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Review: Bon Iver '22, A Million'


It's been five years since we last heard from Justin Vernon, the man behind Bon Iver and his third album shows he's not one for convention or rule-following. News of his latest release reached fans when he played the album in its entirety at his own festival in his hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The mostly unpronounceable track names were sent out via an app and tongues have been waggling away ever since. 

Vernon's most experimental material yet has been a long time in the making. The eagerly-anticipated third album borders on hypnotic and will have you rushing to repeat the ten beautifully blissful ballads over and over. Tracks such as '33 "God"' are laced with the simplest of songwriting and soaring melodies that sound utterly divine when fixed together. 

Ever since Vernon's 2012 (arguably rightful) Grammy Awards win, the discussion has rarely halted amongst critics and fans alike as to what path the musician would choose when it came to making the next move in his career. '22, A Million' is edgier, bolder and more fantastic than ever before but it took more than just a prestigious award win to turn him to the experimental side and bring him out of the mythical cabin.

Vernon's 2011 self-titled album 'Bon Iver' read like a 'Visit Wisconsin' advert, with its geographic track names and autumnal tunes the perfect accompaniment for any woodland walk. '22, A Million' sees a departure from this past seasonal state. ‘10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ ⚄' features heavy uses of synthesisers and manipulated vocals that Vernon had yet to tackle, but this mesmerising track nails it in one. 

That's not to say all of the elements of his previous material are rendered obsolete. '666 ʇ' sounds the most stylistically similar to old hit single 'Blood Bank', proving there's still a touch of the former insular musician tucked away inside Vernon somewhere. Similarly, album opener '00000 Million' and '8 (Circle)' take on more melancholic tones and feel more closely related to songs from Vernon's 2008 breakout album 'For Emma, Forever Ago'.

Justin Vernon may have spent a fair amount of time on the brink of isolation in the past, and he may not have employed the same tactics with record number three but his labour's pulled off, regardless of the route he took to get there. The otherworldly balled-packed album documents the struggle of identity whilst ensuring that people learn you don't have to fully 'get' a piece of music to take pleasure from it. 

Words Lauren Wade




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LIVE REVIEW // The Magic Gang and Sheikh @ The Hope and Ruin 02.12.15

Brighton babes, The Magic Gang kicked their tour off in style at The Hope and Ruin - a bar/live music venue inspired by Eastern European watering holes and decorated entirely out of found objects and gig posters. 

The Strokes have played the venue in the past and it's a place full of character with a lively atmosphere to match; an apt fit for the headliners and their support band, Sheikh, who embody everything you want them to be and more. 

As the room starts to fill up, Sheikh take to the stage and dive straight into 'Fortune'. The five-piece who hail from Bahrain but now reside in London have a sound that can be described as guitar driven psych rock with a little bit of pop thrown in for a twist. 

Whilst they're very much themselves and have an epic stage presence, at times Sheikh have a tendency to sound like The Maccabees mashed with Catfish & The Bottlemen and Bombay Bicycle Club and they own it. Stand-out tracks include 'I Could Be Yours' and their debut track 'Fonda' which impresses with sun-kissed guitars and is laced with a sleek guitar riff. 

A short while later, The Magic Gang grace the venue and smash their way through a setlist of devilishly great tracks including 'Jasmine' from their forthcoming EP. The band have recently been announced as part of DIY magazine's 'Class of 2016' and with good reason, their live set contains a thrilling intensity throughout. 

'No Fun' is a dreamy affair from start to finish that gets the crowd dancing to their searing guitars and polished grooves. Singer and guitarist, Jack Kaye snaps the string on his guitar before telling the crowd "It's okay - I don't use that string anyway." 

Both, The Magic Gang and Sheikh are bands providing reasons to get excited about music again. Their tracks will worm their way into your memory easily and fingers crossed, we'll hear some more material from them soon. The bands are touring together for the rest of December; go show them some love and support at a gig near you. 

