One of the highlights from this panoramic pop group’s latest album, ‘Thick As Thieves’ – which has certainly been a long-awaited record by fans, with it being a whole four years since the band’s last album. ‘Alive’ is yet another epic feat by The Temper Trap, as they skilfully combine just the right kind of pop-rock sounds and reverbs that make it into an elevating, powerful song that you can sing along to, without letting it transcend into the bounds of cliché. A feat which other bands, e.g. U2, clearly do not always manage to master so well. Admittedly, we do still think ‘Sweet Disposition’ is still The Temper Trap’s greatest achievement (seriously timeless, isn’t it?), but ‘Alive’ is still an excellent tune and one you should definitely consider putting on at a party this weekend.
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SONG FOR THE WEEKEND – Life Itself by Glass Animals
The funkiest, freshest tune out there right now. Filled with the band’s staple ethnic rhythms and whispery, hushed vocals, it’s exactly what we’ve all been waiting for since they released ‘ZABA’ over 2 years ago. Beginning with a little oriental melody, they soon come right in with the best tribal beats you’ve heard, before building up to an eclectic, explosive indie-pop influenced chorus – altogether making for an epic indietronic track that’s almost impossible not to dance to all the way throughout. Can’t put it into words how addictive it is to listen to – really is like a drug for the soul. An unbelievable comeback from Glass Animals, which will undoubtedly be followed up by more magical music from them in the next few months.
SONG FOR THE WEEKEND – Aviation by The Last Shadow Puppets
Without doubt one of the best tunes off Alex and Miles’ latest record, ‘Everything You’ve Come To Expect’. Has such an air of anticipation and excitement to it, turning it into one of those songs that you wouldn’t ever consider fast forwarding to the chorus or the ‘good bit’ on, because quite simply the whole thing together is fantastic. A masterpiece from the two lads, and along with the rest of the record, definitely something to fulfill your dose of Alex until Arctic Monkeys appear again. ‘Aviation’ must be an absolute beast of a song to experience at their gigs.
SONG FOR THE WEEKEND – January Sun by Fizzy Blood
Feisty, energised rock song from this fresh Leeds band. These guys are probably the first truly heavy rock band we’ve featured in a while, and this is perhaps testament to how awesome ‘January Sun’ is – and how much potential we see in these guys. Not only is it full of both rock’n’roll and punk elements, it’s also got a pretty catchy chorus – and would be absolutely unreal at a gig. If you live in or around Leeds, you gotta try to catch these guys. ‘January Sun’ is featured on the band’s 2015 debut album ‘Feast’, which is worth a full listen if you enjoy this song. If you’re a Royal Blood or Pretty Vicious fan, it’s pretty much a given that you’ll love this.
SONG FOR THE WEEKEND – All For One by The Stone Roses
Unless you’ve been paying 0 attention at all to music for the past few months, then you’d probably have noticed that the one and only Stone Roses are back – with sell-out headline shows and festival appearances lined up, and most recently their first new single release since 1995. I think most of us were probably tuned into the radio at 8pm on the 12th May ready for the first play of ‘All For One’ – for many of us, the first Roses song to be released in our lifetimes – and at first, there seemed to be an air of disappointment on social media. I, for one, didn’t think much of the song on first listen. But after a couple more listens, I really started to feel the magic of the Stone Roses, and I think most other listeners did too: ‘All For One’ proved that the band still have all their trademarks – Ian Brown’s unmistakable vocals, lemon-themed artwork and Mani’s genius basslines. And now, it’s pretty much become a daily listen for the fans, as we wait in anticipation for any further Roses announcements. If anyone’s got tickets to their shows, they are gonna be unreal.
SONG FOR THE WEEKEND – Value by VOKES
Been craving more music like HONNE ever since you discovered them? Well, me too, and I’ve finally found an answer; in the form of Californian alt-soul band VOKES, in particular their song ‘Value’. Released in February this year, ‘Value’ serves as VOKES’ second single – having released ‘Cruel Game’ just before – and is a swirling wonder of elusive synths and hazy vocals. Its contrasting ambient verses and buoyant choruses make it hard to place its genre, leaving it wavering somewhere in the pool between chillwave and alt-pop – definitely an area that seems to be being explored by artists a lot recently, much to my happiness. Along the lines of Jack Garratt and Josef Salvat, too.
SONG FOR THE WEEKEND – Wild Horses by Birdy
A good ol’ uplifting alt-pop number, from the English singer-songwriter that most people still just purely associate with that serene, simple, yet hugely popular cover of Bon Iver’s ‘Skinny Love’ she did back in 2011. I think one of the main reasons people were so taken in by that song was because of her tender age – at only 15 years old, it was hugely impressive, but she’s still not that old now – 20 this year. And ‘Wild Horses’ is undeniably impressive as an original tune for that age – even if it’s not proving to be as big a hit as ‘Skinny Love’ or another of her new ones, ‘Keeping Your Head Up’, it’s a damn good listen when you need a cheerful little pick-me-up. Particularly if you enjoy Foxes, or Florence!
SONG FOR THE WEEKEND – Steadier by Jens Kuross
A beautifully brooding song, whose creator is just as mysterious as the aura he produces in his music. Its patchy, subdued instrumental remains as ‘steady’ as the lyrics for the first half, before gentle piano notes begin to fly through, soon backed by nostalgic, DJ Shadow-like drums as the song ascends and reaches a peak, whilst still somehow maintaining its understated beginnings. One of those rare songs that surprise you in how much you feel connected to them. Jens Kuross has recently toured as support act on RY X’s European tour, and that in itself should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect from his music. Sink into the magnificently chilled vibes of this song.
SONG FOR THE WEEKEND – Pretty Pimpin by Kurt Vile
The absolute must-listen song from the Philadelphia singer/songwriter’s fourth album. Although Kurt’s been on the music scene for nearly a decade now, this has to be the first song from him that’s properly grabbed my attention, and made me want to listen again a hell of a lot of times. There’s something in the way he effortlessly weaves the folk-like guitar and lazy, easy-going vocals in this one that is simultaneously feel-good and relaxing: just as perfect for a crisp winter’s day as it is for a balmy summer’s evening. He’s set to headline the BBC Radio 6 stage on Saturday night at Latitude this year, and I can picture this being an absolutely perfect setting for his music, so catch him there if you can!
SONG FOR THE WEEKEND – My Love Took Me Down to the River to Silence Me by Little Green Cars
This rural rock five-piece may have newer music than this song, but it’s always good to re-visit artist’s slightly older stuff, and especially this majestic piece. The hushed chants as the intro straightaway give you an idea of the kinda song this is: an indie/folk Americana, filled with hearty chorus and country-like narratives with a touch of rock guitar. Basically an absolute must-listen for any fan of The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, Of Monsters and Men or First Aid Kit – it’s simply not possible for the warm, jovial atmosphere this song emits to not instantly cheer you, and make you think of lazy summer afternoons.
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