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Idlewild - Readers & Writers (Cooking Vinyl) 28/09/2009

T: It's still one of my favourite interviews, you know. That one, several years back, when former scribe Na'im Cortazzi attempted to coax something of interest out of Rod Jones and failed miserably, prompting our writer to vent his spleen by finishing his piece with the assertion that their new ballad was "a bag of shite". Now, I'll be honest, when I interviewed the band, I never encountered any such problems, and I must admit, I'm very impressed that the band have decided to take a different direction with their new output, as it has a gloriously uplifting quality, and this is the most "up" single we've heard from them in a very long time, as opposed to their charmingly downcast balladeering. A strong release, as we've come to expect from them.

N: Yeah. 8/10

web site - myspace

Black Gold - Breakdown (RedBull Records) 28/09/2009

T: Relatively pleasant, vaguely catchy, not much else to say about it really. You wouldn't switch it off the radio...

N: ...but would you necessarily switch it on?

T: What, do you think I can control what comes on the radio with my mind then?

N: Take it in the context for which it was meant.

T: No, that's compare the meerkat.

N: Have you tried that web link? I keep meaning to, but always something else comes up.

T: I think I get your drift. ANYWAY... 6/10

myspace

Bowling For Soup - My Wena (Jive) 28/09/2009

T: Sometimes Bowling For Soup can be amusing. Sometimes their records are a load of old cock. This one's a bit of both, but when you get past the childish smirks at the line "Take a look at my wena", you realise that this is a pile of wank.

N: In the context of certain tragic rom-coms, I may be able to swallow this, but really! 1/10

web site - myspace

Mama's Gun - You Are The Music (Candelion) 28/09/2009

T: You bastard. You know I'm not keen, but you insisted I might like the radio edit more. I bloody don't, alright? It still sounds like Mushroom 5.

N: Mushhroom 5?

T: It's my pet name.

N: You've done mushroom with two H's.

T: I have never shared mushrooms with ANY member of Steps. 4/10

web site - myspace

Alice In Chains - Check My Brain (Virgin/EMI) 21/09/2009

N: '92's "Dirt" still receives regular intermittent play in my world, and now the first new fruits to grace this World in some time. Not quite as angst ridden, but familiar all the same. Yeah!

T: It was always going to be a question on everyone's lips whether Jerry Cantrell could fill the late Layne Staley's boots, but this is answered in no uncertain terms with this huge, throbbing monster of a record. Industrial guitars that make like a faulty vacuum cleaner actually enhance "Check My Brain" to the max, and this really is a colossal single. Fantastic. 9/10

web site - myspace

Flamboyant Bella - Get A Reaction (Flamboyant Bella) 21/09/2009

N: Is this Sophie Ellis-Bextor?

T: I don't think so, but I was thinking exactly the same thing. It sounds a bit like The Gossip with the delectable Blue Peter spawn at the front. Except it's not as catchy, and a tad dull, if I may be so mean.

N: Well it would seem that this group, like Arctic Monkeys, started their rise to the occasion aboard "the good ship Myspace", finally seeing this first full release. Four teenagers hailing from Hitchin are now revelling in their two million Myspace hits, now wishing for more, I guess...

T: What, like an actual "proper" hit? I mean, my old band, Duffmonkeys, managed to reach number 2 on the Myspace charts several years ago. Granted, it was only the Leicester area, but hey, it still counts. I'm famous y'know.

N: And look where you are now.

T: I'm disappointed actually, that no paparazzi has tried to photograph me nude on the balcony.

N: Yeah, the only interesting photograph in your balcony came from the local authority. 4/10

web site - myspace

The Cinematics - New Mexico (The Orchard) 14/09/2009

N: Wow! As an army of thoughts greet The Cinematics new single "New Mexico" to jaw dropping refrain. This could quite easily be McCulloch crooning out another number circa 1983. And what's more they do it with such grace, I am confidently impressed.

T: I can hear The Bunnymen in so many bands of the present; I'm starting to think they're as influential as say, The Smiths, or even Bucks Fizz.

N: Now you're just being silly, Bucks Fizz don't influence, they are the seed from which all else comes.

T: Exactly. The demon seed. But yes, you are right, and this is, indeed, a gold plated cockerel, served upon a silk tablecloth, with mints on the side.

