HUNGER OF THE PINES – ALT J VIDEO RELEASE

So Alt J are back once more with this triumphant video release. The video itself is a gem to behold: the cinematography is superb, the acting subtle yet highly evocative, and the overall tone of defiance that Nabil creates matches perfectly with the single’s insistent urgency.  The  ideas of consumption, fire and self-immolation were also fascinatingly brought together and laced with a subtle sense of release that was impressively portrayed by the actor. Alt J are back! Also I would just like to take this time to mention that personally I’m damn impressed with the Miley sample, sounded so well integrated with the track and an interesting break from their usual style.  More of the same please!

Banks Preview

With the fervent buzz of hype surrounding her early releases and the mounting media interest in her trademark brand of sultry, hypnotic R&B, Banks has certainly made a distinct impression on the music scene, and is set to touch down at Bristol’s Trinity Centre in the coming month.

Banks’ darkly intense grooves give each of her songs an overpowering sense of magnetism, as each track seems to grab you by the throat, dangerous, yet at the same time seductively smooth, making for a truly cathartic listening experience. This very sense of catharsis is what makes Banks’ music so powerful, particularly in ‘Waiting Game’, as the raw power of her lyrics combined with the stark, almost minimalist instrumental, creates a gravity that seems to connect intimately with the listener.

The intimacy that Banks creates with her soulful melodies is captured perfectly with her own statement, that the catharsis her music creates “is air and blood. It’s everything.” This brooding, poignant sense of urgency certainly touches listeners to the core, and will definitely be one to experience live.

Watch the video for the amazing ‘Waiting Game’ right here:

Read original article here.

Bonobo Preview

Last year, UK Producer Simon Green, more famously known as the downtempo legend Bonobo, released his fifth studio album North Borders. Despite a leak and the ensuing rushed release, the album still caused a buzz with house lovers across the globe as a result of his distinctive introspective sound. Bonobo is set to bring his ambient melancholy grooves to Bristol at the beginning of next month for a sold out show at Colston Hall.

With his trademark silken percussion, subtle echoing vocal loops, and expert production, Bonobo’s latest album still maintains a sense of organic warmth that many other electronic musicians seem to lose, creating a soulful yet chilled blend of early morning wind-down music.

The main single ‘Cirrus’ perfectly embodies Bonobo’s strengths, with it’s chiming uplifting tempo, designed perfectly to warm up a DJ set, or to coax crowds into motion. So for the lovers of chill hypnotic beats (i.e the majority of Bristol’s population) Bonobo’s show is guaranteed to have you on your feet, waving your arms, and dancing the night away.

See original article here.

Eagulls Preview

With the release of their infamously sardonic open letter addressed “TO ALL BEACH BANDS SUCKING EACH OTHERS DICKS AND RUBBING THE PRESS’ CLITS” and the raucous urgency of their DIY punk, Eagulls have introduced themselves to the music scene in tornado of venom, anger and fuzzy guitar, and are destined to arrive of at Bristol’s Louisiana on 28th February, as a part of their UK tour.

Eagulls’ music perfectly embodies the archetypal punk slacker aesthetic, as well as simultaneously delivering a sense of vitality that makes their music energising and exciting, as can be heard in ‘Nerve Endings’ and ‘Fifteen’.  Critics of Eagulls will probably condemn them for lack of originality, but in this age of commercial supremacy, their low-fi sound and approach (they recorded their album on cassette and sold it for next to nothing) still remains refreshing.

The band’s charging bass, relentless drumming and gruff, insistent vocals create a sonic quality intended to be experienced live – and with their scrappy punk leanings, their show will definitely be one to remember.

See their tour poster for full live dates and check out ‘Nerve Endings’ here:

To see the original article click here.

READING AND LEEDS HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED

It’s all blowing up today!  Wasn’t too keen on the idea of reading before, but now with the likes of Arctic Monkeys,  SBTRKT, Warpaint, and Annie Mac, It’s looking more like a possibility.

What do you think about this years headliners?

MORE BESTIVAL HEADLINERS ANNOUNCED

From the moment Bestival decided to indulge my childhood nostalgia with the announcement that Outkast were headlining, I have had my eyes fixed on the ever increasing festival lineup with the intensity of a hawk, and personally I’ve not been disappointed. With Foals, Major Lazer,  Caribou and Wild Beasts, being only some of the headliners (more are to be announced soon) Bestival is definitely looking to be on my to-do list this summer.

Apologies!

To those that read my blog, you may or may not have noticed a certain lack of action over the christmas holidays, and I’d like to firstly offer my excuses (Revising for exams and holidays), and secondly  my apologies: Sorry!

Don’t worry though, as well as a load of reviews that will be coming your way, I’m also planning to do a playlist-of-the-week-type-scenario where I will be indulging you all in the music I’ve been listening to, so keep your eyes peeled!

Big Love,

-Juliette

FIRST GLASTONBURY HEADLINER CONFIRMED

Arcade Fire has just been confirmed as the first act to headline the first day of this year’s Glastonbury.

Glastonbury’s official press release has stated the following:

“We’re very pleased to announce that Arcade Fire will headline the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2014, on Friday, 27th June.”

Arcade Fire also announced their participation in Glastonbury 2014 with the following (rather artistic, and characteristically sparse) tweet:

Next year, one week in June pic.twitter.com/mzfhRg0Ut0

— Arcade Fire (@arcadefire) December 19, 2013

As always Eavis leaves us itching for more! Who do you think will be the next headliners for Glastonbury 2014?

Related articles

• Arcade Fire hint at headlining Glastonbury 2014: ‘Get your wellies ready’ (miamiswamp.com)

First Latitude Headliners Announced

Personally, I’m not feeling too bowled over by these announcements. Many of the acts I’ve already seen as they were pretty active on the 2013 summer gig/festival circuit, so nothing too shocking. Marika Hackman and Goat should be good, but thus far I’m disappointed.

Pixies Bassist Update

Surprisingly she’s not another Kim.

Following the Pixies hasty break with Kim Shattuck after her three month stint with the band, they seem to have found another female bassist to replace the second Kim. Paz Lenchantin (of A Perfect Circle and Zwan) has stepped up to take this coveted role.

According to a statement released by the Pixies earlier today she will be the band’s touring bassist for the majority of their North American Tour.

Here’s hoping this arrangement lasts longer than the previous ones!

Related articles

• Pixies Name a Bassist for Upcoming Tour (artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com)