Cool idea from Dry The River to launch their debut album "Shallow Bed"
Dry the River created a unique series of string art posters to allow fans to hear the album in full for the first time.
Twelve string art posters are placed around London, each one representing a track from the album and depicting an animal. At the end of the string, the band used old fashioned Tin Can telephones to allow passers-by to listen to a song.
The band created the posters in collaboration with FOAM in-house craft-technologist Sophie Yeoman. This film shows the posters being put together and hung around London's streets.
Sophie hand built each poster and fitted them with an Arduino / Wave Shield combo wired through the string to a speaker concealed in the bottom of a tin-can.
Each poster took around 20 hours to complete.
The Shoreditch crowd look to be loving it!
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Festival Watch
There are two festivals that have caught my eye over the last few days:
The Great Escape in Brighton and Melt Festival in Berlin.
The Great Escape announced a bunch of new acts today, most excitingly Lianna La Havas, Alabama Shakes and Natty. From the new lot, I would also be keen to check out Willy Mason, Duologue, Mystery Jets and Chew Lips, then from the full list there are some interesting prospects including, AlunaGeorge, Deaf Club, Friends, Jamie N Commons, Perfume Genius, Toy, When Saints Go Machine and Alt-J.
They've created a very cool interactive line up where you can watch videos from all the acts here.
Melt is a completely different kettle of fish, with more dance orientated acts including Justice, Richie Hawtin, Caribou, Gossip, The Bloody Beetroots and then a few more chilled ones like M83 and The Whitest Boy Alive.
There's the option to sleep in a train on bunk beds with 5 of your pals and the trailer looks a bit mental, but in an exciting way.
Let me know if you've been to either and any other recommendations.
The Great Escape in Brighton and Melt Festival in Berlin.
The Great Escape announced a bunch of new acts today, most excitingly Lianna La Havas, Alabama Shakes and Natty. From the new lot, I would also be keen to check out Willy Mason, Duologue, Mystery Jets and Chew Lips, then from the full list there are some interesting prospects including, AlunaGeorge, Deaf Club, Friends, Jamie N Commons, Perfume Genius, Toy, When Saints Go Machine and Alt-J.
They've created a very cool interactive line up where you can watch videos from all the acts here.
Melt is a completely different kettle of fish, with more dance orientated acts including Justice, Richie Hawtin, Caribou, Gossip, The Bloody Beetroots and then a few more chilled ones like M83 and The Whitest Boy Alive.
There's the option to sleep in a train on bunk beds with 5 of your pals and the trailer looks a bit mental, but in an exciting way.
Let me know if you've been to either and any other recommendations.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Track of the Day - Elliphant
More awesomeness form Sweden, check out this track by Elliphant, 'In The Jungle'
One to watch for shizzle.
One to watch for shizzle.
Tennis at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
The Monday before last I went to see Tennis at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen.
The night started well with a tasty if overpriced meal at Cay Tre on Old Street. We even tried a suspicious jasmine flower dish, a risky yet rewarding move, and felt suitably fed and ready for the gig +2.
We popped around the corner to the venue and were fairly prompt so managed to get a seat along the side which was pleasing +3. It was a Monday night after all and Mondays are not the new Tuesdays.
The support act Filthy Boy came on stage and were a very pleasant surprise +4 and not very dirty at all -1. We were impolite and didn't get up from our seats but this was laziness rather than lack of enjoyment. They are playing at Cargo tomorrow night with Zulu Winter and Oberhofer so you should go check 'em out.
Filthy Boy left and after a while Tennis came on stage. They were very pleasant and also easy on the eye, especially the drummer +5, but I didn't like the lead singer's dress and the guitarist/keyboards guy looked a bit like Francis off Made in Chelsea -1. There was also quite a hot guy next to us in the crowd, so I tried to decide if he was with his girlfriend or not. They didn't seem to be talking much so it probably was -2. Anyway, Tennis are luckier in love, with two of the married members +1.75.
The band ran through a good mix of tracks, from newly released album Young and Old and their previous album Cape Dory +3. Marathon was a predictable highlight +2.5.
It was getting very hot in the venue -6 and an annoying tall girl with a dodgy ponytail arrived in front of me taking loads of videos -5 so it was a bit of relief to be honest when the band exited the stage and came back for a totally surprise encore (nah was really obvious!).
They asked the crowd what track they wanted (nice move), and "Long Boat Pass" was chosen +4. It was a good end to the show and I left with the song stuck in my head.