 Words Lauren Wade

The Magic Gang will play:

03/12 - The Joiners, Southampton
04/12 - The Bullingdon, Oxford
05/12 - The Louisiana, Bristol
07/12 - Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
08/12 - Studio2, Liverpool
09/12 - Sound Control (bar), Manchester
10/12 - Bungalows and Bears, Sheffield
12/12 - Think Tank, Newcastle
13/12 - King Tut's, Glasgow
14/12 - Brudenell Games Room, Leeds
15/12 - The Lexington, London




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Cheerleader

cheerleadersounds’s avatarDescribing themselves as "Hazy electro-pop" this quintet from Philadelphia have labelled themselves accurately. With influences ranging from the Beach Boys and Pixies to the likes of Otis Redding, Philly five-piece Cheerleader started making music in the bedroom of their band members but now they've taken things further afield with a series of impressive and captivating demos.
The crisp production on tracks such as 'Do What You Want' and 'New Daze' allows vocals to flutter and warming melodies to caress ears of listeners. The twinkling chorus on the latter track is rich and layered which aids the epically delicious nature of the tunes that they exist in.
Propelled by ambition, 2014 is set to be an exciting and formative year for Cheerleader. With a forthcoming slot at this year's annual SXSW held in Austin, Texas, the level of success facing Cheerleader could soon change this spring so keep an eye out for them.

Words Lauren Wade



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Temples 'Sun Structures'

Kettering neo-psychedelic four-piece Temples have been on the rise over the past year, now it's their time to unleash the full effect of their glittering, revamped psych vibes on a long-awaiting public. The revivalists debut 'Sun Structures' glitters in a blurred distortion that crawls under your skin, allowing Temples to euphorically take their sound to the next level.
Familiar and previous hits such as 'Colours To Life' and 'Shelter Song' make an appearance on this satisfyingly divine debut. The former being a hypnotic masterpiece that shimmies along as James Bagshaw's blissed out vocals injects dreamy additional layers. Elsewhere, the heavenly 'Mesmerise' is a moment in which Temples' modern rejuvenation of psych sounds comparable to material from The Horrors' 2011 album 'Skying'.
With a fondness for reverb and backwards guitar that serves them well, Temples have gone nuclear as proven by tracks such as 'The Golden Throne' and 'Move With The Season'. Their fondness and familiarity is one that elevates both tracks' retro sounds and has earned themselves a sizeable fanbase in the process.
Title-track 'Sun Structures' conjures a sound that achieves maximum intensity with an unwavering brilliance that drips in psychedelia. It is a psych-inflected gem with acid-soaked riffs - showing there is more to Temples than just mere hype and praise laid on thick by the likes of Oasis legend Noel Gallagher; they have elongated longevity.
Meanwhile, the psych strut of 'Sand Dance' doesn't quite reach Tame Impala standards but it comes reasonably close, Bagshaw's vocals also sound remarkably similar to T-Rex at times, giving the sound of the past a new lease of life. 'Sun Structures' proves itself to be one of the band's greatest moments to date and it is perfectly clear that psychedelia has re-flowered and produced this heavenly band, the finest of the fine with a debut that serves as a timely reminder of their rad nature. Expect more noise.

Words Lauren Wade

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Bombay Bicycle Club 'Luna'

LunaLondon four-piece Bombay Bicycle Club are en route to following in the footsteps of Foals, whose third album 'Holy Fire' turned out to be a game-changer not just for themselves but for their fans too. Now, Crouch End's finest are back with the second single 'Luna' from their fourth album 'So Long, See You Tomorrow' in which they display bright, shimmering choruses of untold potential and sun-bleached beats that will undoubtedly set hearts a-flutter.
Bombay Bicycle Club’s avatarThey may be gearing up to take their sound to bigger stages this year, but Bombay Bicycle Club are a group who haven't forgotten their roots. Comparisons to 2011's 'A Different Kind of Fix' are still easily identifiable. Although, these masters of festival-friendly anthems mesh well the sounds of the past with those of the future.
With other tracks 'Carry Me' and 'It's Alright Now' from their forthcoming fourth album already out there, Bombay Bicycle Club are once again setting their own limits and refusing to compromise. 'Luna' is a swirling slice of what's to come when their new album drops and it might just be their greatest moment to date.

