Band: Werewolf

Album: I am Memory

Another metal indie band? Yes. Are they competent? Yes. Yet, it’s only when I get to around track five that anything nearly excites me. ‘The Boy In Me, The Girl In You’ has an interesting interlude when the female singer gets a nice little accompanying male counter utterance. My eyes are now open. The whole album is lifting me. ‘March of the Finest’ poignantly rocks. Feisty female vocals? Yes, at last we get something with a bit of an edge. ‘Beyond Mercy’, is a stunning track that finally shows some gutsy focus. There is a Judas Priest-like moment but short-lived as it’s in an intro.

Werewolf will tickle you with The Primitives meets Garbage junctures but their howling won’t keep me up at night.

(Details: You can listen to this band on Bandcamp)

Niki Tyler

Niki Tyler’s new single has finally been released and it is an incredibly exciting departure from her previous material. It’s refined. It’s fizzy and excites the ears right from the start. I have to admit that I had to do a double-take when I first played it because her vocals are so much stronger than her last album and I’d go so far as to say  that I can happily compare her to the likes of Billie Myers whom I reviewed a few years back.

Times Like These is an infectiously catchy ditty that well, put simply… I LOVE. Simply constructed lyrics with a heartfelt message.

Where has she been hiding? Where has she been gigging? What has she been up to for the past year or so? Well, that’s something that I’ll leave you guessing until I get to interview her again, but in the meantime, follow the links to see further information on her and listen to her fantastic single.

Release date: 19 June 2015

http://www.nikityler.co.uk

https://t.co/DEPPYNNEK6

Move over Mumford here come The Sons…

When The Sons, asked me to review their latest album it was with great anticipation on my part. These boys have been working hard for over a year so I was curious to see what they’ve been up to. The maturity to which this new collection, Heading into Land, has reached makes me wonder why these boys have not moved further along in the music trail?

The first five songs have a folk and hum rhythm which moves into a more hop and skip around a barn feeling so although it might not bring all of us to the floor it will certainly draw in a cult following.

The lyrics are heartfelt and sincere. When I Want To is a fun track for an acoustic pub-loving atmosphere. They don’t just stop there…
The mostly keyboard based Relic is a sad ditty with a catchy chorus. Just when you think they really couldn’t get any better We See Stars lends to male harmonies to drool over. My favourite track is On The Corner but don’t let that sway you! Have a listen.

Distinctly  blended with a country twang and beat. Lighters in the air people…

Sonically motivated by social hardships and again wistfully howled and complimented by an oom papa beat I can’t help thinking of Crowded House, The Eagles and a rival to the critically acclaimed Mumford & Sons. Down Sometimes  is yet another philosophical song about the decisions we make and take in life. The song is wittily constructed and although it follows the conventions of a composite pop song it shows ingenuity. It’s the style I’ve come to love from The Sons. Starting in one path to a rhythm and then chopping and changing into something with much more bite.

Their slow to medium beats marries well with the astutely crafted lyrics and soulful harmonies. This will definitely be an album to add to that cranky shelf of mine. They class themselves as alternative rock and indie guitar based but with their bongos and mandolins they are much more than a couple of classified genres.

As a sum total of this band, this album, their previous album and I’ll even dare to say their next album it’s on a par if not will exceed the likes of Mumford. Not imitation. Not accentuating. Original and quirky. They have a lively, raw feel that will lure you into pressing the repeat button. It doesn’t take time to grow on you it’s already there. Inspirational, working-class and meaningful. They have stayed true to their roots. They have definitively opposed the tradition of transatlantic inflection that the masses succumb to in order to get attention. It is a brave venture that these boys travel and I look forward to them getting a contract out of it.

Their album is due for release on 10th March 2014. Go out and buy a copy or download from iTunes. It really is a corker.

Album Release Party:
The Sons’ Album Release Party is Saturday, 8 March, 2014.

Bar One
Derby
Free Entry

Keep spinning that wheel

Keep spinning that wheel.

Keep spinning that wheel

Keep spinning that wheel.

