So I finally finished compiling my Summer Playlist and here it is. The playlist is made up of 19 tracks, all free to download and all oozing with summery-ness. It's got tracks from Tokyo Police Club, Blur, The New Pornographers, Chiddy Bang, Lissie, an exclusive track from Polarsets and mooooorrrrrreeeeeeeee. Download the playlist after the beep.
Over the bank holiday weekend Newcastle was flooded with musical talent, guilty pleasure food vans, poorly organized queuing and baffling one way systems. Read Transatlanticism's review of Evolution Festival after the beep.
'Leave Argentina' is a prime example of the upcoming genre of the moment. They have the samba rhythms of a Friendly Fires track and catchy riffs which bands like Two Door Cinema Club and Bombay Bicycle Club would be proud of. Plus they are one step ahead of them lot by not putting Club somewhere in their name.
The area in which Polarsets succeed so emphatically is how catchy their songs are, everything from the cowbell to the bass leaves you wanting to hum the tune for about a week after. It's probably a great source of publicity for the band. All aspects of the band work together meaning they don't have to rely on a repetitive riff or a particular set of lyrics, they can easily switch between a full bodied chorus and a simple lyric and drum combination.
It says something about how good this single is when the B side is their highly impressive track 'Just Don't Open Your Eyes'. Also Included is a Remix of 'Leave Argentina' by Thomas Sagstad & Mike Hawkins. You can get all three tracks for only 2 English Pounds. Bargain.
Have a listen to the single below and rate it yourself
Yet another great month for music in Newcastle (shame I'm not there for most of it). This month i would say the smaller bands take centre stage with three great gigs at The Cluny from 'Let's Buy Happiness', 'Toronto Sun' and March's band of the month, 'Polarsets'. I love writing this post because it allows me to listen to some of the great talent around the North East, still, rarely do I find a band I can immediately engage and enjoy as much as Let's Buy Happiness. Already building a fan base in the North East and across the UK, they play a sombre melodic style of indie reminiscent of early Death Cab For Cutie and Band Of Horses. With intricate guitar riffs complemented beautifully by Sarah Halls enchanting voice each track has its own personality and intrigue. All i can say is that i am gutted i cannot make the gig at The Cluny. Polarsets also play The Cluny for the second month running with their single launch taking place on the 15th (which i will hopefully have a review for you nearer that date).
My gig of the month comes from Foals, who play Newcastle Union on the 30th. I have been extremely impressed with the sounds emanating from their second album entitled 'Total Life Forever'. I nearly considered posting the 'Spanish Sahara' video again as it is so mind-blowing but i restrained myself and instead you can all feast your eyes on the video for 'This Orient', another track off the much awaited album.
The O2 academy line-up is also worth a mention with some seriously old-school gigs from the likes of James and The Wonder Stuff. Enjoy this amazing month of music in our fair city and also enjoy all the goodies below.
You can listen to Let's Buy Happiness's EP entitled 'No Hot Ashes' below. Enjoy.
Another great month for music in Newcastle, all venues are packed with a great line-up for March. The pick of the bunch was an easy choice really, Mumford & Sons at Newcastle Union. I was extremely excited for this gig even more so when i found out Fanfarlo are supporting them. Mumford & sons have already established themselves as one of the best new bands both on record and live, I can't quite believe my luck that they are playing such a small venue with such an excellent support band.
