats

The Wonder Villains

As I have mentioned on many occasions, I am a massive fan of the Derry four-piece's sugary pop sound. If there was a definition for "fun" in the pop dictionary (if such a dictionary existed), I'm sure you would find a picture of The Wonder Villains staring back at you. I mean, how many other artists do you know that use their Twitter feed to organize games of rounders? Not Radiohead, I can tell you that.

With the impending release of their second single "Ferrari", which features lyrics about swapping a sibling for a Charizard, amongst other things, things are looking rather rosy for the band. Let's just hope that we get a music video from the guys in the near future. If there's ever been a band whose songs are audio-visually friendly, it's The Wonder Villains.

Ferrari by The Wonder Villains

The Metaphorical Boat's Top 10 Albums of 2011

2011-12-15T14:39:00.020Z

After the countdown of The Metaphorical Boat's top tracks of 2011, it is time to move on to the 10 albums that really got me excited this year.

Although I have tried to add a semblance of order, I must admit that unlike individual tracks, chosing an order for albums can prove to be a lot more tricky. For example, should you judge an album on the basis of individual songs or on how well the album flows together? If an album has 3 of the best songs ever made, and the rest just filler, should it be seen as a better album than one with a brilliant song and several good ones? As such, many of the albums on the list could have easily have ended up in a different position.

The only exception to this however is my number 1 album of the year, a position it found itself in from the moment I heard it all the way to the end of the year.

But anyway, here are The Metaphorical Boat's favourite albums of 2011:

10. The Leisure Society - Into the Murky Water (Full Time Hobby)

The Ivor Novello nominated folk collective released their 2nd album in 2011, which continued their pursuit of emotive, pop-orientated folk. Their use of unusual instruments, such as the piccolo, the harpsichord and the marimba (which dominates the title track of the record), helps them to stand out from the crowd.

Into The Murky Water by The Leisure Society

9. Foster the People - Torches (Columbia)

Anyone who bought Foster the People's album expecting a record full of "Pumped Up Kicks" style alternative rock would have been in for a welcome surprise when they opened the cellophane wraper of "Torches" and listened to it for the first time. As if the production credits of Greg Kurstin (The Bird & the Bee, Lily Allen) didn't give the game away, the album is dominated by smart, synth-pop tunes, such as the lead single "Houdini", infectious "Call It What You Want", and the drum-driven "Helena Beat."

8. Emmy the Great - Virtue (Absolute)

Most people know the story about the making of this album by heart by now - Emma-Lee Moss and her fiance split up after he became a Christian and left to be a missionary, after which she poured her heart into what would become the second Emmy the Great album, "Virtue." Moss is one of the most intelligent, poetic songwriters of her generation. Whilst the lyrics by themselves make for great poetry, when coupled with her honeyed vocals and understated production, the words reach new heights. "Cassandra" deals with the Greek seer, whilst "Trellick Tower", the tear-jerking closing track, is the most direct song about her break-up ("Now I'm a relic of a time gone by, kneeling to address the sky"). I'm still none the wiser as to what "Dinosaur Sex" is about, besides the obvious.

Trellick Tower by Emmy the Great

7. The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From...? (Columbia)

The Vaccines' debut album is one that I have had a love/apathetic relationship with over the past year. Whilst I adore the sub-2 minute punk-pop of "Norgaard", "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)", the rest of the album didn't excite my for a long time. The good news is that by the end of the year, it finally clicked with me. Although The Vaccines might not have been the saviors of rock that they had been predicted at the start of the year, they definately put up a great fight on their debut album. "If You Wanna" calls to mind the fun times of the mid 00s indie rock revival, whilst "Wetsuit" and "All in White" show that the band are just as good with the slow songs (even if the former does sound like "Campus" by Vampire Weekend played at the wrong speed). What sealed the deal for me was the hidden track, "Somebody Else's Child", a lo-fi piano track about being raised by a different father, showing the tender side to the band's repertoire.

6. Elbow - Build a Rocket Boys! (Fiction)

If ever there was a band that demonstrated why the album format isn't dead in the MP3 era, then Elbow would be it. Describing the album as the first where the band weren't under the risk of the axe if it went wrong, the band put out an album free from big radio hits. But what it lacks in 3 minute ditties, it more than makes up for in heart and emotion. From the sprawling 8 minute opener of "The Birds", through the tender "Lippy Kids" and the stadium sized "Open Arms", the Mancunian boys have made an album that flows perfectly from start to finish, and is all the better for it.

5. Shonen Knife - Free Time (Damnably)

Despite their 30 year career, I had never heard of Japanese pop-punk trio Shonen Knife before this year. That all changed when I was wowed by their Belfast gig in August, and immediately bought their most recent album, "Free Time." While they might not win awards for lyrical philosophy ("Rock & Roll Cake" is about wanting to sleep inside a pastry), they more than make up for it in pure, unadulterated fun. From the opening track "Perfect Freedom", through to "Capybara", a reggae tinged ode to a South American rodent, the group will have you smiling throughout. Even their attempt at a political song, "Economic Crisis", has a sense of playfulness to it (sample lyric: "Breakout! Breakout! Where's the missing money?")

4. Jonny - Jonny (Merge Records)

Norman Blake (of Teenage Fanclub) and Euros Childs of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci got together to record an album, taking in all types of genres and styles that influenced them over the years. The result of this was Jonny.

The self-titled album spans across genres like glam-rock (on the opening track "Wich is Wich"), Beatles-esque power-pop ("English Lady"), and even some tracks that call to mind the artist's main bands ("Circling the Sun" could have easily fit onto the Fannie's "Grand Prix" album). The absolute highlight of the set is "Cave Dance", which starts as a rock and roll stomper about the first caveman rockers, which morphs into an 11 minute prog-rock belter. There is a kaleidoscope of sounds on "Jonny", which means that there is bound to be something on the album at anyone can enjoy.

3. Brett Anderson - Black Rainbows (EMI)

On his fourth solo album, his first to be released on a major record label since his Suede days, Brett Anderson chose to go back to his roots and record his first solo rock album.

The recording process for the album was a rather strange one, particularly for a solo artist. His band (which featureed producer Leo Abrahams and drummer supremo Seb Rochford) would spend several days jamming it out, after which Brett picked 10 individual parts that he liked and worked out melodies and lyrics for each of these. This spontaneous method of writing bore fruit on "Black Rainbows", which is easily the best thing Brett has done outside of Suede (and The Tears).

