Leeds three-piece, Alt-J have never gone about making music the conventional way.
Their latest release '3WW' proves exactly that and is the first slice of new material to be released from their upcoming third studio album 'Relaxer'.
Standing for '3 Worn Words', the five-minute cut is a gentle and delicate affair that swoons like the sound of love itself. The inclusion of Wolf Alice's Ellie Rowsell on backing vocals is a mega bonus too.
It's a brave move to ease listeners into the new chapter of Alt-J with but they've always been one of the bands at the forefront of taking risks and doing the unexpected.
When founding member Gwil Sainsbury left the band in 2014, fans and critics alike pondered over whether it would work, but the group ploughed on and switched up their sound. They ended up sounding like the least likely band to play arenas but look where they are today.
'3WW' is proof of exactly why they deserve to sell out the bigger venues time and time again; they're not afraid to experiment and just make the music they want to make. It might not work for everyone, but it's a winning formula for them.
With festival season in full swing and Glasto done and dusted for another year, Southwold's Henham Park is set to deliver their eighth year of folksy frolicking. Providing an alternative to the usual festival staples, the Suffolk site sees Bloc Party, Kraftwerk and Foals take to the stage, delivering headline sets that are not to be missed. Clashes in set times means festival goers will have to be selective, when choosing who to watch. Fear not, Rock Revolver's definitive guide to Latitude 2013 is here to assist you in making these decisions, whether you're heading down to the festival or watching from the comfort of your home - there really is something for everyone.
Commencing on the 19th July, the three day festival opens in style with Theme Park on the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage. The London five piece will throw into the mix anthemic, ethereal indie as they plough through hits from their self-titled debut album (released in February this year). Heading over to the Obelisk Arena, which is set on top of a hill overlooking the whole site, the criminally underrated I Am Kloot will be picking tracks from their vast back catalogue to perform. Despite being overlooked in the past due to their lack of mainstream commercial success, their set at this year's festival will diminish any doubt that still lingers.
Remaining in the Obelisk Arena on Saturday, crowds will witness Rock Revolver favourite Jessie Ware brew a soulful serenity and throwback 90s vibes, with tunes such as Running, 110% and Wildest Moments. Following Ware, New York's Yeah Yeah Yeahs are set to tear it up and thrill with new material. Whilst, BBC Radio 6 Music Stage will play host to North London's Daughter and their strikingly intimate and captivating live show, before Alt-J headline the same stage later on that night.
Taking it down a notch, the final day of the festival features a special afternoon performance from Bobby Womack - the critically acclaimed and one of the most influential soul singers of all time. Off the back of their recent album success, Disclosure bring their sound to the masses on Sunday night on the BBC Radio 6 Music Stage before Beach House deliver a headline set (on the same stage).
As with many festivals, the fun and festivities are not limited to just these two stages. Across the weekend you can catch other artists such as Temples, Chvrches, Stealing Sheep, Drenge, Friends, Hookworms and Wave Machines on the i Arena stage, which is nestled under a canopy of trees in the Latitude woods. If that's not your cup of tea, The Lake Stage showcases the talent of tomorrow in an atmospheric and shimmering setting. This year you can catch sets from Swim Deep, The 1975, Wolf Alice, Port Isla, Jagwar Ma and Coves. Plus, tucked away at the near the banks of the lake, be there to witness another Rock Revolver favourite Catfish and the Bottlemen on The Alcove Stage.
If you need a bit of a break from the music, there is still plenty to satisfy your appetite with throughout your stay at Latitude. If you're a Bowie fan you're in for a treat this weekend; be sure not to miss Bowiefest in association with the ICA presents Bowie 1973, bringing together a wealth of talent, talks, appearances and more from those closely related to the star. If your taste buds still crave Bowie, then be sure to check out Ultimate Bowie.
If poetry and spoken word is your thing, it's worth coming to the festival for this stage alone. The spoken word extravaganza features the current poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy, local hero Luke Wright, stand-up poet Tim Clare and Peterborough-based spoken word double act Dead Poets. Finally, the Graduate fashion show presented by Bip Ling, Jamie Laing and Storm Models promises to be a veritable feast of fashion antics.
Hopefully, this will wet your appetite for Latitude 2013 and serve as a guide of what's worth checking out if you are made to choose. Likewise with most festivals, there are always those gems waiting to be discovered, so get out there and catch some new music (and old favourites).
I skipped posting a playlist last week, so here is a longer edition - hope you enjoy.
