#5 - Land Of The Giants
Massive apologies here for not giving you a new band last week. Rather hypocritically, I travelled up to Suffolk for Latitude Festival. I appreciate that that is not making the most of the South West’s scene, but it was so darn good. We do love the West Country here at DSW but Latitude was a holiday to a foreign county, shall we say.
In this article we move smoothly from lovely strings last week (more down below) to excellent use of brass instruments, courtesy of Land of the Giants. The Plymouth six-piece formed in October 2009, and have obviously honed in on their eclectic sound in the years since, which is described as “a mongrel blend of indie, reggae, hip hop and blues”. I like to think they’d do a brilliant, more heavy take on ‘Perfect 10’ by The Beautiful South (if you know it). These guys, to me, have elements of the 90s-early 00s touch about them, but at the same time could rock the dancefloor, which I believe they’re known to do.
The Giants play hotly anticipated dates at Bestival, Boomtown and Beautiful Days (excuse the alliteration), after slaying the festival circuit this time last year. Not only that, but they also won Best Band of 2013 at the Southwest Music Awards, of which Muse and Joss Stone are previous recipients. Does this mean that Land of the Giants are big news? Yes. Of course.
I had a listen to the No Pressure EP (released last year) and I definitely recommend that you do the same. It moves from start to finish in interesting ways, from a folkier sound on ‘Whatcha Gonna Do?’, to more noticeable reggae influence on ‘Red Dreads’, plus all sorts of upbeat, energetic, and at times soaring tracks in between. All songs can be found on The Giants’ Soundcloud (which I shall give you the link to, because I’m nice).
‘Like’ them, follow them, listen to them – the links you need to connect with Land of the Giants are here:
http://www.facebook.com/landofthegiantsuk
http://soundcloud.com/landofthegiants
http://twitter.com/landofthegiants
http://www.landofthegiantsmusic.co.uk/
In this article we move smoothly from lovely strings last week (more down below) to excellent use of brass instruments, courtesy of Land of the Giants. The Plymouth six-piece formed in October 2009, and have obviously honed in on their eclectic sound in the years since, which is described as “a mongrel blend of indie, reggae, hip hop and blues”. I like to think they’d do a brilliant, more heavy take on ‘Perfect 10’ by The Beautiful South (if you know it). These guys, to me, have elements of the 90s-early 00s touch about them, but at the same time could rock the dancefloor, which I believe they’re known to do.
The Giants play hotly anticipated dates at Bestival, Boomtown and Beautiful Days (excuse the alliteration), after slaying the festival circuit this time last year. Not only that, but they also won Best Band of 2013 at the Southwest Music Awards, of which Muse and Joss Stone are previous recipients. Does this mean that Land of the Giants are big news? Yes. Of course.
I had a listen to the No Pressure EP (released last year) and I definitely recommend that you do the same. It moves from start to finish in interesting ways, from a folkier sound on ‘Whatcha Gonna Do?’, to more noticeable reggae influence on ‘Red Dreads’, plus all sorts of upbeat, energetic, and at times soaring tracks in between. All songs can be found on The Giants’ Soundcloud (which I shall give you the link to, because I’m nice).
‘Like’ them, follow them, listen to them – the links you need to connect with Land of the Giants are here:
http://www.facebook.com/landofthegiantsuk
http://soundcloud.com/landofthegiants
http://twitter.com/landofthegiants
http://www.landofthegiantsmusic.co.uk/
#4 - Jess McAllister
Hello to everyone who may be reading this and sorry if you hate me because this is so late. Well not sorry actually. I’ve been so busy listening to Jess McAllister that I forgot to care. Her music has this effect on people I reckon. It’s blissfully-forgetting-all-worries kinda stuff.
Hailing from Exeter, Jess has a very interesting background. She was a regular performer on the pub folk circuit in her hometown of Plymouth, and then wrote with a reggae band while at Exeter University. Now with a son, Alfred, she has added “a tangible tenderness” and “an enriched understanding of the human heart” to her sound, that is backed by a full folk collective.
You can immediately pick up on the humanity of McAllister’s lyrics, where a sense of realism melts through her sweeping, orchestral folk-pop. ‘Painted Faces’, the title track from her debut EP, dabbles wonderfully with the idea of image, for example, with a protagonist ‘living in an advertising campaign’. These words match the dramatic cello sounds perfectly, adding a nice dark tinge to the song.
This is what I love about what Jess McAllister is doing. While she draws parallels with other singer-songwriters like Rachel Zeffira and Perfume Genius, her music is much more theatrical, taking you on exciting journeys that hurtle through a mix of intense emotion and powerful near-silence. Such astounding music has earned McAllister deserved acclaim, having featured on BBC 6 Music. James Santer from BBC Introducing in Devon, meanwhile, says that McAllister “sings for you as if you are only person in the room”. You can expect a truly immersive experience, I reckon. Go and immerse yourselves, readers. I will surely be doing so myself.