I love vinyl…

saltshake

 

 

Years have passed since some of us fossils owned a record player. Whoops! The contemporary term for such a device is ‘turntable’ I do believe. Or is it ‘deck’? But what made a whole generation step away from the trusted A and B side plastic? 

 

Was it the excitement of a new digital world with an allegedly pitch perfect sound? Or was it because, well, quite simply, we all wanted to show off our new sound technology? 

 

I remember feeling so proud after saving all my pocket money and buying my first single – ‘Pass the Dutchie’. I took that shiny rounded 7 inch bit of plastic out of its green and white sleeve and felt emancipated all at once. What a revolution! My dad’s era was the all-in one unitary record player, tape deck, radio with cool sliders and equally impressive sound levelling needles flickering behind two brightly lit glass windows. And before that technological breakthrough there lived the coffin-like box a.k.a the grammar phone which took centre stage in the living room. Have you ever seen one? It was a statement of cool back in the day. Not in my day I hasten to add. But that much wood for a music producing machine? Now that is a luxury. A lumberjack had to go chop down a tree to make that little baby!

 

Putting nostalgia aside, it is encouraging to see that there is a retrospective appreciation for the old record brigade and you only have to look at the increasing record sales to know that there is a revival. Of course, there is a price to pay for the pleasure of such a medium and it’s the cost of the record itself. 

 

Downloading is all the rage now or so we are told as they, the music industry, hike their prices. For what? For the near instant gratification of yourfavourite artist. Such magic, of course, will always supercede the quality and tangibility to the masses.

 

What if you’re not a sheep though? What if you prefer the comfort and company of fringe status?

 

It is intriguing to understand the reasoning behind the comeback of records. Afterall, it is just a piece of polymer resin. No real beauty in it, or is there? Is it because even in this day and age some of us still want to see and touch something they bought? Or is it because ‘old’ is the new ‘new’? Who really knows?

 

The competing underdogs; CDs, records and tapes now seem to be somewhat of an acquired taste. I was talking to one blues band singer and musician about a year ago and he insisted that the digital format was better than the record and that it captured the whole range of sound but to my ears, I explained that I thought I could hear more sounds from my rustic turntable and wired speakers. 

 

So where does that leave the singer and myself? Who knows but we haven’t spoken since! Well I am passionate about my audio.

 

We are left, as far as record lovers go, in this kind of Camden-Notting Hill-Amy Winehouse type world of enjoying the dead and the living alike. Looking out for low tech, groovy events and promos where distinct alternative advantages are proffered. What is so ‘groovy’ about such events? For a start, the ‘crowd puller’ could be put down to the DJs playing white label records: Promoting newbies, wannabes and have already-beens. It’s a great marketing opportunity. A great discussion point for the trendy old and new. A stylish social platform for meeting other people.

 

This year’s Record Store Day adventure began its journey way back in the States in 2007 and has exploded into a global yearly event. Not heard of it? It’s a celebratory day where independent record shops play host to both their loyal and newbie crews. The spin new tracks on vinyl, old tracks on vinyl and basically generate publicity both for the art medium and the artist. Its growing success is perhaps a fringe benefit to the record clamouring class. Even the tweet stats were up this year compared to previous years. It is the one day of the year when the likes of big and small names and labels really get together and have a ball! Special releases are made both on CD and vinyl just for this occasion. The likes of Paul Weller and The Wedding Present played sets lastyear in England and what with records on the up again from the year before’s event who knows what this year will bring?

 

So to all those stooshy people who turn their noses up at records, I have one thing to say: 

 

Give some R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

View original post

 

 

Years have passed since some of us fossils owned a record player. Whoops! The contemporary term for such a device is ‘turntable’ I do believe. Or is it ‘deck’? But what made a whole generation step away from the trusted A and B side plastic? 

 

Was it the excitement of a new digital world with an allegedly pitch perfect sound? Or was it because, well, quite simply, we all wanted to show off our new sound technology? 