Overall the whole show was most agreeable, especially the good looking drummer and I do like the venue but it just got too hot. Also some of the songs do sound the same.
B
The night started well with a tasty if overpriced meal at Cay Tre on Old Street. We even tried a suspicious jasmine flower dish, a risky yet rewarding move, and felt suitably fed and ready for the gig +2.
We popped around the corner to the venue and were fairly prompt so managed to get a seat along the side which was pleasing +3. It was a Monday night after all and Mondays are not the new Tuesdays.
The support act Filthy Boy came on stage and were a very pleasant surprise +4 and not very dirty at all -1. We were impolite and didn't get up from our seats but this was laziness rather than lack of enjoyment. They are playing at Cargo tomorrow night with Zulu Winter and Oberhofer so you should go check 'em out.
Filthy Boy left and after a while Tennis came on stage. They were very pleasant and also easy on the eye, especially the drummer +5, but I didn't like the lead singer's dress and the guitarist/keyboards guy looked a bit like Francis off Made in Chelsea -1. There was also quite a hot guy next to us in the crowd, so I tried to decide if he was with his girlfriend or not. They didn't seem to be talking much so it probably was -2. Anyway, Tennis are luckier in love, with two of the married members +1.75.
The band ran through a good mix of tracks, from newly released album Young and Old and their previous album Cape Dory +3. Marathon was a predictable highlight +2.5.
It was getting very hot in the venue -6 and an annoying tall girl with a dodgy ponytail arrived in front of me taking loads of videos -5 so it was a bit of relief to be honest when the band exited the stage and came back for a totally surprise encore (nah was really obvious!).
They asked the crowd what track they wanted (nice move), and "Long Boat Pass" was chosen +4. It was a good end to the show and I left with the song stuck in my head.
Overall the whole show was most agreeable, especially the good looking drummer and I do like the venue but it just got too hot. Also some of the songs do sound the same.
B
Saturday, 25 February 2012
New Band of the Day: Lo-Fi-Fnk
Today I happily came across Swedish band Lo-Fi-Fnk and the video for their new single Kissing Taste, which is out on Monday:
Their album The Last Summer is well worth a listen too, nice electronicy upbeatness.
Lo-Fi-Fnk - "Kissing Taste" from stereogum on Vimeo.
Their album The Last Summer is well worth a listen too, nice electronicy upbeatness.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Alabama Shakes at The Boston Arms
Tonight I went to see Alabama Shakes at The Boston Arms.
It was without a doubt the best gig I have seen for a long long time and is arguably going to be one of the gigs of the year, which is quite a statement considering it's only February!
Lead singer Brittany Howard is my new hero, with a voice unique and powerful, awe-inspiring stage presence and a sincerity that made your heart melt (wow that sounds cheesy but I loved her!)
"I Found You" and "Hold On" were predictably highlights, but some of the album tracks are sounding really exciting and their cover of "20th Century Boy" went down a treat.
Although we were somehow front/second row behind superfan dancing guy and photogaphers, my photos are a bit fuzzy (dam iphone) but managed to get a couple of vids too. They aren't full songs as I wanted to rock out but I hope you enjoy.
On the way out we saw Jarvis Cocker, I'm not sure if it's a good sign but he looked like he had a great time too!
In summary, the whole thing was EPIC!
A
It was without a doubt the best gig I have seen for a long long time and is arguably going to be one of the gigs of the year, which is quite a statement considering it's only February!
Lead singer Brittany Howard is my new hero, with a voice unique and powerful, awe-inspiring stage presence and a sincerity that made your heart melt (wow that sounds cheesy but I loved her!)
"I Found You" and "Hold On" were predictably highlights, but some of the album tracks are sounding really exciting and their cover of "20th Century Boy" went down a treat.
Although we were somehow front/second row behind superfan dancing guy and photogaphers, my photos are a bit fuzzy (dam iphone) but managed to get a couple of vids too. They aren't full songs as I wanted to rock out but I hope you enjoy.
On the way out we saw Jarvis Cocker, I'm not sure if it's a good sign but he looked like he had a great time too!
In summary, the whole thing was EPIC!
A
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Remix of the Day - Summer Camp
If you're looking for cool tune to bop to in a relaxed manner, then I've found it!
St. Etienne have remixed Summer Camp's track 'Losing My Mind' and it makes singer Elizabeth Sankey's vocal sound more hipster than and sombre than the original.
