Rock Revolver: Band

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WITH it being the last tour before recording their eagerly-anticipated third album, Birmingham four-piece Peace pulled out all the stops when they swung by the iconic O2 Brixton Academy in London.

Opening with the massive tune that is 'O You' from their impressive second album, Peace took to the stage with a particular hint of force and charm reminiscent of Foals in their early days (and look at them now). The band's love for all things 80s and 90s is reflected in the lyrics as frontman Harry Koisser sings "The 80s were better, I have no doubt." This revivalism is a theme that not only runs throughout their hit albums, but though the whole gig itself. One look at the crowd, who looked as if they were attending Oasis' 1996 Knebworth gig, will tell you that.

The set is a mixture of old stuff and tracks from their latest album 'Happy People'. Particular highlights include the slower-paced 'Someday' in which raw emotions are out in full force and the crowd sway back and forth as Koisser croons over the ballad.

However, it's when the band dig out fan favourites 'California Daze' and 'Lovesick' that the roof of the iconic South London venue is fully raised. The band don't even need to sing the words as the lyrics to the track are sung back to them in all their glory anyway.

Peace choose to close the gig with the punchy thrills of 'World Pleasure' that did not disappoint. It's hard to deny that Peace are one of the best live bands around at the moment and seeing them live is an experience you will not forget and want to re-live over and over again.

Time and time again Peace have proved that they're capable of achieving many different sounds to keep fans on their feet with excitement and anticipation for what's next. But that's part of the fun with this band, you never truly know what to expect from them as they're constantly pulling something new out of the bag to surprise fans with. It's clear to see that the buzz around the Birmingham band will only continue to grow in the years that are to follow and if rumours of their third album are correct, 2016 will certainly be an exciting year for fans old and new alike.

Words Lauren Wade

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Describing themselves as "Bee Gees on diazepam", Liverpool trio All We Are come complete with drowsy, sun-bleached melodies that survives on nothing but bare ambition. Having supported Everything Everything and Warpaint in the past, the group signed to Double Six/Domino take their influences from Metronomy, Outkast and Radiohead to name but a few.

Last year's debut from the northern three-piece 'Utmost Good' is the blueprint for All We Are's entire philosophy wrapped up in a sub-four minute track and we're buying into it. Already they have set seriously impressive standards to live up to after their quasi-psychedelic debut hit the airwaves but it's not enough; we want more from them.

With occasional searching and yearning moments at the forefront of their sound, this taste of what to expect has got us seriously craving another hit of their intoxicating beats. Just like Warpaint, they swoon like the sound of love itself and we'll be keeping a close eye on them. Psychedelia has re-flowered and produced All We Are and for this we are thankful.

Words Lauren Wade

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Brighton four-piece Lion Bark first started life in 2012 and since then, the Bill Hicks influenced band have gone from strength to strength turning heads with their brand of self-described 'Beach Beats'.

Their impressive swirling, sweet and wistful take on 2013's indie-pop trend is performed quite spectacularly. At times their effortless pop charms appear redolent of Vampire Weekend. Latest track 'Longhorns' is taken from the forthcoming debut EP from Lion Bark which is set for release in early 2014.

Previous release 'Two Prongs' picked up support and acclaim from BBC Introducing, Clash Magazine and NME Magazine also mentioned them as a band to watch recently.

Lion Bark deal in hazy, summer jams but their slice of new-wave sound is one that will keep us going until we are greeted with the arrival of next summer.

Brighton has a growing reputation for producing bands who consistently deliver strong songs and Lion Bark are no exception; get them in your life.

Words Lauren Wade

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Birmingham four-piece Peace have had an incredible 2013 - now rounding things off with a festive spin on Wham!'s classic Christmas hit 'Last Christmas'. Currently touring the UK as part of their biggest headline tour to date, the band have kicked things off in style with a celebratory video to accompany their cover version of the festive tune.

Frontman Harry Koisser released a statement explaining how their cover came to be, saying "About a week before it's beginning, we realised our approaching UK tour ran straight in to the belly of the Christmas period. Despite our Scrugicidal Tendencies, we found ourselves in a bout of excitement. A miracle perhaps?

Anyway, we ended up pit deep in the festive moment and guided by the spiritual production of Blaine Harrison, we recorded a festive cover and shot some video doing it.