 

I remember feeling so proud after saving all my pocket money and buying my first single – ‘Pass the Dutchie’. I took that shiny rounded 7 inch bit of plastic out of its green and white sleeve and felt emancipated all at once. What a revolution! My dad’s era was the all-in one unitary record player, tape deck, radio with cool sliders and equally impressive sound levelling needles flickering behind two brightly lit glass windows. And before that technological breakthrough there lived the coffin-like box a.k.a the grammar phone which took centre stage in the living room. Have you ever seen one? It was a statement of cool back in the day. Not in my day I hasten to add. But that much wood for a music producing machine? Now that is a luxury. A lumberjack had to go chop down a tree to make that little baby!

 

Putting nostalgia aside, it is encouraging to see that there is a retrospective appreciation for the old record brigade and you only have to look at the increasing record sales to know that there is a revival. Of course, there is a price to pay for the pleasure of such a medium and it’s the cost of the record itself. 

 

Downloading is all the rage now or so we are told as they, the music industry, hike their prices. For what? For the near instant gratification of yourfavourite artist. Such magic, of course, will always supercede the quality and tangibility to the masses.

 

What if you’re not a sheep though? What if you prefer the comfort and company of fringe status?

 

It is intriguing to understand the reasoning behind the comeback of records. Afterall, it is just a piece of polymer resin. No real beauty in it, or is there? Is it because even in this day and age some of us still want to see and touch something they bought? Or is it because ‘old’ is the new ‘new’? Who really knows?

 

The competing underdogs; CDs, records and tapes now seem to be somewhat of an acquired taste. I was talking to one blues band singer and musician about a year ago and he insisted that the digital format was better than the record and that it captured the whole range of sound but to my ears, I explained that I thought I could hear more sounds from my rustic turntable and wired speakers. 

 

So where does that leave the singer and myself? Who knows but we haven’t spoken since! Well I am passionate about my audio.

 

We are left, as far as record lovers go, in this kind of Camden-Notting Hill-Amy Winehouse type world of enjoying the dead and the living alike. Looking out for low tech, groovy events and promos where distinct alternative advantages are proffered. What is so ‘groovy’ about such events? For a start, the ‘crowd puller’ could be put down to the DJs playing white label records: Promoting newbies, wannabes and have already-beens. It’s a great marketing opportunity. A great discussion point for the trendy old and new. A stylish social platform for meeting other people.

 

This year’s Record Store Day adventure began its journey way back in the States in 2007 and has exploded into a global yearly event. Not heard of it? It’s a celebratory day where independent record shops play host to both their loyal and newbie crews. The spin new tracks on vinyl, old tracks on vinyl and basically generate publicity both for the art medium and the artist. Its growing success is perhaps a fringe benefit to the record clamouring class. Even the tweet stats were up this year compared to previous years. It is the one day of the year when the likes of big and small names and labels really get together and have a ball! Special releases are made both on CD and vinyl just for this occasion. The likes of Paul Weller and The Wedding Present played sets lastyear in England and what with records on the up again from the year before’s event who knows what this year will bring?

 

So to all those stooshy people who turn their noses up at records, I have one thing to say: 

 

Give some R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Smacks your face like a wet kipper on a hot summer’s day.

‘You wot?’

Two boys as hip as hop can be or should I say as hop as hip can be? Heck, I’m not a rapper but these chaps have really maxed it with their four megalomoniac track attacks.

Infused with an indie vibe and faster than a tongue around ice cream…

I was asked to rush out a review on these four tracks A.S.A.P. and you know wot??? I’m so happy for taking this chore on cos it soooo wasn’t a chore at all. I was stunned by the raw energy and tightness featured on this much awaited debut EP. ‘The TP’ is out on Monday 13th May, which would have been my gran’s birthday. Trust me, if she was alive today then she would be jumping up to the fat beats these guys deliver.

Too Many T’s are a rap duo who are surely gonna be around for a long time. Maybe til I’m a granny age and then some…

Seriously though, these guys are lyrically sound.

They put the ‘E’ back into Entertainment!

I watched them work up their audience to a frenzy. No word of a lie!

These bad boys are going to be playing in a number of festival stages this year, Beat-Herder, Secret Garden Party, Boomtown, Sunrise, Shambala and Long Division along with a stack of other shows in the UK and Europe. These tracks have been performed in front of thousands. Thousands!

