photograph: Hyde Park, London - December 6, 2009 - Liz Jones

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Cherbourg; Into the Dark

"A whole made up of better halves."

I am absolutely positive that I haven't loved any band nearly as much as this upon first listen. London's Cherbourg has been my exclusive favorite for the past few months (see March's Cherbourg post for an equally amazing track from the band's previous EP) and, I can only imagine, will continue to be so long into the future.  The songs are pretty epic and timeless - all without trying too hard to be so.  The single from next week's release of Into The Dark is posted below.  Though only 4 tracks, every song is phenomenal. The band hits a good bit of England and Scotland through June and July, and I can only hope their show schedule is as a hefty when I return to London late in the summer.


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posted by Lizzy at 5/31/2009 | 4 comments

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Tigers That Talked


"Another fear with every year."

After happening upon Tigers That Talked only a few months ago, my days have since been spent in waiting as the release of the band's upcoming Black Heart, Blue Eyes EP creeps closer. It's not that haven't had enough to hold me over - the band's previous "23 Fears" single, which is itself pretty brilliant, has been played ad nauseum (though I could actually never tire of the track) in the interim. The day is nearly here, however, as Bad Sneaker Records will put the disc out come June 8th.  Front Jamie Williams anchors the 4 piece from Leeds, England with his near-perfect yet never overwrought vocals. TTT is busy the next few weeks with a few shows in London, as well as some gigs in Manchester York, and hometown Leeds. 


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posted by Lizzy at 5/27/2009 | 4 comments

Sunday, May 24, 2009

William

"Surely, that's the first step."

I like a good bit of irony every once in awhile, and so I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that London 3-piece William find their tracks listed on eMusic, without much differentiation, under hip hop's Will.I.Am. Interesting company, I suppose.  After hearing the new six song collection Slightly Delighted, with the band's genuinely scrappy indie-pop instrumentation and frontman Gavin Housley's ultra-earnest delivery to match, I think I'd love to pass a night at the pub with these three.  Not that I wasn't expecting it, Tough Love Records usually knows exactly how to pick them.


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posted by Lizzy at 5/24/2009 | 1 comments

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Working Title; Bone Island

"Maybe there was nobody else, but I felt followed..."

I still listen to the band's major label debut, About Face, pretty regularly. Even after writing about the band at length for the past few years, I've yet to grow tired of the Working Title. Frontman Joel Hamilton has been playing and recording since his mid-teens, and watching someone grow up via a series of songs, albums, and EPs is a pretty interesting thing to do. Granted, I've been busy growing up myself, but following a band for 5+ years is a feat for someone like myself.   It could have been 10 if I was still spinning my self-titled Backstreet Boys disc from elementary school (the world should know: I'm not).  TWT's new disc Bone Island just came out last week.  It follows the band's unplugged EP Heart - which I highly recommend.


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posted by Lizzy at 5/17/2009 | 0 comments

Thursday, May 14, 2009

never enough Tom Williams...

"At twenty-two I was unprepared..."

Talking about him again? Already? So soon? I can't help myself. I'm still spinning the latest Tom Williams & the Boat EP like it's the only music that matters. For being a young guy, Tom is pretty damn prolific.  Although he's fresh off the release of the much-loved Doing My Best EP, he's already got a new single in the pipeline.  The band is very generous with free tracks and such, so venture on over to their official site - you'll make a killing. "90 MPH" and the accompanying track "Too Slow" with be released on June 15th.  And as always, head out to see the band play if you're in London...!


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posted by Lizzy at 5/14/2009 | 3 comments

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Situationists

"What will we do when our luck runs out on us?"

It's a shame that this post had to be done posthumously. Semi-posthumously, at least. Lost but not yet forgotten. It's never too late to share a great band, anyway. Sheffield, England's Situationists will play their last show this week on May 14th. The band released a couple of great EPs that I suggest you get your hands on. Included below is my favorite cut (as well as the title track) from the band's Onwards & Upwards release. In anticipation of the upcoming 2009 release (which might never see the light of day in light of recent events), Tough Love Record's sent out a few promo tracks...a cover of Daft Punk's "Digital Love" is included below.


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posted by Lizzy at 5/12/2009 | 0 comments

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Thom Stone; Hearts & Bones

"I wish you'd try to make up your mind."

Regardless of where he comes from or where he's been since - whether it's London, Manchester, or anywhere in between - young songwriter Thom Stone seems pretty unaffected by the run-around of big city life. In fact, if music is indeed an accurate reflection of one's surroundings, Thom steers well clear of the expected hustle and bustle. After spending some time experimenting with a backing band, it appears he's gone back to square one on his new yet to be released 2 part EP. Hearts & Bones will be available on May 25th via iTunes.  The EP release show will be on the same date at London's Soho Arts Club. 


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posted by Lizzy at 5/10/2009 | 2 comments