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California
I've liked RHCP for years but I was never a major fan or anything, this changed last week when I decided to give them a proper listen. I listened to every album back to back and fell in love, I really did. Mother's Milk and I'm With You are my favourite albums, but they're all good and I did have a hard time picking my favourites. I urge you to give this band a listen as they will change your life. You have probably heard some of their songs before and just hadn't realised it was them.
For fans of: Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine, Foo Fighters, Guns N' Roses and Led Zeppelin.
Daughter - Youth
I discovered this band a few days ago due to NME's recommendations and I love them. Combining folksy elements with soulful melodies, Daughter are a relaxing band to chill out and forget about your day to. The three piece haven't been together long, but already they have mastered their latest single at Abbey Road Studios. The band also hope to release their debut album in January.
For fans of: The XX, Laura Marling, Ben Howard, Bon Iver, Lucy Rose and Alt-J.
Haim - Forever
I found out about Haim when I learnt Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys frontman) had been spotted, at one of their gigs in Los Angeles. I checked them out instantly and my life was complete. I recognised their song 'Forever' upon listening, as XFM have played it a few times before. They are extremely underrated right now, and I hope in future they receive the media recognition they deserve.
For fans of: Jessie Ware, Florence And The Machine, Lana Del Rey and The Pierces.
Peace - Bloodshake
You have probably seen my previous post from last week about this band, but they had to be included on this playlist as I really love their sound. Playing up to the image on the EP (a watermelon cut into shapes, strongly resembling the international sign for peace) Bloodshake has a fruity core with killer guitar riffs. This is one song you have to listen to. It's upbeat, it's clever but more than anything it's a game changer.
For fans of: Two Door Cinema Club, Dog Is Dead, Foals, Foster the People, Tribes, Bombay Bicycle Club and The Maccabees.
The Lumineers - Ho Hey
I've known about this band since late September/early October, when I picked up a copy of Grazia and saw they were mentioned briefly. XFM have been amongst the first to give them airplay, but it won't be long before the rest catch up and this is a band who will be huge in a few months.
For fans of: Mumford & Sons, Arcade Fire, Fleet Foxes, Of Monsters and Men, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and Alabama Shakes.
Alt-J - Fitzpleasure
Having recently won the Mercury Prize things are looking good for Alt-J, who earlier this year were virtually unknown. I bought their debut album 'An Awesome Wave' in July and loved every song. Fitzpleasure is my personal highlight, therefore I thought I would share it with you.
For fans of: Django Django, Zulu Winter, Breton, Daughter and Bastille.
Django Django - Default
Similar to Alt-J, this band seemingly appeared out of nowhere earlier in the year. Their debut album was released in January 2012, however I've only just got into their music. Described as a "psychedelic art pop quartet" they were nominated for this year's Mercury Prize but unfortunately lost out. However things are going well so far for them and 2013 is set to be their year.
For fans of: Alt-J, Cloud Control, Howler, The 2 Bears, Tame Impala and Eugene McGuinness.
Have you listened to any of these artists before? Who is your favourite and why? What bands should I listen to next? Comment below.
One of music's most prestigious awards ceremonies, sponsored by Barclaycard, returned last night (November 1) to Camden's Roundhouse in London to award one artist the Mercury Prize.
Out of all the albums nominated there were firm favourites (bookies expectations were high), and those who you couldn't help but question why they were on that list in the first place.
The albums nominated were:
Alt-J - An Awesome Wave
Ben Howard - Every Kingdom
The Maccabees - Given to the Wild
Django Django - Django Django
Field Music - Plumb
Jessie Ware - Devotion
Lianne La Havas - Is Your Love Big Enough?
Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again
Plan B - Ill Manors
Richard Hawley - Standing at the Sky's Edge
Roller Trio - Roller Trio
Sam Lee - Ground of its Own
The winners were electro rock group Alt-J, who faced the backlash of the public almost instantly, however this award was well deserved for the band who have relentlessly been touring and promoting this album throughout the existing months of 2012. Speaking in their acceptance speech, one member stated that they "literally hadn't prepared for this" and the band went on to thank "everyone in team Alt-J". The posh rockers spoke to the press later that night saying "It's not often you create something that you actually want to enjoy yourself." Before explaining that the album was special to the quartet as they started working on it whilst still at university.
As a fan of the band, I wish them every success for the future and all of the other artists who were nominated for this award too.