 Words Lauren Wade
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Darlia 'Knock Knock'

Choke On BonesEvery once in a while a band comes along with the ability to defeat every obstacle placed in front of them. They go above and beyond in the name of music and their quest for greatness is prematurely fulfilled when the hype machine latches onto their sound.
Blackpool trio Darlia are that band, specifically ones who are leading the rock revival that is predicted to last long into 2014 and beyond. Comparisons to fellow revivalist newbies Drenge and Royal Blood are likely to emerge, however Darlia choose to do things a little differently with Radio 1 playlist boss Nigel Harding describing them as "the most exciting new guitar band in the UK."
Whilst there quiet-loud dynamic contributes majorly to their appeal, don't be surprised if you find yourself feeling nostalgic of a time when Nirvana were around - Darlia blend Nirvana-esque neo-grunge riffs with gut-rumbling basslines. All of this tessellates together, reeling you in before spitting listeners out again.
Darlia’s avatarTheir debut EP 'Knock Knock' justifies the hype and leaves you scrambling for the repeat button. Taking its lyrical and stylistic cues from the 90s Seattle grunge scene, the EP is one that switches between abrasive roars to breathless intervals, leaving listeners shaken to the core.
Opening track 'Queen Of Hearts' opens in a Nirvana-esque manner and signals to keen-eyed music fans that the 1994 rock revival begins here. The Blackpool newcomers' debut release incorporates ragged, uncompromising potential hit 'Napalm' sending out a near-perfect slice of brilliance complete with crushing riffs that cascade and collide.
Fresh madness ensues on final number 'Choke On Bones' with squealing guitars drenched in rock'n'roll sleaze. Their new-wave sound and swelling riffs are deeply immersive and will see them kick up some serious dust if they continue in this direction for the foreseeable future. One final thought - Darlia only deal in epics.

 Words Lauren Wade
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Rock Revolver's Albums of 2013 - Part 3

The third and final part of our annual festive album countdown covers the finest top five albums released in 2013. From Arctic Monkeys to Arcade Fire only the best have guaranteed themselves a slot at the top, so who made it? Read on to find out.
#5 - David Bowie 'The Next Day'
When news of 'The Next Day' arrived unexpectedly on Bowie's 66th Birthday back in January, we were all a little dubious to say the least. However, Bowie's first album in ten years is one with an abundance of naked emotion and intense melodies that casts any lingering doubts aside.

Reverting back to core Bowie mode on the 70s glam-rock inspired 'The Stars (Are Out Tonight) and elegantly urgent '(You Will) Set The World On Fire' - it's not hard to see why this impressive comeback album is as a vacuum of triumph and delights that you will unquestionably be sucked into.
'The Next Day' was released on 8th March and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.


#4 - Foals 'Holy Fire'
Oxford quintet Foals took a giant leap forward with 'Holy Fire' - an album that saw them go above and beyond in their quest to reign triumphant. Their third studio album impressed with evocative dark and brooding riffs and melodies that earned them a Mercury Prize nomination and their first festival headline slot at Latitude this summer

Stand-out tracks included the gloriously hooky 'My Number' a sucker-punch tune that sizzles with summer vibes and tipped them over the edge into the pit of success that ensued. Whilst, 'Inhaler' with it's intense, chugging nature serving as the perfect contrast to softer and more subtle tracks such as the gorgeous 'Milk & Black Soldiers'. The finishing touch is 'Providence' documenting the tenfold energy present at their gigs.
'Holy Fire' was released on 11th February and charted at #2 in the UK Albums Chart.