Here it is. Have a wonderful December xxxx"

Watch Peace's cover of 'Last Christmas' below and check out their remaining tour dates.

December

03 - East Village Arts Club, Liverpool

05 - Academy, Oxford

06 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London (SOLD OUT)

07 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London

08 - Pyramid, Portsmouth

10 - Waterfront, Norwich

11 - Ritz, Manchester

12 - Anson Rooms, Bristol

13 - Academy, Birmingham

Words Lauren Wade

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Forming the flipside of their double A-side with former hit 'Bubbles', Birmingham outfit Superfood's new track 'Melting' is one that finds them transporting listeners all the way back to 1993.

The omnipresent 90s vibes and subtle, yet exciting key changes allow the polished track from the Brummie four-piece to flourish, although any deep meaning tucked behind the lyrics are left ambiguous. Not all bands can get away with it, but when you sound so gloriously carefree, who cares how nonsensical and meaningful the words they muster up are? We certainly don't; focus on their tranquilising neo-grunge sound instead.

Having been announced to support Wolf Alice at Koko's NYE Ball, it appears Superfood are quickly finding themselves playing on bigger stages to bigger crowds as the clock ticks. The only question left to ponder upon, is what will 2014 have in store for the group? We can only speculate, but a safe bet should be placed on something beneficial and nutritious.

Words Lauren Wade

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If you're a fan of The Wytches' brand of psychedelic surf-doom, then prep your ears for a similar treat arriving in the form of Southampton-based four-piece Fever. With distorted guitars galore and impassioned vocals by the bucket load, the band also drape themselves in memorable melodies and blaze with promise.

Not much is known about Fever, although a main ambition of the group is to be "popular enough to be able to slap Harry Styles and get away with it." Enlisting the production skills of Wild Smiles' Chris Peden, Fever's debut track 'Shell Shock' is one that employs psychedelic power riffs - veering away from accusations of being just another group of throwaway surf revivalists.

What differs and works to their credit is that there is none of that hazy, paisley business going on, no drug-induced drones either. 'Shell Shock' is blanketed by a washed out riff that loops throughout the track and leaves Fever indebted only to themselves.

If you're looking for a slice of psych that leaves the flower power mentality securely locked away; you've come to the right place. Before you know it, you'll have a Fever taking over your body and we're not talking about the virus.

Words Lauren Wade

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Royal by name and rich by the nature of their bass and drum soundscape - Brighton-based duo Royal Blood are showing newbies to the music scene how it's done, despite still being in the early stages of band life themselves. For those of you new to their sound, Royal Blood can only be described as that which would result if Arctic Monkeys, Queens of the Stone Age, Drenge and The White Stripes were to form a super group. They're that good.

The band caught the eye of Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders earlier in the year, when the Sheffield drummer asked for a Royal Blood T-shirt a day prior to the Monkeys' headline Glastonbury gig. This caused plenty of panic for the group whose merchandise didn't even exist until Helders submitted a request.

Thankfully, singer/bassist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher aren't ones to shy away from a challenge and twenty four hours later the drummer was seen sporting the first set of threads that was to become their official merchandise. Kerr later remarked to NME magazine "That melted our brains." Here's the deal with Royal Blood - they're brain-melting specialists.

From the opening rumbles of 'Out Of The Black' it's clear we're onto something special. Royal Blood pile straight into a major tune blanketed by sleazy bass spins that will see listeners going berserk for their creeping, yet appealing menace. Relying on relatively little is a hard task to master, but the two-piece make full use of their limitations and send out hooky thrash rock tracks such as B-side 'Come On Over'.

Exuding sheer explosive energy, from a band that are drip-feeding fans with new material, Royal Blood have proven themselves to be ones to watch out for as they head for the big league and burst out of speakers near you soon. Violently thrilling to their core, we're excited to see where their sound takes them if this glimpse of anticipation is anything to go by.

Words Lauren Wade

http://royalblood.com/

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Sheffield-based indie-pop group Reverend And The Makers have announced a 2014 February/March tour. The live dates will see them play to fans across the country in twelve venues. Tickets go on sale November 1st.

