Since beginning my blogging journey, Bauer and Katie Coleman have most probably been my most talked about artists. Although belonging in completely separate spheres, (Bauer being firmly established on the underground Manchester scene and Katie Coleman a fast up and coming artist on the London circuit) both have exciting new EPs due for release soon. Bauer make a return this summer with their Reconnected EP, following on the success of previous albums Sleeping Giants and Lose All Memory, whereas Katie Coleman is bringing us her debut EP So Much Love.
The re-release of highly-popular track Connected kickstarts Bauer's Reconnected EP which returns us to their roots, both reminding established fans of a firm favourite and inviting any newcomers with their electro-pop anthem produced by the iconic Steve Power. With an attention grabbing intro, Nothing Will Change is a purely serene track, despite the melancholic lyrics, with Greg Matthews' vocals offering sympathy against the light and breezy synths. Tranquilizing melodies eases into an uplifting chorus before the tone drops into an ethereal outro. My Guiding Light transports us to a lazy summer's evening with atmospheric guitar riffs peeking out from behind sun-drenched synths. Combine this with it's danceable beats and hazy melodies, My Guiding Light demonstrates Bauer's renewed energy and direction.
Bauer demonstrate further their new musical drive by presenting us with By The Blue Lake an instrumental heavily influenced by the works of Trent Reznor. An ominous intro builds and simmers dramatically, interrupted in periods by brooding pianos before synths suddenly take us by surprise. By The Blue Lake contains such a harrowing depth, demanding close attention to be paid which deems the track a personal favourite of mine.
No time is wasted as the highly energetic Hole In My Head introduces Katie Coleman's So Much Love EP with her powerful, soulful vocals soaring above playful guitar riffs and catchy pop beat as we jump head first into an attitude-fuelled, empowering track. Enough softens the EP as our guard is dropped for a passionate piano ballad which demonstrates not only Katie's astounding vocal abilities, but also her talent in songwriting with poetic imagery forming the heart of the track.
Title track So Much Love injects the EP with a funky combination of pop and soul alongside backing vocals heavily influenced by gospel. Place this among the grooving guitar riffs and you have a strong pop track which reels you in and leaves you singing along long after the outro fades out. Never Again playfully tricks the listener with it's soft intro finding itself suddenly kicked out the way for a pumping, feisty track with a heavy rhythm to create a song with a kick-ass edge. I had previously featured a review of Katie Coleman's debut single back in April, however One More Lonely Heart is a track that is in no danger of becoming stale with the ripping guitar riffs and Katie's vigorous vocals soaring above the catchy chorus.
Reconnected will be available from the 25th August
So Much Love is ready for pre-order here and is due for release on 1st September.
As I walked towards the Islington last Friday night I was shaking despite the unseasonably warm weather. This was the first time I had been placed on a guestlist so I could review and than interview the headline act. I don't belong to any publication and I am fairly new to all of this. I was stupid to be so nervous though as everyone I met was the polar opposite of the indie hipster stereotype that I was so scared I would have to deal with.
The Mutineers were originally scheduled to play at the London Rattlesnake but due to complications, they had to be shifted to the The Islington. This than meant that the support acts also underwent a shift and artists that were not scheduled for the event warmed up the crowd. I entered the tiny side room where a handful of people lined the walls watching the first act. Unfortunately I was too late to catch her name but the crowd had fallen into a hushed trance with the beauty of this Cornish songstress' voice. Sat behind a keyboard was a petite blonde solo artist singing soft, melancholic ballads in minor key. As talented as she was however, I couldn't help but think that she had an air of snobbery about her due to the song she closed on. 'America' was a tale of how she wanted to leave her small Cornish town for the open spaces of the United States. Fair enough. However the lyrics suggested that she felt she was too good for the people of her hometown, with a lot of emphasis on teenage pregnancies and at one stage even suggested that the working class were happy with their lot, with her being the only one who wanted more. I don't deny how effortlessly she hit her notes and how beautifully she played the keyboard, but that final song did irk me! The next artist was extremely successful in entertaining the crowd. Nothing gets everyone singing and dancing more than a man with a ginger beard doing folk songs about whiskey (think Johnny Cash becoming a member of The Dubliners). Moment of mass confusion soon arose however when he dropped his guitar pick, let go off his guitar and the music continued! Wasn't this meant to be live music? Although I will give him the benefit of the doubt given that he was given his slot last minute.
The intimate venue was soon buzzing with a friendly, vibrant atmosphere which was a perfect fitting for when the Mutineers arrived on stage. Charles on bass, looked sharp as ever in a turtleneck jumper and jacket combo with Mallins looking effortless in a casual black shirt. Although each track on their debut album 'Friends, Lovers, Rivals' contains hooking riffs and catchy lyrics which means you're still singing along hours later, hearing it all in an energetic live performance deemed it even more infectious which I didn't think could be possible. What makes the Mutineers unique as a band is that although their songs are moody, the bass lines are always funky and the beat always danceable. Each member was in their own element within their respective talents, Mickey engrossed on his guitar riffs gave a kick of rock n roll attitude to each song whereas Mallins', so pure within his vocals, effortlessly conveyed the emotion. If I had to name one element of the performance which did much to impress me was the subtle vocal harmonizing as it demonstrated to me that this band were perfectionists in everything they do.
What makes the Mutineers special as a band is that they contain all the melodic moodiness which is typical of Manc bands but each member is so particular in their given roles that their talents combined results in songs that showcase the fact you don't need record companies to be a success.
After the show, I sat down with the lads for a quick Q&A. Unfortunately technology and me never seem to get along and as result my camcorder refused to work. I'm still working out how to upload the footage onto here but as soon as I can I will do so.
21 years ago the Manic Street Preachers were desperate to escape the lonely isolation of their small Welsh town, Blackwood. They took us far away as they possibly could in order to make a name for themselves, even taking us as far as the bright city lights of Tokyo in 'Motorcycle Emptiness', losing themselves in the crowd. Now more accepting of their Welsh heritage, The Manics are now looking back with contemplative nostalgia at their small town roots, swapping the bright lights of Tokyo for the dim bulbs of a Bingo hall.
Richard Hawley lends his vocals to the acoustic track of Rewind The Film as the video follows the everyday life of a senior citizen in the small Welsh valley. The video features no traces of the famous ego of the Manics but instead artistically portrays the alienation and urban decay of working class life. Wire, Moore and Bradfield demonstrate to us just how far they have matured as a band via the melancholy use of acoustic guitar and the brooding vocals by Hawley. However I am glad to say that Bradfield has not lost any of the passion in his voice as he joins in the chorus.
Rewind The Film contains all the ingredients that made the Manic Street Preachers stand the test of time as a band; thoughtful, brooding lyrics with political undertones combined with talented guitar work, but yet it ushers us gently into a new era of the Manics which will come with their new album release later on this year.
On a sidenote, I purchased tickets to see the Manic St. Preachers perform their new album at the O2 Shepherds Bush empire in September. Excited is not a big enough word!