Brittle Heart by Brett Anderson

2. The Go! Team - Rolling Blackouts (Memphis Industries)

The third (and quite possibly final) album from The Go! Team sees the group take on a more live-orientated sound on tracks such as "Buy Nothing Day" and "Ready to Go Steady", as well as harking back to the 'traditional' girl-group hip-hop sound of The Go! Team on "T.O.R.N.A.D.O" and "Voice Yr Choice", whilst also fitting in two short quirky instrumentals; "Super Triangle" and "Lazy Poltergeist". If this is the record that signals the end for the group, I can't see a better way of epitomising what made me fall in love with the group.

Ready to Go Steady by The Go! Team

1. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong (PIAS)

And my favourite album goes to The Pains Of Being Pure at Heart with their superb sophomore album "Belong". After their debut album become something of a surprise hit, the group did the smart thing of taking everything that was good about their debut album and amlpifying it. Just like the kids on the debut album's cover have moved from black and white to something much more colourful, so too has the sound of the band. The distracting lo-fi production of the debut has been replaced by an expansive production aesthetic, as masterminded by uber-producer Flood. 80s influences domiate the proceedings this time around, with "Heart in Your Heartbreak", "Belong" & "Even In Dreams" being the highlights of this indie-pop set.

After the initial promise of their debut, "Belong" is the album that the band knew they could make, and they did a fantastic job of it. The only question now is, how can they possibly follow a perfect album?

The Metaphorical Boat's top songs of 2011 - Number 1

2011-12-14T23:07:00.008Z

Well, after a week of counting down 49 on my favourite songs of the year, the time has come to reveal what song has topped the countdown. And what a song it is:

1. The Vaccines - Norgaard

"Her mind's made up, she don't wanna go steady.

She's only seventeen, so she's probably not ready

A-M-A-N-D-A Norgaard

I saw you on a cover on Cross Bay Boulevard."

So the song that most sums up 2011 for The Metaphorical Boat is "Norgaard", The Vaccines' punk-pop song about a run-in with a Danish model. Whilst the song isn't complex (containing only three chords throughout), philosophical, nor boundary breaking (The Ramones or Eddie & the Hot Rods are frequently cited as comparisons), the song's 98 seconds serves it purpose well - to have a great time. Isn't that what rock music should be about?

Photo of The Vaccines is © Leon Diaper

The Metaphorical Boat's top songs of 2011 - 5-2

2011-12-14T12:43:00.004Z

We're nearly at the end of the line. But before we reveal what has been crowned The Metaphorical Boat's top song of 2011, let's see what songs were pipped at the post:

5. Brett Anderson - Brittle Heart

Reinvigorated by his return to the reformed Suede, Brett Anderson returned to what he does best on his 4th solo album by making a straight-up rock record. "Brittle Heart" was the first fruits of his new found energy, with thundering drums, turned-up to 11 guitars, and of course Brett Anderson's trademark lyrics. "I'll give you carpet burns and antiseptic skies," he informs us, somewhat menacingly, somewhat lovingly.

4. M83 - Midnight City

The track that truly broke M83 into the public's consciousness in 2011. Whilst it might not have set the charts alight, "Midnight City" has been seemingly ever present since its release over the summer, being used as bed music for hundreds of TV shows, heavily playlisted on alternative radio stations, and being played consistently in nightclubs. Perhaps the closest to a pop song the group will ever release, "Midnight City" features an infectious synth riff, plus one of the greatest use of a saxophone in a song since possibly "Baker Street."

3. Gypsy & The Cat - The Piper's Song

With their glo-fi electro-pop tunes in the vein of MGMT and Empire of the Sun, 2011 should have been the year that Gypsy & the Cat conquered the world. Alas, it seems as if the band will have to settle for conquering their native Australia (where their debut album went gold). Still, when the band can crank out hits like "The Piper's Song", surely they can only stay that way for so much longer.

"The Piper's Song" combines elements of the aforementioned bands with a strong 80s production aesthetic (I convinced a friend to download the song by describing it to him as "Toto in Technicolour").

The Piper's Song by Gypsy & the Cat

2. The Go! Team - Buy Nothing Day

"Buy Nothing Day" seems to have been the moment where The Go! Team stopped being a vehicle for Ian Patton's smorgasbord approach to making music, and became a fully fledged indie-rock band.

Featuring guest vocals from Beth Cosentino of Best Coast borrows the energy from The Go! Team's "Huddle Formation", but adds roaring guitars, fun vocals, and even enough room for a vibraphone solo. If the stories about The Go! Team's latest album being their final one is true, then it's great that they can leave us with such a fantastic song.

The Metaphorical Boat's top songs of 2011 -10-6

2011-12-14T00:30:00.001Z

We're almost at the end of the road, with only ten songs left in the countdown. This section covers songs ranked 10-6, and also features a little bit about what I adore about each one.

10. Mazes - Most Days

Kicking off the top 10 is "Most Days" by Manchester quartet Mazes. The maxim of the band appears to be "why spend too much precious time creating post-3 minute songs when you can do it better in under 2? So in 108 seconds, the band fit in two verses and an infectious guitar riff, before changing the melody completely for the last 40 seconds, incorporating elements of punk, indie-rock, pop and surf without feeling either convoluted nor rushed.

Most Days by Mazes

9. Tribes - We Were Children

When I first heard "We Were Children" back in May, my initial thought was that it sounded like a Manic Street Preachers b-side. As anyone who has ever heard "Mr Carbohydrate" will testify to, that is not an insult. "We Were Children" is a Britpop meets The Pixies anthem which longs for a better time, in this case, the mid 90s. And who wouldn't want to go back to then?

8. The Wonder Villains - Zola

Derry based electro-pop The Wonder Villains have been floating around for a few years now, but 2011 has been the year where the world has started to really pay attention to them.

Released in October and produced by Rocky O'Reilly (formerly of Oppenheimer), "Zola" was the group's first 'official' single release, and contains all the elements that make them such an exciting group - fun, pop-culture infused lyrics and bouncy melodies dominate the song, which is an affectionate tribute to Chelsea's diminutive striker Gianfranco Zola. Listen to the song just once, and you feel as giddy as a 7 year old after consuming £1's worth of pixie sticks.