You can listen to, and find out more about Jess McAllister, including live dates and her ‘Painted Faces’ EP, via the following links:
http://jessmcallister.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/jessmcallistermusic
http://twitter.com/mcallister_jess
http://soundcloud.com/jess_mcallister
http://jessmcallister.bandcamp.com/
Hailing from Exeter, Jess has a very interesting background. She was a regular performer on the pub folk circuit in her hometown of Plymouth, and then wrote with a reggae band while at Exeter University. Now with a son, Alfred, she has added “a tangible tenderness” and “an enriched understanding of the human heart” to her sound, that is backed by a full folk collective.
You can immediately pick up on the humanity of McAllister’s lyrics, where a sense of realism melts through her sweeping, orchestral folk-pop. ‘Painted Faces’, the title track from her debut EP, dabbles wonderfully with the idea of image, for example, with a protagonist ‘living in an advertising campaign’. These words match the dramatic cello sounds perfectly, adding a nice dark tinge to the song.
This is what I love about what Jess McAllister is doing. While she draws parallels with other singer-songwriters like Rachel Zeffira and Perfume Genius, her music is much more theatrical, taking you on exciting journeys that hurtle through a mix of intense emotion and powerful near-silence. Such astounding music has earned McAllister deserved acclaim, having featured on BBC 6 Music. James Santer from BBC Introducing in Devon, meanwhile, says that McAllister “sings for you as if you are only person in the room”. You can expect a truly immersive experience, I reckon. Go and immerse yourselves, readers. I will surely be doing so myself.
You can listen to, and find out more about Jess McAllister, including live dates and her ‘Painted Faces’ EP, via the following links:
http://jessmcallister.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/jessmcallistermusic
http://twitter.com/mcallister_jess
http://soundcloud.com/jess_mcallister
http://jessmcallister.bandcamp.com/
#3 - The Golden Dregs
Hi readers. Some of you might have post-festival blues right now because you went to Glastonbury. Tough, because I didn’t, and I’m jealous. This is therefore dedicated to those who were also at home over the weekend, because they stole some of your fun with their televisions and still got to sleep in an actual bed.
This week I came across a music video from The Golden Dregs and it made me very happy. The Falmouth band seems to be the newest of new, considering they have not gigged before, and “haven’t really started out”, as frontman Ben Woods told me when I asked how they had come about. “It’s more of a trail of thought than a band”.
The aforementioned video is for ‘A Life Aquatic’, complete with titular and visual references to Wes Anderson (the director of the video is even credited as him, which I love). While a vibrantly hazy tune, it complements a certain sense of mystery that the band has. For example, Woods often sees The Golden Dregs’ sound as ‘anti-garage’. Some might find this puzzling, but he explains that it’s “kinda [like] how you had anti-folk in retaliation to folk music”.
“There’s a lot of garage music around, pretty much everyone involved in The Golden Dregs plays or has played in a group with garage roots, myself included. In some ways I suppose this music is retaliation to that, although in reality the sound that comes out is probably more like the middle of the road, where on one side you have folk and on the other garage”
It’s a very well thought out analogy of the music, and one which stems from interesting inspirations. Woods cites The Velvet Underground as an influence, for instance, and the work of producer Bob Johnston. “He recorded the likes of Blonde on Blonde and Highway 61 Revisited by (Bob) Dylan, Leonard Cohen’s first 3 records and the Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel - some of my favourite records from the late 60’s and early 70’s.”
Another big part of music for Woods is the people around him, the “incredible songwriters and musicians” who he can “bounce ideas off of and discover music with”. This includes bands like The Red Cords, The Black Tambourines, Post Yo Blair, Mike Clarke, Pastel Colours, The Spankees - all from Falmouth* - whom he recommends alongside Gorgeous Bully, Mistoa Poltsa, Shinies, and Woods’ own Lost Dawn.
To finish though, what can we expect from The Golden Dregs? That is the underlying question. Well fear not, because “there’s an album ready and waiting”. So everyone watch this space, because here is a band not to be missed. And if you do miss them, then sucks to be you.
*I’d like to mention at this point that Falmouth is the next shit-hot town for music.
The Golden Dregs can be found on Facebook, Twitter and via their website. Find the links down below:
https://www.facebook.com/thegoldendregsmusic
https://twitter.com/thegoldendregs
http://www.thegoldendregs.com/
‘A Life Aquatic’ can be downloaded for free over at Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/separatedbymotorways/the-golden-dregs-a-life-aquatic
SF
This week I came across a music video from The Golden Dregs and it made me very happy. The Falmouth band seems to be the newest of new, considering they have not gigged before, and “haven’t really started out”, as frontman Ben Woods told me when I asked how they had come about. “It’s more of a trail of thought than a band”.