So far 2012 has been a great year for music, and this is a trend that is set to continue. Already we have seen albums released from:
Tribes (Baby)
The Enemy (Streets In The Sky)
The Maccabees (Given To The Wild)
Pulled Apart By Horses (Tough Love)
Graham Coxon (A+E)
Alt-J (An Awesome Wave)
The Cribs (In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull)
Paul Weller (Sonik Kicks)
Howler (America Give Up)
We have also heard EP's released specially for RSD (Record Store Day) from contributing artists such as: Arctic Monkeys, Miles Kane & Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Each of those records (respectively) are incredible.
There are many albums that are set for release within the latter half of the year. Here's my guide to what's being released, when and what to expect.
1. Mumford & Sons (Babel)
This is a band whose second album has been eagerly anticipated, since release of their debut album (Sigh No More) back in 2009. The band decided to shun mainstream festivals to stage their own festival 'Gentlemen Of The Road Stopover' this summer. With dates in Huddersfield and Galway this is a festival, that has seen the folk four piece showcase new tracks as well as old favourites, for the mighty crowds.
Band member Ben Lovett has stated that "We've found it hard getting off the road and into the studio" which is an explanation as to why it's taken three years, for their second album to be announced. However we believe the 'difficult second album' will be their best yet.
2. Miles Kane (TBA)
After 2011's (Colour Of The Trap) was released, Miles is a man who has only gone from strength to strength. Miles has supported his close friends Arctic Monkeys at their headline gigs all over the world, as well as supporting Kasabian throughout their UK tour late last year. However he has played shows of his own back in April (this year) and is now circulating the festivals, armed with brand new tracks: Women's Touch and The First Of My Kind, these are weapons scouser Kane uses to his advantage, and will be featured on the second record. An official release date for the album has yet to be announced, although rumours have spread that it will be sometime in the autumn. Watch this space for updates. Follow him on twitter @mileskanemusic
3. Jessie Ware (Devotion)
A newcomer when it comes to the music industry, Jessie Ware first came to our attention a few years ago, when her vocals were featured on a track by producer SBTRKT. Since then EP's have been released and tracks such as Running and 110% have received a considerable amount of radio play. This is an underground artist that you need to keep a close eye on, as it won't be long before she's everywhere. You can purchase Jessie's album on August 20th from all major retailers, and online stores. Follow her on twitter @Jessie_Ware
4. Muse (The 2nd Law)
I don't know about you, but I'm really excited for Muse's sixth studio album The 2nd Law to be released in September. A psychedelic substance, the band's new record has already divided fans due to their use of dubstep beats in the fresh teaser trailer. Tinged with contrast this is an album from Muse that will be like no other. Although elements from previous albums will linger slightly, they'll be taking a smaller role in this production; this is more of an experimental album than anything else. Hardcore Muse fans will undoubtedly love it, as for the rest of the fans well...they will have to suck it and see.
5. The XX (Coexist)
What is it with artists and second albums this year? 2012 will be known as the year that all those brilliant second albums were released. The XX contribute to the mix with their long awaited second album Coexist which is set for release on September 10th. Recording began on this album in November last year, and the band have since said that the album title is all about "lost love - from exes or the person you're with now" so should we expect an album of love tracks? Band member Romy has spoken "A lot of it is still personal, but I've been a bit more inspired by things that have happened to other people and putting myself in their shoes. But they're all love songs and some of them are sadder than others". Yes would be the answer to my earlier question. Contrast seems to be a theme which threads throughout all artists, releasing second albums this year. However that's not necessarily a bad thing. You can catch The XX playing Bestival on September 7th, days before the release of their record. That should be an interesting show.
6. Spector (Enjoy It While It Lasts)
"We want to expose the bullshit in the music industry" Well that's quite a heavy ambition coming from frontman Fred Macpherson, but we have faith that he'll attain this desire anyway. NME have described Fred as "Indie's wittiest comeback kid" and Spector themselves have added to the hype (sort of) by dubbing themselves "Nothing you haven't seen before". There's a lot of focus on the five piece to smash it, when their debut album is released on August 13th (available to pre order now). They'll do it. With existing tracks such as Celestine and Chevy Thunder already gracing our iPods it would be difficult for them not to make it.
7. Dog Is Dead (All Our Favourite Stories)
Announced only yesterday, the debut album from Nottingham's hottest rockers has been a long time coming - a release has finally been announced, to their fans delight. The album will be available to purchase from the autumn, however we don't have a specific date yet. All in good time. Huw Stephens broke the news last night on his radio show, that the band are also releasing their single Glockenspiel Song on July 23rd. You need to get this band in your life - they're fab.