Zola by The Wonder Villains

7. Jonny - Candyfloss

And from one sugary song to another. Jonny is a collaborative duo guaranteed to bring a smile to any indie kid's face, comprising of Normal Blake (Teenage Fanclub) and Euro Childs, formerly of Gorky's Zygotic Mynci. "Candyfloss" features both gorgeous melodies and a real sense of fun that seems to have been lacking on Teenage Fanclub's most recent material.

6. Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks

"Pumped Up Kicks" has been one of the unlikeliest monster hits of the year (and I mean monster - at the time of writing, the official video has been viewed over 47 million times). The song puts a greater emphasis on atmosphere rather than out and out pop hooks, adding a sense of menace to its rather foreboding lyrics. It's also home to perhaps the most sinister whistling in a pop song in 2011.

The Metaphorical Boat's top songs of 2011 - 20-11

2011-12-13T00:00:00.001Z

We're one step closer to announcing The Metaphorical Boat's favourite song of 2011. Here are the tracks ranked from 20-11 in the countdown, and includes artists from England, USA, France, Sweden & Japan.

20. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Belong

Belong by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

19. The 2 Bears - Bear Hug

18. Justice - Civilization

17. James Blake - Limit To Your Love

16. Eugene McGuiness - Lion

15. Noah and the Whale - L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.

14. Petter Seander - When Something Dies

13. Emperor's Club - Our Time

Our Time by Emperors Club

12. Shonen Knife – Perfect Freedom

11. This Many Boyfriends - Young Lovers Go Pop!

Young Lovers Go Pop! by This Many Boyfriends

The Metaphorical Boat's top songs of 2011 - 30-21

2011-12-12T09:00:00.002Z

The third part of The Metaphorical Boat's countdown of 2011 contains tracks ranked from 30-21, and includes beasts, herons and birds, plus two great bands from Northern Ireland at numbers 22 & 21.

30. Asian Dub Foundation - A History Of Now

29. Battles - Ice Cream

WARNING - video contains very sexy imagery.

28. Foster the People - Houdini

27. Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - AKA...What A Life!

26. Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx - I’ll Take Care of U

25. Wild Beasts - Reach a Bit Further

Reach A Bit Further by Wild Beasts

24. White Lies - Bigger Than Us

23. Elbow – Lippy Kids

Lippy Kids by Elbow

22. Amidships - The One

The One by Amidships

21. Cashier No.9 - Oh Pity

The Metaphorical Boat's top songs of 2011 - 40-31

2011-12-11T09:00:00.002Z

The second part of the countdown of The Metaphorical Boat's songs of 2011 covers number 40-31, and contains the biggest (non U2) band in the world, a reformed 90s band, and an ode to losing a girl whilst eating a Chinese.

40. Coldplay - Paradise

39. Morning Teleportation - Expanding Anyway

38. 2:54 - Scarlet

37. King Charles - Bam Bam

Bam Bam by King Charles

36. The City and Horses - We Will Never Be Discovered

The City and Horses - We Will Never Be Discovered by Paper Garden Records

35. Pop Will Eat Itself - Chaos and Mayhem

34. My Morning Jacket - Holdin' On To Black Metal

33. The Joy Formidable - Cradle

Cradle by The Joy Formidable

32. South Central -The Day I Die

WARNING: This video contains graphic images.

31. Biscuithead and the Biscuit Badgers - The Seaweed Under the Sofa

The Metaphorical Boat's top songs of 2011 - 50-41

2011-12-10T13:57:00.005Z

Well, we're coming to the end of 2011, and the end of the first calender year of The Metaphorical Boat. Since I started the blog, I have discovered so much brillant music, so whittling down the year's best songs to a final 50 proved to be quite a tough task indeed. There were so many great songs that unfortunately did not make the cut, but the fifty that did will hold a special place in my memory when I look back at this monumental year.

First up, we have the countdown from 50-41, which includes a Mercury Prize winner, a comedy hair-metal band, the world's most famous rapper, and two great bands from Northern Ireland:

50. Metronomy – The Look

49. PJ Harvey - The Words That Maketh Murder

48. Young The Giant - My Body

47. Steel Panther - If You Really, Really Love Me

46. The Vals - Look to the One

45. Deerhoof -Super Duper Rescue Heads !

44. Eminem - Space Bound

43. Very Truly Yours - Girls Tell You Secrets

Girls Tell You Secrets by Very Truly Yours

42. Snow Patrol - Called Out In The Dark

41. Nero - Me & You

Wildswim - The Fallout

2011-12-09T14:16:00.006Z

Listening to "The Fallout" by Oxford based quintet Wildswim, you would be hard pressed to realise that the band are still all in their teens, and even more surprised that the youngsters haven't been picked up by a record label yet. From the opening flanged kick drum, to the last symbol crash, we hear the sound of a band with a surprisingly sophisticated sound.

In terms of comparisons, the baroque stylings of Wild Beasts would be a good starting point, particularly the baritone vocals of Richard Sansom, which are quite similar to those of Tom Fleming. However, their sound also contains elements of dance production, with house keyboard riffs featuring prominently through the latter part of the song.

It's a striking introduction to the world of Wildswim, it will be interesting to hear how the band develops over the next few months.

The Fallout by WILDSWIM

The Ghosts - Enough Time

2011-11-30T19:08:00.002Z

London based quintet The Ghosts (not to be confused with the band responsible for "Stay the Night") was formed by singer/songwriter Alex Starling after the tragic end to the band he played keyboards for, Ou Est Le Swimming Pool. The quintet make psychedelic synth-pop that treads the line between Pet Shop Boys and Empire of the Sun.

Their debut single, "Enough Time", is a great introduction to the band's sound, with the soaring falsetto of Alex Starling acting as the perfect foil for the cacophony of electronics that overpower the song. The music video for the track is a bit of a mind melt, but thoroughly enjoyable

"Enough Time" will be released on January 15th, with a debut album to follow in April.