The aforementioned video is for ‘A Life Aquatic’, complete with titular and visual references to Wes Anderson (the director of the video is even credited as him, which I love). While a vibrantly hazy tune, it complements a certain sense of mystery that the band has. For example, Woods often sees The Golden Dregs’ sound as ‘anti-garage’. Some might find this puzzling, but he explains that it’s “kinda [like] how you had anti-folk in retaliation to folk music”.
“There’s a lot of garage music around, pretty much everyone involved in The Golden Dregs plays or has played in a group with garage roots, myself included. In some ways I suppose this music is retaliation to that, although in reality the sound that comes out is probably more like the middle of the road, where on one side you have folk and on the other garage”
It’s a very well thought out analogy of the music, and one which stems from interesting inspirations. Woods cites The Velvet Underground as an influence, for instance, and the work of producer Bob Johnston. “He recorded the likes of Blonde on Blonde and Highway 61 Revisited by (Bob) Dylan, Leonard Cohen’s first 3 records and the Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel - some of my favourite records from the late 60’s and early 70’s.”
Another big part of music for Woods is the people around him, the “incredible songwriters and musicians” who he can “bounce ideas off of and discover music with”. This includes bands like The Red Cords, The Black Tambourines, Post Yo Blair, Mike Clarke, Pastel Colours, The Spankees - all from Falmouth* - whom he recommends alongside Gorgeous Bully, Mistoa Poltsa, Shinies, and Woods’ own Lost Dawn.
To finish though, what can we expect from The Golden Dregs? That is the underlying question. Well fear not, because “there’s an album ready and waiting”. So everyone watch this space, because here is a band not to be missed. And if you do miss them, then sucks to be you.
*I’d like to mention at this point that Falmouth is the next shit-hot town for music.
The Golden Dregs can be found on Facebook, Twitter and via their website. Find the links down below:
https://www.facebook.com/thegoldendregsmusic
https://twitter.com/thegoldendregs
http://www.thegoldendregs.com/
‘A Life Aquatic’ can be downloaded for free over at Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/separatedbymotorways/the-golden-dregs-a-life-aquatic
SF
#2 - Powdered Cows
Another happy Wednesday to you all. There is a lot on at the moment, what with the World Cup (if you’re still watching), Wimbledon, and my personal favourite, Big Brother. But ignore all that, because here is a new Band of the Week for you.
Are you a fan of “indie [music], with a mix of all genres”? This is the sound of Christchurch’s Powdered Cows. I found out about these guys after hearing their song ‘Siberia’ - taken from last year’s ‘Make my Miami’ EP – on a BBC Introducing radio show, and have listened to them practically non-stop since then.
While originally a solo project of vocalist Martin Roberts (who also plays the keyboard and rhythm guitar), Powdered Cows came about as a band from a group of talented friends. These friends are the Pete Doherty and Carl Barat of Bournemouth, or at least that is how Roberts and bassist James Worrall describe themselves.
Their EP opener ‘Monsters of Revelations’ does correlate with the Libertines in terms of energy, and it must be a live favourite. The band also draws influence from British Sea Power, and they call Palma Violets to mind, due to their overall dynamic and their brilliant use of organs and other synths. But Powdered Cows can also be mellow and psychedelic, and such is the case on tracks like “Catch Two Birds” and “Littledown”. The eclectic, varied sounds are warm and very refreshing to hear.
Even more fascinating, though, is the band’s subject matter. I spoke to Roberts about lyrics, and he told me that he’d "never written any songs about love or relationships” as that is “a story told a thousand times by a thousand people”. Instead, ‘Brain Freeze’ is about ice-cream; ‘Catch Two Birds’ his cat; and ‘National Winner’ achievement. Put simply, Powdered Cows are more into their metaphors about life, than love songs.
So what is next for the band? Well, Roberts recently wrote and recorded a song for his friend, comedian Tony Law’s new Edinburgh Fringe show. The band is also working on new full length album ‘Laguna’, which they hope to release this summer. "I have been playing a 1980's Yamaha synth and Gavin (Blackhall) has been making beats and loops using software and synths on his iPad. I'm really excited to be making songs in a way that's new to me."
The electronic sound takes inspiration from artists like Future Islands, who Roberts recommends along with Grimes as “fun bands to dance to”. “We’d [also] recommend listening to the other bands on the label we are on at The Burrow such as Not Made in China, Jokes, and Plates.”
With regards to the album, he added: “We are looking forward to touring it a lot. A single will be out very soon to promote [it]”. I personally look forward to them touring it as much as they do, and cannot wait to hear new music.