 #3 - Haim 'Days Are Gone'
Haim time arrived and swept us all into a frenzy of excitement and chilled Californian vibes in the year that was 2013 - not once did the trio made up of sisters Este, Danielle and Alana fail to live up to the hype. They delivered a breezy debut thick with an avalanche of potential hits and eternal glittering promise.

The cascading drum machine on 'Falling' sets itself apart alongside 'Let Me Go' which is sealed with thick percussion, elements of their live show and a charm that dirties those that listen. Haim's debut was an album that made us want to round up our siblings and form a rock band. Take note; Haim are the future.

'Days Are Gone' was released on 30th September and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.



#2 - Arcade Fire 'Reflektor'
On their fourth release, Montreal-based Arcade Fire decided to do things a little differently that resulted in 'Reflektor'. Evoking far too many heart-in-your-mouth moments to count, few expected 'Reflektor' to be the masterpiece that it undoubtedly is.

From a brilliant street art campaign, to enlisting the help of David Bowie for backing vocal duties, Arcade Fire were unstoppable throughout the latter half of 2013. Not even complaints from fans when required to don fancy dress in order to gain access to gigs could halt them.

Tracks such as the 70s-esque 'We Exist' and the experimental yet catchy 'You already Know' enabled the group to secure their claim as one of the decade's most important bands.

'Reflektor' was released on 28th October and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.


#1 - Arctic Monkeys 'AM'
Dividing opinions has become something of a speciality for Sheffield four-piece Arctic Monkeys, however it was fifth release 'AM' that spawned an epic and mixed up the mood once again. The only distinction being that this time, all minds were made up that 'AM' is one of the (if not) greatest albums to have been released in 2013.

An album that sees them mix the darker, brooding moments of 2009's 'Humbug' with the autobiographical elements of their 2006 debut 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' and the soft love-stricken ballads of 2011's 'Suck It And See'. Maybe it's the LA-effect but we like it.

'AM' was released on 09th September and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.



Words Lauren Wade

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Arctic Monkeys 'You're So Dark'

Arctic Monkeys - You're So DarkEver wondered what it would sound like if you were to mix Halloween vibes and an unquenchable lust together, chucking in a few cultural references for fun? Ponder no longer as Sheffield-four piece Arctic Monkeys have done it for you.

This year we've seen Britain's most sought-after band release a fifth album that went above and beyond expectations, winning over even the harshest of critics. Pandemonium now ensues at every single gig they play without fail and now is the time they can finally stake a genuine claim in being the band that defined a generation, albeit one where the landscape of music consumption was changed forever by new technology.
As always is the case, Arctic Monkeys' B-sides are just as good if not better than their actual singles; which is why it is unfathomable why the B-side to current single 'One For The Road' wasn't included on 'AM'. 
'You're So Dark' makes a fine addition to their arsenal of knockout tracks. It's one that consumes listeners in a haze of delicious dark funk grooves and high-pitched vocals from the Space Choirboys (aka drummer Matt Helders and bassist Nick O'Malley).

The track is one that shares it's DNA with previous hits such as 'Do I Wanna Know?' and 'Electricity' but the sweet strains of this shimmering slow-jam will be credited to nothing more than itself.

Words Lauren Wade


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Rock Revolver's Albums of 2013 - Part 2

The second part of our annual festive album countdown sees established rock artists make waves with 2013 releases that surprised and delighted. Part 2 of our ultimate 2013 album coverage covers #10 to #6. As always, there is a little something tucked away for everyone.
10 - Paul McCartney 'New'
Fans of ex-Beatle Paul McCartney were dubious to say the least when the music icon announced news of latest album 'New'. As his sixteenth studio album, 'New' sees McCartney cover old ground in a nostalgic manner whilst incorporating elements of a feel-good nature that'll have you bopping along, even if you're one of those annoying music snobs who thinks McCartney's past his time.