N: Mints, mmm, I like mints. 9/10

myspace

Coldplay - Strawberry Swing (Parlophone) 13/09/2009

N: It seems that presently we are wandering a land of musical purgatory, with albums being milked for their last ounces of nectar. Taken from 2008's 'Viva La Vida', a single containing the band's usual downbeat drudgery. Coldplay are without doubt supremely talented, but should surely by now be looking forward to a new album.

T: It's a good point you make. After all, I never really heard this album properly, and upon seeing the title, I thought "Ah, I've never heard this track", but as soon as it chimed in, I realised I had. Several times over. Like most Coldplay tunes, it's well crafted, well written, structured beautifully and easily absorbed (despite what so many music snobs may have you believe) but yeah, I think we're entitled to some new tricks by now. 7/10

web site - myspace

The Utopians - Dance For Romance/Come And Get It (Daybreak Records) 10/08/2009

N: Alright I'll start here, the second header has a far greater appeal, but perhaps that's down to the totally unbelievable line "...I only kiss the girls, I l_l_l_ove...", I mean, really. Otherwise this could almost be Arctic Monkeys in a new suit, but it'd have to be said that this suit is most certainly a knock off. I don't wish this to be the death knoll of the group however, they're an outfit with some great hooks and lyrical stabs that could cut a conversation dead...

T: ...can I interrupt you there? I'm not sold, to be honest. And neither were the suits you refer to. "Knock off" is about right, really, or maybe even "rip off". Sorry lads, I'm not going to be quite as gentle as the ed has been on you - get some originality in your ballsacks, ffs. 5/10

web site - myspace

Twin Atlantic - You're Turning Into John Wayne (Red Bull Records) 07/09/2009

N: Like Tony Blair telling Gordon Brown he should really live within the country's means, Twin Atlantic have written a similarly forthright tune describing the Americanisation of everything cultural, from faux accents in the hope of gaining a commercial avantage. Well you'll be glad to hear that the group's frontman, Sam McTrusty has remained true to his braveheart heritage and presented a single of honesty and homecoming from their forthcoming mini-album, 'Vivarium'.

T: Pity the single's about as memorable as an episode of Holby City then. 4/10

web site - myspace

Bat For Lashes - Sleep Alone/Moon and Moon (Parlophone) 06/09/2009

N: With a second critically aclaimed album under their belts, anglo/asian Natasha Khan, latter day muse and front woman continues to strike her own path and this latest single taken from the aforementioned album is no exception. Listening to Khan's vocal atmospherics conjure images of a younger Kate Bush, maybe even at times Tori Amos, such is the passion and tenderness present. Perhaps the only downside to this release is that both tracks featured here may also be found on the album 'Two Suns', with just instrumentals and a live version of 'Travelling Woman' being the only fresh fruit as it were. However with Johnny Depp being among the performer's fanbase, perhaps the fact she has been called upon to support Coldplay on forthcoming French and German dates, a slim release could be her least concern.

T: Indeed, and oddly, this track reminds me a little of Monsoon's "Ever So Lonely", perhaps due to the atmospherics you allude to. Still, it takes no effort to be drawn in by Khan's music, and that can only be a good thing. 7/10

web site - myspace

Cosmo Jarvis - She's Got You (Wall Of Sound) 02/09/2009

N: "Blissfully intoxicating" the sound bite used to describe this number in the accompanying PR, could not be better put. In fact so much so, I can't help get the feeling that advertisers have already seized upon this, as it does come across as unnervingly familiar, either that or it's a case of déjà vu. Oh well, it's tunes like these that "pop" was invented for.

T: A bit like if Band Of Horses had been produced by Chas and Dave. Or George Formby. Entertaining enough but nothing astonishing. 7/10

web site - myspace

Uncle Jeff - The Sun Might Shine Brightly (Barn Box Records) 31/07/2009

N: Introducing a quintet hailing from Lancashire, which it has to be said do manage to find their way under the skin pretty quickly when first introduced to this their debut. The band have already garnered much critical praise, from Time Out to the NME and with music like this on offer, it comes as no surprise. Theirs has been described as "upbeat indie folk", with influences of Grandaddy to The Pixies. These really are a given, but the arrangement goes further than just this 2-dimensional view, as a palatte of such wealth is presented and being an ep, the listener is offered 5 powerful tunes. We've heard some great new bands this year, but I have to say that for me Uncle Jeff rate highly among these.