Having previously opened for Arctic Monkeys, Oasis and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, the band released their third album '@Reverend_Makers' in June 2012. You can now pre-order their fourth album 'Thirty Two' and a new song called 'Your Girl' is available to download for free once you have ordered the album.

Reverend And The Makers will play:

February 2014

25th - LMUSU, Leeds

26th - The Welly Club, Hull

27th - O2 Academy, Birmingham

28th - 53 Degrees, Preston

March 2014

1st - O2 Academy, Liverpool

5th - The Ritz, Manchester

7th - O2 Academy, Sheffield

8th - Rock City, Nottingham

10th - The Fleece, Bristol

11th - Concorde 2, Brighton

12th - Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth

13th - Electric Ballroom, Camden, London

http://www.iamreverend.com

https://www.facebook.com/ReverendAndTheMakers

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Alternative London four-piece, Flyte cast themselves as a crossover between Theme Park, Franz Ferdinand and The 1975 on the debut EP Live. Citing their influences as Elvis Costello, David Bowie and Joy Divison, the currently unsigned group make a unique blend of indie rock that serves their style alone. Their debut three-track EP is due for release on 16 September, and with Radiohead engineer and Vaccines producer Dan Grech-Marguerat on board it sees the group penning light-hearted tunes that were made for the radio.

Title track Over And Out is a bouncy little number with an infectious jerky groove. With hooks as glorious as what we're getting here, it will make people dance like they've been banned all their life (we're talking Footloose style). Frontman Will Taylor also has a deeply distinct vocal range that sets tracks apart. Followed by Chasing Heaven, Flyte come across all Kooks-esque on us, in a manner reminiscent of 2006's Naïve.

Finishing on a high note with Words Come Easily, the initial instrumental section works wonders, before dropping into Taylor's vocals once more. Throwing in a few mind-melting melodies here and there, it's proven they're really on to something. For a bunch of newbies to be so slick and accomplished is no mean feat. After playing a sold-out show at the Lexington in London recently, it's clear the tides are turning and Flyte are about to undergo a journey that will see them reap the praise they undoubtedly deserve. Get on their sound and earn bragging rights whilst you still can.

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Blending the creative talents of Sean Keogh and Patrick Hughes, A Lovely War is the product of their efforts, a newly formed Liverpool-based duo sculpting psych swirls ready to blow the music industry wide open. Their EP Ezra is an early taste of what's to come from this promising pair, and if Liverpool keeps throwing up raw talent in the vein of A Lovely War - NME might finally shift their omnipotent focus away from the B-Town scene to the northern bunch.

Acting as a snapshot of where they're currently at, Baby, Don't Be So Defensive serves as an emotional plea to a lover, and there's plenty of talk about what happened last night and 'where to go from hear' which raises lingering questions but we can let it slide for now. Beneath their light-hearted frills, there's a moody intensity flickering away with no likelihood of burning out anytime soon.

Whilst they may appear indebted to Vampire Weekend, particularly in places such as on hilariously ironic title-track Ezra, they can be forgiven as they fuse their 'borrowed goods' with aspects of reggae. An interesting move that sees a divide visualise between them and the rest of their fellow Merseyside music makers.

Final offering, Maxine, We're Alive! feels fit to soundtrack a Mario Bros Adventure, incorporating touches of a playful nature. It's rich, layered jangly twangs are the secret weapon to this EP and it becomes evident on this departing number why it was saved for the end. A Lovely War are destined for stages beyond their reckoning, a slot on Glastonbury's BBC Introducing Stage and an opportunity to show that they can hold their own playing further afield, rather than cutting their teeth on the Liverpool gig circuit is just what they need. Keep an eye out for this duo as they aren't set to disappoint anytime soon.

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Liverpool has become a talking-point for its ever growing crop of raw talent and new music in recent years. With so much talent to be found in the city it can be hard to get yourself heard, but psych rockers Go Fiasco are amongst the northerners growing in popularity, whilst injecting that much needed dose of excitement and originality into the music industry. Could this four-piece be our saviours?

On first impressions alone, we've come over all attentive and eager to discover if the band's sound is as epic as their name. We're not disappointed. Go Fiasco's latest offering Meet My Mystery is a six track EP with an infectious beat threaded throughout. Guitarist Jamie Roberts ensures the energy never dips with dreamy riffs, twisting between the tracks yet up-keeping an integral presence. Roberts' Peace-esque guitar work also does a nice job of framing Daniel Duggan's smooth vocals.