Having enlisted the production skills of four producers, Sir Macca compiled one of his greatest albums in a very long time. Stand-out tracks include the effortless 'Queenie Eye' with smooth guitar lines and understated psychedelic vibes. Soulful slow-jam 'Everybody Out There' is another highlight conveying the sparkle McCartney has never once lost throughout his extensive career (no, not even at last year's Olympic opening ceremony).

'New' was released on 14th October and charted at #3 in the UK Albums Chart.

9 - Miles Kane 'Don't Forget Who You Are'
Wirral Riddler Miles Kane pulled out all of the stops on the follow-up to 2011's 'Colour Of The Trap'. The result was a strong second that proved to fans Kane is more than just Alex Turner's mate.

'Don't Forget Who You Are' is an album that sees Kane encompass a heavier sound, no doubt influenced from his time spent with the iconic Paul Weller. Big moments come thick and fast in the form of opening number 'Taking Over' and the achingly cool 'You're Gonna Get It' which aptly Weller features on.

'Don't Forget Who You Are' was released on 03rd June and charted at #8 in the UK Albums Chart.




8 - Queens of the Stone Age '...Like Clockwork'
Slick desert dwellers Queens of the Stone Age returned on top form with the release of sixth studio album '...Like Clockwork'. The album features guest appearances from frontman Josh Homme's musician pals notably: Alex Turner, Dave Grohl, Sir Elton John, Trent Reznor, Mark Lanegan and ex-bassist Nick Oliveri.

The deeply immersive listen embeds swelling riffs against a backdrop of gigantic sleazy hooks. It's almost impossible to come away feeling without feeling filthy and ready for an adventure of your own; we call that 'the Homme effect'.

Every single track featured on their highest ever charting UK album is worthy of a mention, although it's tracks like 'Smooth Sailing' with it's sleazy sizzles and urgent appeal and the swelling intensity of 'Fairweather Friends' that has enabled Queens of the Stone Age to take that next step forward.

'...Like Clockwork' was released on 03rd June and charted at #2 in the UK Albums Chart.
7 - Little Green Cars 'Absolute Zero'
Dublin folk-rock quintet Little Green Cars released their debut 'Absolute Zero'  earlier in the year that set them up for tremendous success to follow. Having supported Jake Bugg on tour and appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon the group continue to go from strength to strength - having a weapon like 'Absolute Zero' in their arsenal is one which will only propel them to greater heights in 2014. 

Blending references to classic literature with melodies comparable to Mumford & Sons, their sound has been described as "post-folk in a very 2013 way". Tracks such as the kooky feel-good 'Angel Owl' and stirring previous hit 'The John Wayne' with its succulent melodies and grasping nature has only contributed to the appeal that sets them apart and allows them to exist unrivalled. 

 If 2013 has seen them broaden their horizons and mould into rising stars; 2014 will see them soar. Absolute Zero? Try absolute heroes. 
'Absolute Zero' was released on 13th May and charted at #94 in the UK Albums Chart.

6 - Peace 'In Love'
As pioneers of the B-Town movement, the original wave of talent comprising of Peace, Swim Deep, Superfood and Troumaca took the UK by storm and proved that talent could be found elsewhere - not just Manchester. 

 Neo-psych saviours Peace justified the hype that surrounded them in their formative phase and went above and beyond to craft a debut that bubbled with brilliance. Last year's 'EP Delicious' signalled the start of what was to follow. 

The Brummie outfit consists of brothers Harry and Sam Koisser who play alongside Doug Castle and Dom Boyce. The four-piece's glowing psychedelic debut mixes massive catchy choruses as heard on 'Wraith' and 'Bloodshake' with more tender moments on 'Float Forever' and the ground-breaking drop incorporated in '1998'.

'In Love' was released on 25th March and charted at #16 in the UK Albums Chart.