The Ghosts - Enough Time by The Ghosts

Susie Soho - Your Way or Not at All

2011-11-30T14:50:00.000Z

Irish quartet Susie Soho seem to have ticked all the right boxes for success in this country. Nominated for a Meteor Award? Check. Played at Oxegen? Check. Support slots with Damien Rice, Bell XI and The Frames, the trinity of the Republic's music scene? Check. All they need is the right sound, and surely fame and fortune is assured.

Their latest single, "Your Way or Nothing at All", is a fantastic, driving alt-rock track, which seemed to be tailor made for stadium antics, with it's "Ooh oh" hooks just waiting to be used in a call and response fashion.

"Your Way or Not at All" is taken from the E.P "Twelve Twenty Seven", which is available as a free download from the band's website.

Your Way Or Not At All by Susie Soho

Album Review - Time Out Presents London: Songs to Define the City

2011-11-28T19:00:00.001Z

It's a shame that in the digital era, where playlists can be customized at the click of a mouse, that compilation albums seem to be becoming less relevant. Some compilations go on to invent entire genres (such as the legendary C86), whilst others carries personal memories for the listener (The Chartbusters compilation from 1997 still brings back memories of my first time in France as a child).

Released on 28th November, Universal, along with Time Out Magazine, released the compilation album "London: Songs to Define the City." The album is an assortment of songs about England's capital city, aiming to serve as "a musical souvenir of the world's music capital."

The twenty songs on the album seem to be targeted at a safe, middle class audience, with songs from Jamie Cullum, The Kinks and Roxy Music being among the artists featured. That isn't to say that it's a bad album. Although there is the odd clunker on the record (the aforementioned Cullum's "London Skies" is almost devoid of emotion) it is filled with cracking tunes.

Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" is as captivating as ever, "Piccadilly" by Squeeze is a bouncy treat, whilst Pulp's wry tribute Frith Street's coffee shop "Bar Italia" is a welcome inclusion.

Whilst some of the songs on the album might not portray London in the most positive light (how the wonderful "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant made it on to the album, with its opening line of "out in the streets there is violence", remains a mystery), the album is a decent tribute to a city that has been the setting of so many captivating stories.

Conor Mason - Passing Colours

2011-11-24T22:27:00.004Z

I sure do love it when I hear a song from this isle that completely blows me away. "Passing Colours" by Derry based musician Conor Mason is a tender piano ballad, with a voice that is wiser than his years, and filled with luscious harmonies guaranteed to leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Just try to resist the inevitable comparisons to Bon Iver, if you can help it.

The song is available as a free download, so grab it while it's tender.

Passing Colours by Conor Mason

Martin John Henry - Ribbon on a Bough

2011-11-20T20:39:00.004Z

I love it when you form an image of an artist in your head based upon their album art, only for you preconceptions to be proved wrong once you take the time to listen to it. Take the debut album of Scottish singer/songwriter Martin John Henry, formerly of De Rosa. The artwork of the album, "The Other Half Of Everything", seems to give the impression of an album of pastoral, King Creosote-eque.

However, dig beneath the surface, and you'll find electronic infused gems, such as the lead single, "Ribbon on a Bough," which sounds like the lovechild of M83 and Stornoway. Who says that being lulled into a false sense of security is a bad thing?

Codes - This is Goodbye

2011-11-18T23:35:00.003Z

This isn't really a new song, but its eventual UK release is an event that I've waited three long years for.

I first heard Irish electro-rockers Codes when they supported Maps in the Spring & Airbrake back in 2008. Intrigued by their style, I picked up a copy of "This is Goodbye", and fell in love with it immediately, becoming my summer song that year.

The next year, they signed to Sony Ireland and re-recorded the song for inclusion on their debut album "Trees Dream in Algebra". Whilst I still prefered the original version (being the quasi-hipster that I am), the song retained everything that made it special in the first place, with it's 'grey whilstle test approved' hook and the empassioned vocal delivery from Daragh Anderson.

I saw Codes for the second time in 2010, when they played in the Limelight (supported by The Delays, strangely enough). With a stadium support slot with Keane between the two concerts, it was obvious that the band's showmanship had improved dramatically, with the energy of the room increasing tenfold when the group stormed their way through their set. Even more excitingly, I got the opportunity to interview Darragh for Queen's Radio, where we talked about, amongst other things, what the name of their album, "Trees Dream in Algebra", really means.

Fast forward to 2011, and Codes are finally gearing up to release their debut album in the UK. In anticipation of its release, they have made a cracking new video for "This is Goodbye", and have made the track available as a free download for a limited time. With a promotional push and a UK wide tour underway, it is my hope that the track finally gets the attention that it truly deserves.

This is Goodbye by Codes

Regurgitator - One Day

2011-11-18T23:11:00.004Z

With their song "One Day", Australian band Regurgitator have quite possibly recorded the most upbeat song about death ever. The polished pop-rock production offers an interesting juxstaposition with the lyrics, which talk about "feeding the tree" and being "dragged under the ground" without fear or trepidation.

"One Day" is taken from Regurgitator's 7th album "SuperHappyFunTimeFriends", and is available to download for free.

One Day by Regurgitator

The Big Pink - Hit the Ground (Superman)

2011-11-17T17:46:00.003Z

London duo The Big Pink have announced their second single to be taken from their upcoming second album, "Future This", which is called "Hit the Ground (Superman)." Interestingly, the song features a sample from performance artist Laurie Anderson's "O Superman", which was a surprise number 2 hit back in 1981. Could this be their biggest hit since the ubiquitous "Dominos?" only time will tell.

"Hit the Ground (Superman)" will be released on 16th January 2012.

The Spyro - Teleport My Heart

2011-11-16T00:04:00.005Z

Well, this is perhaps the closest I am ever going to get to featuring a Eurovision track on the blog (sorry, Waldo's People)

"Teleport My Heart" by 5-piece The Spyro is one of the 40 tracks in contention to be Finland's entry in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, although given that the track is very much out of step with what you might expect from a Eurovision entry, I'm not sure whether they will receive the nomination (even though this is the same country that gave us Lordi).

Still, "Teleport My Heart" is an endearing indie-rock track, which takes in influences from Franz Ferdinand, The Strokes, and countless other Anglo-American indie based bands, with one eye trained on the dance floors, and the other as the soundtrack for summer-themed teen comedies.

You can find out more about The Spyro's crack at Eurovision and show your support here. (The page is in Finnish)

Bona Fide Federation - Festival

2011-11-15T13:53:00.005Z

Did somebody say chamber-disco?