Powdered Cows are on Facebook and Soundcloud, so visit the links below:
http://www.facebook.com/powderedcowsmusic
http://www.soundcloud.com/powderedcows
You can also visit their record label, The Burrow, here:
http://theburrowbournemouth.co.uk/
SF
Are you a fan of “indie [music], with a mix of all genres”? This is the sound of Christchurch’s Powdered Cows. I found out about these guys after hearing their song ‘Siberia’ - taken from last year’s ‘Make my Miami’ EP – on a BBC Introducing radio show, and have listened to them practically non-stop since then.
While originally a solo project of vocalist Martin Roberts (who also plays the keyboard and rhythm guitar), Powdered Cows came about as a band from a group of talented friends. These friends are the Pete Doherty and Carl Barat of Bournemouth, or at least that is how Roberts and bassist James Worrall describe themselves.
Their EP opener ‘Monsters of Revelations’ does correlate with the Libertines in terms of energy, and it must be a live favourite. The band also draws influence from British Sea Power, and they call Palma Violets to mind, due to their overall dynamic and their brilliant use of organs and other synths. But Powdered Cows can also be mellow and psychedelic, and such is the case on tracks like “Catch Two Birds” and “Littledown”. The eclectic, varied sounds are warm and very refreshing to hear.
Even more fascinating, though, is the band’s subject matter. I spoke to Roberts about lyrics, and he told me that he’d "never written any songs about love or relationships” as that is “a story told a thousand times by a thousand people”. Instead, ‘Brain Freeze’ is about ice-cream; ‘Catch Two Birds’ his cat; and ‘National Winner’ achievement. Put simply, Powdered Cows are more into their metaphors about life, than love songs.
So what is next for the band? Well, Roberts recently wrote and recorded a song for his friend, comedian Tony Law’s new Edinburgh Fringe show. The band is also working on new full length album ‘Laguna’, which they hope to release this summer. "I have been playing a 1980's Yamaha synth and Gavin (Blackhall) has been making beats and loops using software and synths on his iPad. I'm really excited to be making songs in a way that's new to me."
The electronic sound takes inspiration from artists like Future Islands, who Roberts recommends along with Grimes as “fun bands to dance to”. “We’d [also] recommend listening to the other bands on the label we are on at The Burrow such as Not Made in China, Jokes, and Plates.”
With regards to the album, he added: “We are looking forward to touring it a lot. A single will be out very soon to promote [it]”. I personally look forward to them touring it as much as they do, and cannot wait to hear new music.
Powdered Cows are on Facebook and Soundcloud, so visit the links below:
http://www.facebook.com/powderedcowsmusic
http://www.soundcloud.com/powderedcows
You can also visit their record label, The Burrow, here:
http://theburrowbournemouth.co.uk/
SF
#1 - Isaac Indiana
Hello, Due South West readers. It is Wednesday. As a result, we give you the first edition of Band of the Week. How kind of us. Please be understanding though, as this is also the first article I've ever written. I think. Sorry GCSE English Language, but you don't count.
Today’s new discovery is Exeter-based Isaac Indiana, a five-piece making alternative-rock that is perfect for the current heat wave. The band formed while at Exeter University in 2010, and has since played many celebrated gigs and released a debut album, 2013’s ‘Borderlines’. They're now back - with new single ‘Madiba’, a track which shows great contrast between mellow synths, smooth vocals and a raucous, guitar led chorus that reminds me slightly of Wolf Alice.
I'm most excited by Isaac Indiana when they make lots of noise, particularly on ‘Madiba’ and older track ‘Looking At You’. That said, all of their songs make me want to get up and dance wildly. I hope to fulfil this by going to see them live sometime soon, as I imagine their shows are pretty darn good.
‘Madiba’ appears on upcoming EP ‘Memoirs of a Memory Boy’. Listen to it here:
https://soundcloud.com/isaac-indiana/madiba
SF
Today’s new discovery is Exeter-based Isaac Indiana, a five-piece making alternative-rock that is perfect for the current heat wave. The band formed while at Exeter University in 2010, and has since played many celebrated gigs and released a debut album, 2013’s ‘Borderlines’. They're now back - with new single ‘Madiba’, a track which shows great contrast between mellow synths, smooth vocals and a raucous, guitar led chorus that reminds me slightly of Wolf Alice.
I'm most excited by Isaac Indiana when they make lots of noise, particularly on ‘Madiba’ and older track ‘Looking At You’. That said, all of their songs make me want to get up and dance wildly. I hope to fulfil this by going to see them live sometime soon, as I imagine their shows are pretty darn good.
‘Madiba’ appears on upcoming EP ‘Memoirs of a Memory Boy’. Listen to it here:
https://soundcloud.com/isaac-indiana/madiba
SF