A smug feeling arises when listening to this particular band, however it is stand-out tracks like Cutting Corners that really catch our attention. The tune is a woozy kind of effort which definitely belongs in the sexy stratosphere. There is no other place that would seem fitting. The Liverpool outfit provide us with a punchy beat too, leading us to the revelation that this is one sound tailored for festivals.

Shorter in comparison, title-track Meet My Mystery is a tune that dribbles into life before ramping things up. The riffs Go Fiasco deal in are undeniably addictive. If they were a substance, we could compare them to the fine batches that Breaking Bad's Walter White never fails to cook up. They're undeniably good and you can tell they deserve the positive reactions they're receiving. Go Fiasco's humble roots have served them well, let's hope they bypass the industry bark (which has a tendency to destroy even the best) and reach the peak of success on their own terms.

In our exclusive interview with the band, Go Fiasco speak to us about taking everything in their stride, the talent of Liverpool and much more...

Firstly, how did the 'Meet My Mystery' EP come to be?

We had crafted a whole new live set, which we were really proud of and decided to get it recorded in a demo form as quickly as possible, so that people could learn the words and sing along if they wanted to. This EP is quite different to the last one as it is the lastest experiment of ours as we try and find the sound we are searching for. We feel the last EP sounded better on record and this one sounds better live, the next EP will capture the best of both worlds. We are getting closer to our own unique sound.

What is your favourite track from the EP and why?

I think every one of us has different favourites, but it seems to be Heaven and Cutting Corners that most people connect with the quickest.

Are you championing any other local musicians?

It seems their is a lot of movement within Liverpool at the moment and some interesting musicians doing interesting things, however we haven't found any bands that are capturing the kind of vibe that we're striving for.

Do you have a stand-out career moment so far?

We try to just take it every day at a time, we do love what we do but, but because we're so fixated on creating something worthwhile, it feels as though the true highlights are still to come. Having the opportunity to play and create music every days is a highlight in itself.

Have you been out on the festival circuit yet?

With our current line-up we have been a band for little under a year, so unfortunately not, we are however excited for when the opportunity arises.

Which direction would you like to take your music in?

We've been working away and trying new things and now we have a few more tricks up our collective sleeve.

With so much talent around, what is it that makes you guys different?

We understand that less is more, but sometimes more is more than that.

Finally, what can we expect from the band in the nearby future?

A lot more...

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With many bands centred on a vintage sound, it can be hard to stand out. East London based Telegram use this to their advantage, drifting away from that paisley serenity that a lot of new bands have perfected; The four piece aren't afraid to lose themselves in a tangle of drug-induced drones and washed out garage riffs. With a reputation on the rise since their session for Marc Riley on BBC6 Music, Telegram have an abundance of charm to spare, only adding to the appeal of their dreamy texture.

Draped in sprawling guitars, There Is Nothing sees the band taking cues from fellow musician friends The Horrors. If the track's ingredients were to be presented before us, we could identify them as equal parts wildly infectious guitar solos and trancey rumbles. Despite not having much experience in the gig area, Telegram certainly know what audiences require. Whilst, not set to make an appearance at this year's Glastonbury Festival, their psych sounds seems fit to be unwrapped by a Glasto crowd in the blazing heat and squelchy mud.

Essentially a sexy guitar record, Folly contains sleazy sizzles that rip through you, as a listener, at an unrelenting pace. Continuing their policy on stylish guitar solos, once again you can find them embedded into the heart of the track. Eons is a bit of a slow burner, but when it warms up; the substance is hard to ignore. Ultimately, its a continuous build towards that which everyone is waiting for. Although, in places it feels like it doesn't quite reach the heights we were expecting.

The highlight of all their tracks so far, Follow taps into a far out sound and pulses with urgency. Its compulsive foot tapping nature will sweep you into Telegram's world where everything sounds huge and grandeur, a world where everything is coloured by psychedelic tinges and we all lost our minds sometime ago. If you like your bands who know how to evoke a buzz, making you dance (or at least bop) until you get stitches in your stomach - then look no further.