The music of Cork based quintet Bona Fide Federation is an interesting beast indeed, in that it mixes classical instrumentation with an indie-dance sensibility. With the powerful, bordering-on-Adele-esque vocals of singer Triona O'Neill, it's the band that would come out if The Gossip stepped into a matter transporter with Ernst Toch*.

"Festival", their debut single, is currently available to download for free.

*No, I have not just gone onto Wikipedia and found the name of the first classical composer that came up in order to hide my ignorance of the genre. That would just be silly.

Burrows - In the Rugal Folds

2011-11-10T18:44:00.006Z

Fun fact about LA based four-piece Burroughs: their drummer starred in the music video for "Bounce" by Calvin Harris. Go figure.

Thankfully (or unfortunately, depending on your music taste), the sound of the band is miles away from the knob twiddling of Monsieur Harris. "In the Rugal Folds" is a doom laden post-punk track, in the same vein as White Lies, with a slightly more dancable feel.

"In the Rugal Folds" by Burroughs is available to download for free, and the music video, featuring glitter, girls and gloom, can be seen below.

TeamABC - Tornado

2011-11-08T23:24:00.004Z

If there's one thing I love, it's the sound of artists having a good time when recording their track. Just one listen to "Tornado" by Wolverhampton based indie-pop quartet TeamABC gives the impression of a band having an absolute blast, with the spikey energy and lo-fi keyboards calling to mind Los Campesinos! mixed with The Go! Team.

The song isn't perfect - the recording sounds a little rough around the edges and the mixing of the backing vocals seems a little off, but as an introduction to the crazy, sugar-coated indie-pop world of TeamABC, it a charming little ditty.

"Tornado" is available now as a free download.

Maybe Canada - Hometown

2011-11-08T15:08:00.004Z

Of all the countries that I would expect to find Americana-indebted rock, then Sweden would probably be the last place I'd think of.* But then again, it's not often you come across an artist like Magnus Hansson, aka Maybe Canada.

"Hometown", which is available as a free download, is a gorgeous piece of well produced folksy-rock, with powerful world-weary vocals that seem to have been shaped by years on the road.

*Okay, perhaps Eritrea or the Central Africal Republic, although that's largely because I didn't realise they were countries until yesterday

Echo Raptors - Plastic People

2011-11-07T22:55:00.004Z

As I've noted on numerous occasions, I am a massive fan of Britpop inspired artists, which is probably why I have such a soft spot for Belfast based quartet Echo Raptors.

Their track "Plastic People", which is available as a free download, is an expansive, psychedelic production, reminiscent of The Verve or Kula Shaker at their most introverted.

I Heart Sharks - Neuzeit

2011-11-07T13:19:00.006Z

Hailing from Berlin with German and English members, I Heart Sharks make music that blurs the lines between electronica, indie and Britrock. "Neuzeit", which has verses in English with a German chorus, combines the energy of Two Door Cinema Club, the synth onslaught of Depeche Mode and the lyrical idiosyncrasy of Franz Ferdinand.

"Neuzeit" by I Heart Sharks is taken from their album "Summer", which is out now on AdP Records.

Sound and the Urgency - White Kids

2011-11-06T20:43:00.004Z

The song "White Kids", in the words of Portland based Sound and the Urgency, is "a folktronic ode to shopping malls and future CEOs."

After the odd electric noodling of the first 50 seconds, the song settles into an expansive, acoustic driven track, which despite lyrics like 'I'm going to shoot them down with my gun,' is a surprisingly tender track, sounding not too dissimilar to the heartfelt rock of The Airbourne Toxic Event.

"White Kids" by Sound and the Urgency features on the band's self-titled debut album, and is available to download for free.

Caught Live - Belfast Calling

2011-11-06T01:18:00.006Z

Venue – Spring & Airbrake/Katy Daly’s/The Limelight

Date – 5^th November 2011

This week has been a hectic one for fans of music in Belfast, with seven days of musical events being held all across the city in preparation for Sunday’s MTV EMA Awards from Belfast. Perhaps my most anticipated event of the week has been the Belfast Calling event at the Limelight Complex. Twenty-eight artists play over eight stages in an acoustic driven style, with the proceeds from the ticket sales going towards the Alzheimers Society.

Some of the highlights of the evening were:

Katie & the Carnival

Katie Richardson and her ever-changing backing band (there were six on stage with her this evening) put on a great early performance, with her sultry, jazzy style helping to kick-start the evening’s proceedings.

Rams' Pocket Radio

It’s been a long time coming, but I’m finally getting the chance to see the fantastic Peter McCauley, aka Rams’ Pocket Radio, live. The stripped down set, featuring just Peter at the keyboard (which sort of defeats the point of an acoustic performance, if I was being pedantic), is a fantastic one indeed, opening with “Dieter Rams Has Got the Pocket Radios”, followed by the glorious “Dogs Run In Packs”, and several more heartfelt piano-pop numbers. This is music for pulling the heartstrings, then nursing them gently back into place.

John D'Arcy

Playing acoustically without his backing band (The Great Bunch of Lads), John D’Arcy, fitted out in a bespoke red suit, plays through his high energy, pop-rock songs, including “Teenage Meltdown” and “Pop Tart”. Despite his songs usually being more band driven, they sound incredibly fresh when played with just guitar and vocals, with the setting showing off the guitar talents of D’Arcy that I had previously underestimated.

The Vals

Of all the bands playing this evening, none get nearer to the spirit of Belfast’s greatest musical export, Van Morrison, than sextet The Vals. Their soul tinged classic rock goes down well in the setting of Katy Daly’s bar, and it’s great to hear the trombone used it rock music outside of ska-punk. The highlight of the set was the mandolin-led closer “Look to the One."

James Walsh

Quite how the organizers of the gig managed to book the lead singer of Starsailor to do an acoustic set is somewhat of a mystery, but the presence of James Walsh was very much felt by the crowd at Spring & Airbrake. Although he did play several of his new solo songs, as well as covers of “Raspberry Beret” and “Hungry Heart”, the set was dominated by stripped back versions of Starsailor songs, with classics such as “Poor Misguided Fool”, “Silence Is Easy” and “Four To the Foor” acting as a reminder that behind the expansive production, there are some fantastic songs in their back catalogue.