2012 was their debut year and that was a bumper journey for them, playing alongside Rudimental, Grimes, Scroobius Pip, Wiley, The Cuban Brothers, White Lies, The Orb and DJ Zinc and it didn’t stop there but I’m rushing this info out to all you hip hoppers cos these guys know their sh*t.

Out on Monday May 13th 2013 on Drop Cat Records: ‘The TP’ by Too Many T’s.

Go on out and get yourself some energyyyyy.

                                                                                                        

Niki Tyler is a rising star who has been canvassing her songs over a field of evergrowing fans. Having had the pleasure of reviewing her album it was lovely to catch up with her.

What do you think make ‘Niki Tyler’ songs appealing?

I’ll have to go with feedback that I’ve received and say the lyrics. The music is a carrier for the story the lyrics tell so the music’s important too, but listeners tell me that they can relate to the songs mostly because of the lyrics.

Is there anything you would do differently on the album now as opposed to ‘then’?

I don’t think I would change anything that I did with ‘All This Time’, but I do feel my music and indeed my vocals are growing and progressing and the next album will reflect that.

I read on your website that you can play a number of instruments. What’s your favourite? Why?

My primary instrument is the keyboard and I have a workstation which is awesome. I can spend a whole day on it and totally lose track of time! I guess my next favourite is the bass guitar and I share one with my wife Karen, which I play periodically. Adding the bass line is one of my favourite parts of the song writing process. It adds the heartbeat and brings it to life.

Well, pleasantries over I hope you enjoyed a brief insight into Niki’s world and that perhaps she has provided you with inspiration. Her determination and high spirits I’m sure you will agree will see her go the distance.

Each song from your album clearly is a personal thing and you’ve recently performed your album live so how does that make you feel when you perform live and sing?

Every song is like a chapter in a book of life. Sometimes it can be difficult to sing certain songs as they stir up painful memories. ‘Just Another Day’ is about the passing of my father and it took ages for me to able to sing that without cracking up. You have to strike a balance between putting in enough emotion and not losing control. I found that once I’d sung the song about 30 times I got used to hearing the words and it got much easier. I’m fine with that song now. Singing from experience can often be an emotional journey.

What would you say are you personal triumphs in life?

I think doing what I’m doing now musically is one of them because I’d given it all up and never dreamed I’d find my way back. Fate took a hand in that or I’d still be looking over my shoulder. ‘All This Time’ the song tells the story and was the first song I wrote after taking the leap back into music.

I’d also say that just totally being myself and living the life I want to live in every way. So many people don’t, so I consider myself blessed.

How old are you?

Haha that’s depends on the time of the month! I’m 46 going on 15 but sometimes I feel 96!

Do you think there are limitations with being a certain age and just starting out in a career?

Yes and no. It depends on your perspective.

Yes because the majority of new faces in the music industry tend to be in the 18-25 age group so I guess that’s the ‘norm’ and is to a point, expected. It should be about the talent and I’m not sure that’s always the case. But then I never was one to conform to the ‘norm’. That’s boring. I like to surprise!

And no, because age is after all just a number. How you think of yourself will define your boundaries and I think although being older might have been an issue once, that appears to be changing.

How do you think in this respect it’s different for men and women to follow their career passions later?

I’m not sure how to answer this as personal experience will come into play. I don’t know if it’s a gender issue or a personality issue. For me, trying to pursue music in my 20’s just didn’t work, because I wasn’t ready. I didn’t have the confidence. Now I do and I’m ready but that’s just me and I think being older has helped me on my way.

How old were you when you came out?

I was 33.

Did you have any real issues or suffer any discrimination because of your sexuality family, friends or work colleagues?

And what are your personal views on female artists who stay in the closet? Or pop their head out only to hide back in the safety zone so their market appeal isn’t deemed as less worthy?

When I finally sussed it out my first thought was that my sister Lu wouldn’t want to know me. I’m not really sure why. We are very close and I was concerned that might change. Nothing could have been further from the truth. It was a big relief and she helped me tell Mum and Dad. Mum at first went into ‘It’s my worst nightmare’ mode and Dad was concerned that I wouldn’t want to hug him anymore. Strange the ideas people have about what being gay really means. Mum came round very quickly after she told one of my brothers, who laughed hysterically then said simply… ‘A gay sister… cool!’ That was that. So no, I was very lucky. My family have always been very supportive no matter what I’ve wanted to do and coming out to them was no different. My friends were equally supportive and work was never really an issue mostly because I don’t go round with a label hanging from me and as a self employed Driving Instructor I worked mostly alone. If anyone ever sussed it out, they never said.