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Last time we met Liverpool's Clever Criminals, they were crafting impressive guitar tracks. Continuing to employ sleek chord progressions, the band still leave it to the riffs to do all the talking. Although, it does appear as if their sound has ploughed into new territory on brand new track What Are You Waiting For.

Propelled by familiarity, the riffing remains reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys circa 2006 on No Buses. This part is not the only aspect that feels borrowed, the opening is well placed, although strains of Jake Bugg's Country Song may creep into your mind. Deliberate or not, its a mellow listen containing a tranquilising edge - it just doesn't feel like a Clever Criminals record. The band are known for their snarling slices of rock and it doesn't fit the criteria, the hooks are epically catchy though.

Likewise, on Teenage Hypnotiser it feels as if the band have borrowed elements from Arctic Monkeys' 2006 album Favourite Worst Nightmare and stitched it all together. It's not necessarily a negative, everyone has their influences and Clever Criminals' fondness of the Sheffield group reminds us of only one other fixation: Oasis and The Beatles. Gallagher & Co often generated tunes in the same vein as The Fab Four. Hi Shakermaker and Up In The Sky, but it never really tarnished their music (or credibility).

The positives of Teenage Hypnotiser strongly outweigh the negatives. Joe Tarpey's baritone vocals complete the track. Once more, the band's penchant for sonic riffs shimmers but ultimately it's a brooding number to get stuck into.

Their most original offering to date, Adore The Immature advances with spiralling riffs and enduring anthems. No frills attached, it doesn't pretend to be anything other than it is. A tune containing as much substance as this is a sure fire hit, especially when paired with memorable lyrics. It is tracks like these which will take Clever Criminals far. The band have their strengths and weaknesses (like any), and whilst there is room for improvement Clever Criminals have certainly got the goods (and the guts) - the only question is how far can they take it?

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When dream indie and post punk collide; the product is bound to be epically delicious. This is a sound we are treated to with Warrington four-piece The Anecdotes, who describe themselves by saying "If Foals, Peace, The Cure and The Strokes had a lovechild". Whilst this may seem arrogant at first, one listen to the band's latest EP Origami Waves proves they are able to crush that arrogance with rock growls and heady riffs.

Opening number, Origami Waves captures The Anecdotes’ trademark beach grunge noise, with hints of heaviness thrown in for good measure. Lingering vocals are employed, along with smashing drums that really hammer home how talented the band really is. Kaleidoscope, a more subdued number infected with tasteful hooks and tumbling grooves, proves just how far the group can stretch artistically.

Fell Into A Dream is also a mellow number, with tender moments here and blissful chords there. It’s rare that such an upbeat band is able to produce a headrush of calm and sentimentality. Final number, Sepia Fields is drenched in beach grunge vibes (once more) and shimmering exquisiteness. Deliberate or not, the group manage to sound like The Maccabees and Bombay Bicycle Club, yet their psych tinge seeps out and formulates this track into something better than we could have hoped for, eliminating all other competition. From the EP, two things became apparent: If The Anecdotes' continue to craft music in this fashion, soon enough they will be basking in success. Secondly, this plush collection is enough to ensure a flock of keen fans will always be rooting for them.

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Psych revivalists The Wytches continue 2013's take on psychedelia with their snarling instrumentation and paisley vibes. Consisting of Kristian Bell (Vocals/Guitar/Organ) Mark Breed (Guitar) Dan Rumsey (Bass) and Gianni Honey (Drums) the band have described their brand of sound as "surf doom" and stand in line amongst fellow psych rockers Temples as poster boys for the resurgence of psych-flecked audio. Since forming in late 2011, The Wytches have cast a spell on Hate Hate Hate Records who they're signed to, and now reside in Brighton where they are paving the way to becoming one of Britain's greatest alternative acts.

Listening to their track Beehive Queen, one thing is clear - the group sound like they have devoured Arctic Monkeys' back catalogue and reissued it with a psychedelic edge. The appeal of this dark and cynical psych band, is summed up neatly through their killer riffs and sense of menace, each track communicates to the listener. Devilishly acidic undertones linger in abundance and leave a sour after taste, and whilst it's more of a hazy strain of 60s influenced rock - the flower power is still there, tiny yet visible. Tripped out and ready to brew a storm; The Wytches are in a league of their own.