Other artists playing at the event included Duke Special, Yes Cadets, Levity Breaks, Paul Shevlin, Mojo Fury, Sweet Savage & A Plastic Rose.

Various Cruelties - Great Unknown

2011-11-04T21:57:00.003Z

Given that the new year hasn't even started yet, you might think that it is premature of me to declare an early favourite for best song of 2012. However, it is not often that a song like "Great Unknown" by Various Cruelties comes under my radar.

The group have had a meteoric rise, having only formed in the past 12 months, with a support slot for The Vaccines being one of their first gigs. "Great Unknown" is an upbeat anthemic song that somehow bridges the gap between indie and neo-soul, with a chorus that is just waiting to be chanted by thousands of drunken revellers at every festival in 2012.

"Great Unknown" will be released on 1st January on Hideout Recordings.

Calaca Strides - Graves

2011-11-04T20:12:00.005Z

The enigmatic nature of lo-fi folk artist Calaca Strides makes information on the act, who have just released the debut E.P "Quiet Haunt", very difficult to come by. What I have learned about the artist so far is:

1. The music of Calaca Strides is made by one person, who is based in the north west of England.

2. He was formerly played keyboards in an electro band amongst other projects, which makes his forray into pastoral folk rather intriguing.

3. He takes inspiration from his moniker from the Mexican Day of the Dead and the illustrations of José Guadalupe Posada.

4. The lead track from the E.P, "Graves", sounds as if someone has attacked a Bon Iver master tape with a mix of hydrochloric acid and whiskey, with the finished product sounding jagged, yet somewhat endearing.

Stereo Soul Future - Unmake the Oddity

2011-11-02T00:01:00.002Z

There is a real timeless feel to "Unmake the Oddity" by Boston based quartet Stereo Soul Future. It's Beatles-esque charm and emotive use strings means that the could have easily come from anytime in the past 40 years. This is music at it's simplest: gimmick free and memorable.

"Unmake the Oddity" is taken from Stereo Soul Future's third album "Ghost in the Night", which is available to buy now.

Glowbug - Where Is My Mind?

2011-10-31T22:58:00.006Z

If hipsterdom had a loyalty scheme, then based upon "Covered in Lights Vol.1," Washington based Glowbug would surely have saved enough points to buy several pairs of thick framed glasses and Sylvia Plath's back catalogue.

The E.P contains covers of alt-friendly bands Radiohead, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Smiths. However, the highlight of the E.P is Mr Anderson's take on The Pixies' classic "Where Is My Mind?" This downtempo electronic cover version, with washes of reverb and shoegaze vocals, calls to mind the work of both Maps and Sigur Ros.

Interestingly, the title of the E.P suggests that there may be a sequel lined up in the future. Here's hoping that Suede, Teenage Fanclub & Eels are amongst the covers to be featured.

"Covered In Lights, Vol.1" is available to download for free from Glowbug's Bandcamp.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://glowbug.bandcamp.com/album/covered-in-lights-vol-1"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Covered In Lights Vol. 1 by Glowbug&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

The City and Horses - Dum Dee Dum

2011-10-31T22:22:00.002Z

Halloween is upon us, and to mark the occasion The City and Horses have released the new music video for "Dum Dee Dum", which is taken from their album "We Will Never Be Discovered"

Featuring guest vocals from Katie Costello, "Dum Dee Dum" is a joyous piece of piano-pop which would not sound out of place in an advert for the latest Apple product. The music video, directed by Cetusss and Le Contremaitre et sa Contremaitresse, is a completely bizarre beast, which features, amongst other oddities, zombies in drag.

Forest Fire - Future Shadows

2011-10-30T15:11:00.002Z

On paper, "Future Shadows" by New York based quintet Forest Fire seems to have been the result of a computer based mash-up. It's as if someone has taken the acappella from a Mumford and Sons b-side and placed it over the instrumental of an Animal Collective demo. Yet this melding of seemingly opposing styles gives the song its own particular charm.

"Future Shadows" will be released on 12th December on Fatcat Records, backed with "Stage Lightning" as the b-side.

Pandas and People - Grab Everything

2011-10-28T13:30:00.004+01:00

Up until yesterday, if you asked me if I knew anything about Redditch, I would respond with a blank face. Now however, I can improve on that and add one detail about the town: it's the hometown on alt-pop fourpiece Pandas and People.

Their track "Grab Everything" is a finely produced, sonically pleasing song that utilizes Yeasayer's unusual grooves with an intelligent pop aesthetic. With the song written, recorded and produced by the band themselves, it signals a bright future for the group.

"Grab Everything" is taken from Pandas and People's debut album, which is also called "Grab Everything".

Dead Social Club - This Painting Is Cursed

2011-10-27T01:18:00.004+01:00

If the success of The Horrors' channelling of Simple Minds is anything to go by, then the world is desperately crying out for more 80s inspired synth-rockers to break it out of its collective doldrum. Thankfully, there are bands out there more than worthy of stepping up to the mark, such as London sextet Dead Social Club.

Their track "This Painting Is Cursed" begins with a massive Gary Numan-esque synth line, which morphs into a post-punk stomper with The Cure inspired miserabilistic vocals. If this track's anything to go by, then there may be milage in this New Wave revival yet. Just promise to leave the funky hair and make-up in the 80s, where it belongs.

"This Painting Is Cursed" is available as a free download, and is taken from Dead Social Club's "Syrian Kisses EP".

Cashier No.9 - Oh Pity

2011-10-25T01:10:00.004+01:00

The release of a new music video from Belfast band Cashier No.9 is starting to become something of an event for me. They have followed the quirky video for their last single, "Lost at Sea", with a rather novel video for their latest song "Oh Pity", my favourite track from the group's Bella Union issued album "To the Death of Fun".

The music video features a digital projection of the band being superimposed over the bandage covered members of the group for an eerie visual effect.

Eugene McGuinness - Lion

2011-10-23T15:18:00.002+01:00

Singer/songwriter Eugene McGuinness is gearing up to release his third album at the beginning of next year. In anticipation of this, he has released the first track from the record, "Lion", which is a completely bonkers piece of rock and roll meets New Wave fun, complete with some witty and downright hilarious lyrics. How many other songs this year start with a couplet as off-the-wall as 'I'm sitting on the ventrilioquist's knee, allowing his hand where it shouldn't be?'