Words Lauren Wade


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Rock Revolver's Albums of 2013 - Part 1

As we descend into the annual festive madness, there couldn't be a better time to reflect on the year's finest releases. 2013 was a transformative year that saw the unlikely return of music legend David Bowie and Glastonbury headliners Arctic Monkeys claiming a stake as Britain's finest band.
New bands such as Haim, Drenge, Peace and Palma Violets also released genre-bending albums that has set them up for continued success in 2014. Join us as we countdown the top 15 albums that have shaped 2013. Ranging from #15 to #11 - part 1 of our extensive countdown includes something for everyone.
15 - The Courteeners 'ANNA'
Manchester underdogs The Courteeners have had a hell of a year in 2013, progressing a step closer to cracking further afield than just their loyal following appear to populate Twitter, basking in intense devotion to the four-piece and who appear ready to spring into action at any given moment.
Tracks such as 'Are You In Love With A Notion?' and 'Van Der Graaff' ensure its place as one of the finest albums of what has been another remarkable year in music - but only just. In places, the album falls short of reaching the potential it had to begin with, we're left with sub-standard indie-pop that only die-hard fans will have time for.
Despite their shortcomings, the group led by Liam Fray played two massive homecoming shows at Manchester's Castlefield Bowl back in July. Support came from The Strypes, Miles Kane and The Heartbreaks. This came shortly after making their third appearance at this year's Glastonbury Festival on the John Peel Stage.
'ANNA' was released on 4th February and charted at #6 in the UK Albums Chart.

 14 - Palma Violets '180'
At the end of last year, Lambeth four-piece Palma Violets were cutting their teeth on the underground scene. That quickly changed when the hype machine went into overdrive and bloggers/publications were falling over themselves to feature the lads.

2013 has seen the indie-rock quartet grow with artistic credibility. The group appeared on the 2013 NME Awards Tour, along with Peace, Miles Kane and Django Django, whilst June saw them conquer at Glastonbury Festival on the Park Stage. Their debut album ‘180’ came as a distinct highlight. Having created an authentic and winning sound, the record is an elegant mix of garage rock blended with psychedelic undertones.

Stand-out tracks include ‘Tom the Drum’ with its scratchy guitars compelling self-assured charm that is conveyed. The mellowed ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ is one that exists within a dreamy yet ferocious vein. Whilst, lead single ‘Best of Friends’ is equal parts explosive, equal parts deft.
‘180’ was released on 25th February and charted at #11 in the UK Albums Chart.

13. Biffy Clyro 'Opposites'
2013 was the year Scottish rock trio Biffy Clyro took their sound to epic proportions with the release of their sixth studio album ‘Opposites’. As well as this, they headlined Reading & Leeds Festival and Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Derry.

‘Opposites’ is a solid and engaging listen from start to finish. Tracks such as ‘Sounds Like Balloons’ and ‘Biblical’ hit hard, whilst on the likes of ‘Stingin’ Belle’ and ‘Black Chandelier’ frontman Simon Neil’s commanding vocals move the tracks a step away from previous material. Throughout the duration of the entire album the instrumentation is bound tightly together.
Another that warrants mention is ‘The Joke’s On Us’ a heartfelt supersized anthem justifying exactly why Biffy Clyro was announced as the second headliner for Reading & Leeds. It’s no mean feat pulling off a double album, but it’s one the three-piece have mastered with style and substance.

‘Opposites’ was released on 28th January and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.

12. Phoenix 'Bankrupt!'

With a name like ‘Bankrupt!’ French alternative rock four-piece Phoenix’s fifth album didn’t look as if it was to have a promising start. Boy did that change. After 2009’s ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’ questions were raised as to whether they would be able to match its success – they did.

Expanding the group’s range, ‘Bankrupt!’ is a banger of an album that’ll have you abusing the repeat button once its subtle charms have been unveiled. Prominent tracks such as ‘Trying To Be Cool’ and ‘Entertainment’ incorporate crowd-pleasing hooks and infectious melodies that are devastatingly accomplished.
It’s been an exceptional year for the group who appeared on Saturday Night Live and Jimmy Kimmel Live showcasing new material from the album in early April. The group also played to crowds at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival on the BBC Radio 1/NME Stage.
‘Bankrupt!’ was released on 22nd April and charted at #14 in the UK Albums Chart.