T: This is what I would imagine The Waterboys would have sounded like had they signed to Postcard records. I'm surprised Violent Femmes aren't listed as an influence, especially given the upbeat indie folk tag you speak of. All the same, it's an impressive collection and I can't see Uncle Jeff dancing embarrassingly at wedding discos for the foreseeable future. 9/10

web site - myspace

Dolly Rockers - Gold Digger (Parlophone) 31/08/2009

N: Using familiar samples from Tom Tom Club's 'Wordyrappinghood' and hooks borrowed from Kid Creole, Dolly Rockers go about building their 'Gold Digger', a sub 3-minute tune ideal for todays disposable music generation.

T: It reminds me of Vanilla's "No Way No Way" to be honest. On the other hand, if they come round my house and partake in a foursome, I promise to raise the mark for this review.

N: You whore.

T: Me? Oh alright then, I'll just watch. 4/10

web site - myspace

Dawn Landes - Romeo (Cooking Vinyl) 31/08/2008

N: Never a girl to be spurned, do so at the risk of finding yourself the subject of her next single! "Romeo" is as you might expect a story of love and loss, but the hook one you may not. This Kentucky born singer/song writer borrows from fellow Tennessee Ernie Ford, and his 50's nugget of resignation "16 Tons", recycling at its utmost.

T: Sounds like she's riding a horse through a lovely green garden while the sun shines brightly and everyone smiles, yet doesn't seem as sickly as you'd think from my description. Very nice. 8/10

web site - myspace

Lily Allen - Twenty two (Regal) 24/08/2009

N: Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan, it just seems that in this case we're seeing "It's Not Me..." released, in chunks. Tunes that are most certainly ripe for airplay, being spoonfed to the market. Does that sound harsh? Oh with the benefit of an instrumental, I guess to encourage a wave of mini Lilys to go out and crank up the karaoke.

T: No, I agree with you. It's what you'd expect really. Not much else to say about it. 7/10

web site - myspace

Art Brut - DC Comics And Chocolate Milkshake (Cooking Vinyl) 24/08/2009

N: Describing this band as "heavy weight" may do little to convey just what is on offer here. Half Man Half Biscuit meets The Pixies, crunching guitar and colloquial language meeting in a school lunch-time discotheque run by the sixth form (no crap cardigans and Rick Wakeman albums here). Really through a single is not enough, even though the lead track is surely destined to become a classic.

T: I don't even need to listen to this, seeing as I've played it over and over again in my car. Possibly my favourite track on the superb album (currently tied with "What a Rush"), though I can't see any resemblance whatsoever to any Pixies tracks, but hey, I'm in a good mood, so I'll run with that. 9/10

web site - myspace

No Hope Astronaut/My Friend Eject - Exits Fade '6 track EP' (Animal farm Records) 24/08/2009

N: Now here's one for leaner times, 2 like minded bands sharing 1 ep, value for your hard earned cash if nothing else. The story goes, these two bands meeting at Animal Farm Studios, recorded their respective tracks which we are led to believe were so good that the studio owners offered to release a joint EP, showcasing two new bands, to the rock fraternity at a budget price, while I guess avoiding 'budget production'. It has to be said that they've turned out a pretty nice product, where for certain you'll like one more than the other. Two all male acts, although you might be mistaken for assuming that 'My Friend Eject' were led by a female vocalist, a la Stevie Nicks. I guess this is where I'd separate the two acts, both being rock bands, playing music full of urgency, although it has to be said that 'No Hope Astronaut' crack a fantastic opening rhyme, any of the nineties rockers would be open to, if anything this might be the bugbear.

T: Meh.

N: I take it you don't respect these bands' idea of releasing a joint EP. Perhaps combining the bands might be a better idea.

T: I have no problem with split singles - the method has been used by many artists for several years, including some of our faves. Jetplane Landing did one not so long ago with Seafood, and that was a simply awesome double header, but if we're going to explain and review the two bands featured here on the "Exits Fade" EP, I can only muster up the word "meh" by way of review. Oh alright, I'll admit, My Friend Eject have far more appeal than No Hope Astronaut, but if I'm being perfectly honest, I'd make them pay me if they farted in my kitchen.

N: That's what they HAVE done, isn't it? 5/10

No Hope Astronaut - web site

My Friend Eject - web site - myspace