"Lion" is available as a free download from Eugene McGuinness' website.

City Reign - Making Plans

2011-10-23T15:04:00.003+01:00

Someone told me recently that "if you like Tribes, then you will certainly like City Reign." I do like Tribes, so I decided to check out the music of the Manchester based quartet.

Thankfully, I was not disappointed. Their track "Making Plans", with it's angular Britrock sound, sounds like a cross between the heavier side of Idlewild and the chorus of "Dakota" by Stereophonics.

"Making Plans" is taken from City Reign's E.P "Numbers for Street Names", which will be released on November 21st.

King Charles - Bam Bam

2011-10-23T14:43:00.003+01:00

If I was to describe the sound of "Bam Bam" by London based musican King Charles, I would class it as a mixture between Vampire Weekend and Scouting For Girls, based upon it's indie chasing sensibilities and it's unashamedly pop-oriented structure. It's a heavily addictive song, and more capable of inducing an earworm as any other song this year (with the possible exception of "Ricky Dee")

"Bam Bam" will be released on November 28th.

Athletes In Paris - Heartbeat

2011-10-21T00:19:00.006+01:00

There have been quite a few bands in the past year or so that have been cut from a similar indie-dance-pop mould to Friendly Fires and Two Door Cinema Club.

One such band that flirts with a similar style is North East England based 5-piece Athletes In Paris. On their track "Heartbeat", the band go from an acoustic intro into a high energy slice of indie-disco friendly alt-pop, complete with robotic drums, funky guitars and a chorus as big as the Eiffel Tower. It's fun, it's instant, it clocks it at less than 3 minutes. What more could you ask for?

"Heartbeat" by Athletes in Paris is available to download for free from the band's Bandcamp page, complete with 5 remixes (including a rather snazzy French house re-working)

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://athletesinparis.bandcamp.com/album/heartbeat"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Heartbeat by Athletes in Paris&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Cave Painting - Midnight Love

2011-10-20T23:57:00.004+01:00

"Midnight Love" by Cave Painting is how I imagine The Big Pink would have sounded if they got in touch with their more earthly, sensitive side. The band showcase a percussive heavy sound that has a widescreen, cinematic feel to it, which was particularly highlighted in a short film that it soundtracks.

"Midnight Love" features on their debut E.P "You'll Be Running Soon", which is out on November 7th.

Soulmates Never Die - Dance Contest Winner E.P

2011-10-19T19:49:00.005+01:00

I've never really understood the idea of the anti-folk genre. From my extensive research on the subject (read: searched for it on Wikipedia), I have gathered that it is a post-modernist movement that seeks to challenge the accepted norms of the folk genre.

And it is under this banner that Leeds based performer Joshua Lewis, aka Soulmates Never Die finds himself under. His laptop recorded E.P, "Dance Contest Winner", is a raw, brutal, and incredibly frank set of songs that melds delicately strummed acoustic guitar with lyrics that feel as if they were ripped straight from Mr Lewis's diary.

When a singer croons that "I sometimes wish I was dead, but I think that I don't really mean it", like Joshua does over a familiar 4-chord melody on "Wound On My Fingers", you start to realise that this is a performer that wears his heart on both his sleeves. Other songs on the E.P deal with feelings of inadequacy ("S*** Hot Haircut"), and wanting to meet up with someone who you're not completely sure of ("Old Canal").

"Dance Contest Winner E.P" by Soulmates Never Die is available to download now.

Soulmates Never Die // Wound On My Finger from Jennifer Morris on Vimeo.

Petter Seander - When Something Dies

2011-10-15T22:58:00.005+01:00

On appearances alone, you might think that singer/songwriter Petter Seander might be Sweden's answer to Beck. But like most things in life, looks can be deceiving indeed. On "When Something Dies", Seander seemlessly blends the Scandi-pop sounds of The Cardigans, the indie-pop stylings of Two Door Cinema Club, as well as some infectious Americana sounding guitar lines.

"When Something Dies" by Petter Seander is available to download for free from Soundcloud.

Rams' Pocket Rado - Dogs Run in Packs EP

2011-10-13T23:18:00.003+01:00

Ever since I heard the demo version of "Dogs Run In Packs" by Lisburn's Peter McCauley, aka Rams' Pocket Radio back in 2009, I immediately fell in love with it, declaring it one of my top 10 tracks of the year, and keeping it on constant rotation on my iPod ever since. Now the song is being released as the lead track of his latest E.P, and with it a much more expansive production. As well as a few slight lyrical changes, this new version sees the pianos beefed up and walls of guitars added to the mix.

At the time of the original release, I joked that "Dogs Run In Packs" would be the perfect soundtrack to the final minutes of an episode of an American teen drama, where the unrealistically beautiful boys and handsome girls learn an important life lesson and grow a little inside. With this re-recorded version, the Music Supervisors of America have absolutely no excuse.

Whilst the other songs on the E.P don't have the same immediacy as "DRIP", they still showcase Mr McCauley great songwriting chops with the electro-candlelight tenderness of "You and Me, Babe" being the other highlight of the E.P

"Dogs Run In Packs E.P" by Rams' Pocket Radio is available to download from good MP3 stores, whilst the CD version will be available at the end of October.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ramspocketradio.bandcamp.com/track/dogs-run-in-packs"&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Dogs Run In Packs by Rams' Pocket Radio&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

The Standards - Mice

2011-10-13T16:50:00.002+01:00

If it really is true that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, then I suppose that a certain Mr Cocker would be pleased to hear the work of London trio The Standards.

On their song "Mice", the group have taken the blueprint mapped out by Pulp all those years ago and ran with it completely, with it's sinister yet undeniably pop-based production, witty lyrical wordplay, and the vocals of Neil Winspears, which can go from hushed and sensual to frenzied within the space of a few bars.

"Mice" will be available to download on November 7th, in anticipation of their debut album, due out in 2012.

2:54 - Scarlet

2011-10-13T16:13:00.004+01:00

"Scarlet" by London based quartet 2:54 is an exceptional piece of downbeat anthemics, with it's instrumentation making it sound like a forgotten off-cut from Radiohead's "OK Computer" sessions, coupled with massive Shirley Manson-esque vocals. Apparantly down really is the new up.