Check it out here:
The track is released in a month's time exactly and you can catch them touring around the same time. I was lucky enough to see them perform a small, intimate acoustic set for Saint lager last year at The Sun & 13 Cantons and think you should go, defo.
St. Etienne have remixed Summer Camp's track 'Losing My Mind' and it makes singer Elizabeth Sankey's vocal sound more hipster than and sombre than the original.
Check it out here:
The track is released in a month's time exactly and you can catch them touring around the same time. I was lucky enough to see them perform a small, intimate acoustic set for Saint lager last year at The Sun & 13 Cantons and think you should go, defo.
Thursday, 16 February 2012
The Black Keys at Ally Pally
Last Friday I went to see The Black Keys at Ally Pally.
We arrived in good spirits after a beer and a prosecco +4 and hoped to be in time to see some of Band of Skull's set. Unfortunately we only saw two songs -5 but at least I knew them both and they were great +5.
After a manic mission to the loos -6 and food purchase of cold cheeseburger (not even melted cheese) for £6.50 -11 it was time to return to the auditorium for The Black Keys.
We tactically made our way to the far side and walked towards the front. We thought we had a decent position until the band came on stage and we realised we couldn't really see a thing -8. It got worse when a lame couple in front of us started smooching -5.
They opened with tracks from Brothers , including Howlin' For You, before moving onto El Camino's "Dead and Gone" and current single and my latest addiction "Gold on the Ceiling". The band were brilliant performers from what we could hear +12 and vaguely see (on tip toes) -7.
The crowd seemed to be really enjoying it too, with one fellow behind us screaming "Yazer" at regular intervals. We overheard that it's "a bastardised version of yay" - I'm sure it will catch on.
The Black Keys have a LOT of good songs and they made sure they represented most of their albums, much to the delight of the hardcore fans +4. However, the crowd was quite a random mix, with quite a few oldies and also idiots shouting "Woof Woof" -3.
They reached the end (apart from the mandatory encore) and played Lonely Boy of course which was faaaantastic. Nate was dancing like a crazy fool! +11
As they came back for the encore, the crowd started to thin, which was surprising considering they played Everlasting Light and had some snazzy lights. It was good news for us though, especially as we could see a bit more! +9
The night came to a close and we headed for the train, which we missed by 10 seconds and the following train was delayed, by which point hundreds of people had descended upon the station -14. I won't bore you with the gory details of the torrid journey home but to sum up, the venue and its location let this gig down badly. Lame food, lame toilets, lame transport -19.
The Black Keys rocked but the venue sucked.
A- for The Black Keys, D for Ally Pally
We arrived in good spirits after a beer and a prosecco +4 and hoped to be in time to see some of Band of Skull's set. Unfortunately we only saw two songs -5 but at least I knew them both and they were great +5.
After a manic mission to the loos -6 and food purchase of cold cheeseburger (not even melted cheese) for £6.50 -11 it was time to return to the auditorium for The Black Keys.
We tactically made our way to the far side and walked towards the front. We thought we had a decent position until the band came on stage and we realised we couldn't really see a thing -8. It got worse when a lame couple in front of us started smooching -5.
They opened with tracks from Brothers , including Howlin' For You, before moving onto El Camino's "Dead and Gone" and current single and my latest addiction "Gold on the Ceiling". The band were brilliant performers from what we could hear +12 and vaguely see (on tip toes) -7.
The crowd seemed to be really enjoying it too, with one fellow behind us screaming "Yazer" at regular intervals. We overheard that it's "a bastardised version of yay" - I'm sure it will catch on.
The Black Keys have a LOT of good songs and they made sure they represented most of their albums, much to the delight of the hardcore fans +4. However, the crowd was quite a random mix, with quite a few oldies and also idiots shouting "Woof Woof" -3.
They reached the end (apart from the mandatory encore) and played Lonely Boy of course which was faaaantastic. Nate was dancing like a crazy fool! +11
As they came back for the encore, the crowd started to thin, which was surprising considering they played Everlasting Light and had some snazzy lights. It was good news for us though, especially as we could see a bit more! +9
The night came to a close and we headed for the train, which we missed by 10 seconds and the following train was delayed, by which point hundreds of people had descended upon the station -14. I won't bore you with the gory details of the torrid journey home but to sum up, the venue and its location let this gig down badly. Lame food, lame toilets, lame transport -19.
The Black Keys rocked but the venue sucked.