Hmmm… you really have a supportive family there.

I think everyone has their own reasons for how they handle that and it’s a personal choice. I wouldn’t criticise someone for keeping their private life private. I would however say that if you are in the public eye, you must expect people to dig around to find out about you. It goes with the territory. So if you don’t want that, choose another career.

What is your fan base? Is it very big?

My fan base is growing quite fast as far as I can gather. I’ve recently started working with a lovely lady called Sue who has taken on the roles of PA and Promotions Manager and she is doing a fantastic job. I wouldn’t know exact figures but I can tell you I’m selling lots more albums now and have approaching 30,000 worldwide hits on my online music videos, which is double what it was 3 months ago, so I think that shows an upward trend.

As for my fan base, it seems to span over both the straight and gay community and I’ve had many messages of support from all age groups and from all over the world, which is amazing! At the more local gigs, the following is growing and we are getting requests from fans both in the UK and abroad, for live shows in their areas. I hope we manage to throw the net much wider to reach these fans in the near future.

What is your target audience?

My target audience is people with ears. lol. But seriously, we have been targeting the gay community a bit more lately but not solely. The target age group is probably the 25-55’s although I hate putting people in age boxes.

What’s the audience response been so far to your material?

I’ve had an awesome response to my music so far. Sometimes it’s a bit surreal for me because I don’t expect it. But I do appreciate it when fans take the time to contact me with positive feedback.  It’s invaluable.

What’s been your favourite gig? Why?

Now this is a really hard question. Can I have 3? 

Sure…

They are all favourites for different reasons.

The first was a gig in a pub in Crowthorne that I did almost 2 years ago. One of my first actually. I only sung lead on a few songs and was working with a guitarist then. I did a couple of covers that went down amazingly well and I was getting kinda mobbed. Even in the ladies loo! That was the day I realised my singing should be taken more seriously and that gig alone probably changed my life. 

The second was 4 months later in the October where a pub landlord booked me after hearing me sing at another venue. It was for a birthday party. The audience got really into the show and by the end most of the pub were trying to get to the front to see me sing and everyone was dancing! When I finished there were calls for more and I did an encore…something I didn’t expect in a pub! That was an absolutely awesome gig!

Finally, I did a gig in Kintbury last October. Remembered for it being, to my mind, my best vocal performance. Lots of friends turned up and the place was packed. That was a great night.

Have you had any awful gigs? What made it awful?

I had one performance where I wasn’t happy with the first half of my performance. Feedback from friends afterwards disagreed with me but I know it wasn’t my best. I’m a perfectionist and knew I could sing loads better than that. But that’s live and that’s life. If you want perfect…buy the CD! Haha…

Where do you see yourself or where would you want to see yourself this year?

I’d like to think in the not too distant future I’ll be performing at ticketed live shows around the country to my fans. I think that’s the next step for me and we are working towards this.

Tell me about your fashion sense? Is that home grown?

Yes home grown definitely! As a child, I always dressed like the tomboy I was and often rejected what my mum tried to dress me in! I was such a difficult child when it came to clothing! As I got older I continued to choose trousers and jeans over dresses and skirts – I don’t actually own any dresses or skirts at all, it’s just not me.

How many gigs are you aiming for this year?

I’d like to be out there singing quite regularly. To cover as much south of Birmingham by Christmas as possible would be great.

Do you have any vices? Drink or smoke?

I don’t smoke or take drugs and never have. I do drink, wine is my usual, but I don’t drink that much really.

What’s your idea of downtime?

Downtime is when I sit down for more than 3 minutes in a row! Mum says I make her out of breath just watching me. I rampage through life like a whirlwind and find it hard to relax. But when I do chill out, socialising with friends is a favourite pastime. I’m a bit of a party animal! Any excuse for a party! Or I love to watch films. especially ones I’ve seen a hundred times. Drives my wife mad!