11. Drenge 'Drenge'
Earlier this year, Castleton blues-rock band of brothers Drenge issued one of the finest debut albums this country has ever seen, whipping up a storm and leaving a path of destruction in the wake of their emergence.


The thrashing energy of their self-titled debut has definitely been a high point for music in 2013 and, with celebrity fans such as Matt Helders and Westminster politicians, Tom Watson, latching onto their ferocious yet compelling sound what’s not to love?
An all-out, ready to attack assault on the ears; it is highly recommended that you listen with caution. What’s more they stormed this summer’s festivals including Glastonbury, Latitude and Reading & Leeds as well as supporting Californian duo Deap Vally on tour and making a hometown appearance at Sheffield’s Queens Social Club.
‘Drenge’ was released on 19th August.
Words Lauren Wade

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Peace cover Wham!'s 'Last Christmas'

peace-2013Birmingham 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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Fever

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 Blood

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

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Bombay Bicycle Club 'Carry Me'

London indie four-piece Bombay Bicycle Club have dropped a storming first taste from their forthcoming fourth album, due for release on February 3rd 2014. With a tangible absence from the music scene since 2011's 'A Different Kind of Fix' the band led by Jack Steadman have crafted a percussive, layered number that enlists the backing vocals of Lucy Rose.
Having premiered on BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe's evening show early last week, the intricate instrumentation of 'Carry Me' slots together smoothly, combining sounds of the past with those of the future. The group have pumped their abilities to full power and thrown in a majestic groove that continues throughout the duration of the sub-five minute track.
Summer may be over, but Bombay Bicycle Club aren't letting us forget the sizzling season in a rush. Their latest effort illuminates hazy memories; you'll almost be able to feel the rays bite at your skin before reality returns in full-force.

Words Lauren Wade
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The Rebel Light 'Jukebox Dream'

If you like your music with throwback vibes; Southern-Californian trio The Rebel Light are your go-to guys. Basking in all its DIY glory, their new track 'Jukebox Dream' is driven by retro-tinged guitar lines that flow into smooth instrumentation, accompanied by a crisp vocal.
Carving out a personality of their own, the trio sweep listeners into a dreamy, hazy state where the 60s never ended and overdosing on flower power riffs is considered standard practise. Lyrics like "I fell for you, I got a love that's come true" are textbook but nothing can be deducted from the feel-good factor at work here. Looking to recapture a part of that 60s spirit? Give a listen to this Lennonesque group and prepare to fall slowly and then all at once for their light-hearted thrills.

Words Lauren Wade

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Jo Bywater 'Chasing Tales'

Capturing a bluesy and dynamic sound with every release, Liverpool's finest female singer/songwriter Jo Bywater is back with a new EP entitled 'Chasing Tales'. Following on from 2010's debut 'Cycle Grace Pulse Break', Bywater has continued to develop her artistic credibility and has become a familiar face on the Liverpool music scene and gig circuit. Released in September, 'Chasing Tales' is a subtle, intimate affair that immerses listeners entirely.
Opening on a beautifully acoustic number with 'Chopping Wood', Bywater welcomes us to a world where Mumford & Sons have fused their sounds together with Californian rockers Queens of the Stone Age, resulting in a dusty, desert-worthy track that sees Bywater prematurely peak. Proving herself to be an exciting new voice 'This Garden' is another minimalist effort that goes above and beyond, leaving a lasting impression that low-key affairs are what Bywater excels at.
With a fresh crop of artists up north demonstrating exactly why it is that Britain is musically rich, it would be a shame for the artists to concentrate too greatly on that area. To improve her standing, Bywater should expand further afield and share her sounds with the masses instead of those lucky few up north.

 Words Lauren Wade

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