A- for The Black Keys, D for Ally Pally
New Band of the Day: Savages
Just came across this live performance from Savages - pretty raw and powerful, I like what I see.
For more info, check out this interview on The Quietus
If I wasn't already seeing Alabama Shakes next Thursday I would totally check 'em out at the Queen of Hoxton.
For more info, check out this interview on The Quietus
If I wasn't already seeing Alabama Shakes next Thursday I would totally check 'em out at the Queen of Hoxton.
Howler at The Lexington
Last Monday I went to see Howler at The Lexington.
The night started off well with some Kill Your Darlings ale at The Exmouth Arms +1.5 however soon went downhill with some cold fish pie at the usually delightful pub The Easton -3.
We strolled down the road and arrived at The Lexington amidst the Rough Trade pub quiz, so we went straight upstairs after receiving our wristbands to prove we were over 14 and could buy alcohol. My wristband was put on too tight and it hurt -2.
We grabbed a drink and watched support act Man Made. He was a bit creepy and had a scary tshirt of an eye which stared at us eek -4.
We took a seat +5 and waited for Howler to emerge. They came onto stage and after the first song decided to introduce us to their tour manager Wayne. "Wayyyyyyyne you're the worst tour manager ever!" they proclaimed before telling us about Wayne's sexual frustration and asking somebody to go down on him tonight because he was taking out his bad mood on them. "Just flick it, touch the end," they urged. It was a bit crude at such an early stage of the gig and they weren't very likeable -6
They played through the America Give Up album and every song was performed pretty well, particularly Beach Sluts, Told You Once and the highlight, Back of Your Neck +7.
However, the on stage antics were perhaps more memorable than the songs. The lead singer didn't endear himself by telling us he had the sleeps and might puke, before spitting beer at the drummer -9.
The band saved "Back of your Neck" until the end and it is a corker of a tune. It's just a shame that the band are twats.
C
The night started off well with some Kill Your Darlings ale at The Exmouth Arms +1.5 however soon went downhill with some cold fish pie at the usually delightful pub The Easton -3.
We strolled down the road and arrived at The Lexington amidst the Rough Trade pub quiz, so we went straight upstairs after receiving our wristbands to prove we were over 14 and could buy alcohol. My wristband was put on too tight and it hurt -2.
We grabbed a drink and watched support act Man Made. He was a bit creepy and had a scary tshirt of an eye which stared at us eek -4.
We took a seat +5 and waited for Howler to emerge. They came onto stage and after the first song decided to introduce us to their tour manager Wayne. "Wayyyyyyyne you're the worst tour manager ever!" they proclaimed before telling us about Wayne's sexual frustration and asking somebody to go down on him tonight because he was taking out his bad mood on them. "Just flick it, touch the end," they urged. It was a bit crude at such an early stage of the gig and they weren't very likeable -6
They played through the America Give Up album and every song was performed pretty well, particularly Beach Sluts, Told You Once and the highlight, Back of Your Neck +7.
However, the on stage antics were perhaps more memorable than the songs. The lead singer didn't endear himself by telling us he had the sleeps and might puke, before spitting beer at the drummer -9.
The band saved "Back of your Neck" until the end and it is a corker of a tune. It's just a shame that the band are twats.
C
Monday, 13 February 2012
Thursday, 9 February 2012
The Black Keys - Pre-gig excitement
Fired up to see The Black Keys at Ally Pally especially after seeing their new video for "Gold on the Ceiling"
Also really liking the tour posters that the band commissioned from arty people like illustrators, tattoo artists and graphic artists. These are two of my faves:
Click here to view more.
Also really liking the tour posters that the band commissioned from arty people like illustrators, tattoo artists and graphic artists. These are two of my faves:
Click here to view more.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Video of the Day: Ok Go
Impressive new video from Ok Go for Needing/Getting.
OK Go set up over 1000 instruments over two miles of desert outside Los Angeles. A Chevy Sonic was outfitted with retractable pneumatic arms designed to play the instruments, and the band recorded this version of Needing/Getting, singing as they played the instrument array with the car. The video took 4 months of preparation and 4 days of shooting and recording.
OK Go set up over 1000 instruments over two miles of desert outside Los Angeles. A Chevy Sonic was outfitted with retractable pneumatic arms designed to play the instruments, and the band recorded this version of Needing/Getting, singing as they played the instrument array with the car. The video took 4 months of preparation and 4 days of shooting and recording.
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