"Scarlet" will be released on November 13th on limited edition 10" vinyl.

Sophie Barker - A Forest

2011-10-09T20:36:00.003+01:00

It's a testament to the writing skills of Robert Smith of The Cure that his songs can be transposed into so many different genres and still sound reassuringly fresh. Take Sophie Barker's version of "A Forest" for example, where the dark guitars, throbbing bass and strained vocals of the original are replaced with soaring strings, acoustic finger-picking and dreamlike, yet impassioned vocals of Ms Barker.

"A Forest" will be released as a double A-side single with original track "Say Goodbye" on October 31st on Ho Hum Records.

Window Seats - Local Superhero

2011-10-07T23:37:00.003+01:00

Belfast based rock trio Window Seats have released the eagerly anticipated video for their brand new single, "Local Superhero." The video, which can be viewed below, is a rather snazzy effort from the group, and features references to Star Wars & Ghostbusters, with the band taking on the roles of Venon, Wolverine and The Hulk.

The song itself is available to download for free.

Local Superhero by Window Seats

The Wonder Villains - Zola EP

2011-10-07T22:06:00.002+01:00

The Wonder Villains are perhaps the greatest pop band that currently ply their trade in on the NI music scene. Having been gigging for over two years now, the band have signed to local label No Dancing, and are gearing up to release their first E.P for them, "Zola," on October 16th.

The three tracks on the E.P showcase what makes the band great: feel good, hook laden, cultural reference infused pop songs that will leave a smile on your face as you hum along to the infectious melodies. The title track of the E.P is dedicated to former Chelsea skipper Gianfranco, and feature, whilst "33" makes reference to lost star Jorge Garcia.

The last track on the album, "Running in Circles", is a bit of an oddity. It originally featured as the b-side of last year's single "SpaceJam", and whilst the version featured here in a re-recorded version, it is still listed as being a demo. It's possible that either the band haven't recorded a version yet that they're truly happy with, or the song is being held back for consideration as a future single, or quite possibly both. Nevertheless, even in this form the track is a fantastic slice of pop-goodness.

If "Zola" is anything to go by, then the future is certainly rosy for The Wonder Villains, as long as they continue to produce such fanastic, feel good material.

<a href="http://wondervillains.bandcamp.com/album/zola">Zola by Wonder Villains</a>

Sharliza Jelita - Breaks My Heart in Two

2011-10-07T21:37:00.003+01:00

Don't you just love unrequited love? One such person who does is Sharliza Jelita, who wrote "Breaks My Heart In Two" about her crush on the Duke of Downbeat himself, Radiohead's Thom Yorke.

In comparison to the dizzy-pop sound heard on her last single, "No Go Pogo", "Breaks My Heart in Two" is an afro-beat inspired piece of subdued infatuation-pop, whose dark heart is hidden by the overall loveliness of Sharliza.

"Breaks My Heart In Two" is available as a free download to commemorate Thom Yorke's birthday, and will feature of Sharliza Jelita's album "Strange Things", out in February next year.

Deep Sea Arcade - Girls

2011-10-02T19:28:00.004+01:00

On their upcoming single "Girls", Australian five-piece Deep Sea Arcade channel the spirits of classic British indie-rock, channeling the spirit of The Stone Roses and Kasabian's first album, in a mix that is both psychedelic and dance worthy.

"Girls" will be released on October 31st on New Music Club.

Hoodie Woody Freaky - Rain

2011-10-01T23:08:00.005+01:00

The melding together hip-hop influences with tenderly strummed acoustica has been used by several artists. Ed Sheeran recently hit the top spot of the album chart with his smashing together of the two worlds, and Plan B famously rapped inner city life to the sound of his acostic guitar on his first album (before he sold out and went all blue-eyed soul)

One band that have mixed the two together in an interesting way is Indonesian trio Hoodie Woody Freaky. In the hands of another group, the song "Rain" could've been just your standard singer-songwriter fare. But with Fikri Haikal's beatboxing added to the mix, the song becomes interesting and, dare I say it, fun. Hoodie Woody Freaky are definately doing something different to many bands, and for that they should be applauded.

"Rain" is taken from the group's debut E.P "Story of the Early Days", which is available to download for free.

The Metaphorical Boat - September 2011 Round-Up

2011-10-01T22:47:00.002+01:00

Another month has passed us by, and with it has come another set of fantastic songs that has floated my Metaphorical Boat. Here are the five most popular songs on the blog from the past month:

1. The Cold One Hundred - Hedonist

2. Emperors Club - Our Time

3. Ocean Cloud - Dreamin' in a Coffee Break

4. Post War Glamour Girls - Spitting Pearls

5. Soviac - French

And once again United Kingdom and the USA have been the most popular locations for fans of the blog, followed by Brazil, Italy and Canada.

The Mobbs - Jolly Good

2011-09-30T17:10:00.003+01:00

You can fit a lot into just 81 seconds. Just ask Northampton trio The Mobbs. On their debut single, "Jolly Good", the group manage to fit in a massive Clash-esque punk riff, three verses and a guitar solo in their own idiosyncratic style. It also marks the first time I've heard the word 'nonchalant' used successfully in a rock song.

"Jolly Good" is out now as an MP3, vinyl, and rather charmingly, as a CD single on BB Rex.

Soviac - French

2011-09-29T14:25:00.001+01:00

It is almost a universal truth that the French language is one of the most alluring languages in the world, which is probably the reason why Swedish group Soviac chose to name their comeback single as such.

"French" is an electro-pop banger in which the verses are sung in the most sensual female Gallic accent imaginable, leading to the simplistic chorus of "I'm in love with you."

"French", taken from Soviac's upcoming album "The Back Album", is out worldwide on October 7th, but is available to download for free.

Dead Shed Jokers - Magic Teatime

2011-09-29T14:14:00.000+01:00

"Magic Teatime" by Welsh fourpiece Dead Shed Jokers is an interesting beast indeed. It effectively uses contrasting quiet/loud dynamics periodically throughout the song, yet does not really sound very grunge influenced, instead taking its cues from Britpop and early 00s American alt-rock.

Whether the band will continue with this sound remains to be seen, although there is an album by the band, "Peyote Smile", due out in the near future.