You mentioned on your site that you like the countryside so do you have an ideal spot?

There’s a huge field in Bucklebury near where I live where I walk the dogs. It’s very peaceful and I spend a lot of time thinking when I’m there. I also love being by the sea. Just watching.

Who are your inspirations? What makes them inspiring to you?

I am generally inspired by people who achieve their goals against the odds.

What advice would you give to any budding singers?

Advice I would give is firstly, get yourself a really good vocal coach. No matter how good you are, they’ll make you better. Secondly, look after yourself, eat well, drink lots of water and sleep enough.  And thirdly, you will get out what you put in… so get out there and make it happen!

That’s great advice Niki especially since we do see a lot of new artists go down a slippery slope of naughty vices… Looking forward to more news on you and your gigs.

So folks and folkettes, if you fancy tooning into Niki’s tranquil vocals feel free to ask here or have fun checking out her site.

Finally! After weeks and weeks of waiting, the fabulous Late Cambrian have produced an album well worthy of being exactly that. WORTHY.

The band are clearly working as hard as they can to preserve ‘their sound’. Sadly, it feels like the first  track was a churner.The grease that makes the cogs of industry screech in delight to commercialism must be screamiing like an injured hound. I ask myself, what the heck happened? They stabbed at my first impression right in the back with ‘The Label needed a Single’.

Once upon a few moons ago, I listened to this promising band’s super quirky EP and was really impressed at the ambience the EP created. OK, so I’m a tad on the sentimental side in 2013 but hey, you know what? There is a treasure trove with other tracks to delve into and ‘The Year I Cut The Cable’ is as good a story as any to really push their brand of post pop existentialism. It tells the story of a young man who reminisces about his first love, who in turn rejects him. There are hints of humiliation and apology without the indulgence of the ‘slash your wrists’ type of incantation credited to the likes of some bands. It’s a totally charming song both in melody and catchy lyrics.

Yes! That’s more like it. This piece more than leaves a peachy taste in my mouth. Delicious!  Sweet and sour tastes of youth.

The smooth vocals of this lead singer are equalled by super cool n quirky accomplished girly vocals. The Arabic riffs in ‘The Wolf’  complements this upbeat metal track.

I hit that repeat button and sat back with my Note 2 pen feeling on top of the ‘Maida Vale’ parade.

These guys have taken a modern day approach, somewhere along the lines of Paul McCartney and The Beach Boys to give a wider appeal than their EP afforded them.

‘Poetry’ is a simple acoustic love song that is brimming with melody.This is what I call, a ‘film worthy’ song.I still can’t help feeling that they could have turned this into something magnificent such as a duet…Oh be still my romantic heart. Maybe they’re saving the best til the next album? Hmm…

The music and lyrics are all composedby the talented John Wlaysewski. And he is a talented soul as are the rest of the band. This is one savvy troupe to watch out for in 2013. If you head over to their site you’ll find a list of their gig dates and I did have to blink twice as I did see my favourite word related to gigs… FREE!

I strongly recommend a large dose of the Late Cambrian. It’s a fabulous coffee substitute and always puts me in the best of moods.

Artist: Niki Tyler

Album: All This Time

What does yet another album bring to the health of my ears? Well this one brings a lot to the table let me tell you. There was an element of surprise when I played ‘All This Time’.  Such a different sound… Different, but the same. What do I mean?

The production has a distinct 1980s feel to it. Sung slightly off key. I’m lovin’ it for the difference already. Together? It REALLY works. The lyrics are faultlessly written. Songs of angst. Of honesty… Of learning from the past… Of life…

Niki toys with her voice to produce an almost haunting effect on her listener… In fact, her tone is not dissimilar to Maggie Reilly.

Each song could be from anytime in the 80s to… In other words there is a lil tinge of Europop which pumps its vein, particularly in ‘Tonight’.

If I had one wish? I would love to hear this lady sing live but with a piano instead of the synth keyboard.

‘All This Time’ is an easy to relate to album. It’s out already and if you’re lucky,  you can listen to her tunes on her site.