KLANGLATON!

There are few bands that stick with you the same way young love does. The Rakes is one of those bands I could regard as being one of my first girlfriends. Nearly five years after hearing Strasbourg for the first time and three albums later I found myself at the very same place where they promoted their first single Strasbourg, ergo Rough Trade East London. Even though I wasn't there the last time I have listened to the live recording, which featured as a b-side on the 22 Grand Job 7", over and over again, on 33 as well as on 45 rpm. The set at Rough Trade in March 09 was an ultimate mix of old and new songs which took me on an amazing journey down rakes memory lane. From dancing together and not realising the shit till you're in it as you're running through debris with helicopters circling up above. To the ever prominent light from your girlfriends Open MacBook after waking up with a terrible hangover before going to a lousy 22 grand job. Whereas you would much rather be in Berlin where the bars have no closing time or at a fashionista party in Strasbourg where you can happily conclude that the world is a mess but at least your hair is perfect. The latter is never the case for me, especially not after a Rakes gig. My urge to freak out at gigs may seem a little retarded to people who don't know me, but makes perfect sense to me. [warning here comes horrible analogy] You could compare a guitar riff or amazing rhythm section to Harry Potter's relation with Lord Voldemort. Whenever Voldemort creeps into Harry's mind it is near impossible for Harry to resist his presence, hence, resulting in chaos, fear and anger. This also applies to the way I react to music, especially when its blasting through speakers in a cramped venue whilst bathing in sweat.

After the Rough Trade gig Klang! has become an even more regular visitor to my iTunes playlist. Tracks like You're In It, Shackleton, The Reason, 1989 and The Light From Your Mac (with shit hot bass line) combine the instant hit post-punk potential of Capture/Release with the sharp, witty and detailed lyrics of Ten New Messages. Like many (great) artist have done in the past (personal favourite being Bowie) The Rakes moved to Berlin to record Klang!. Besides being influenced by the Berlin lifestyle they have added a piano to their arsenal to add an ever fresher sound, as can be heard on Muller's Ratchet. Although The Rakes always managed to create a fresh sound on their records. The live shows on the other hand remained a different story. They either nailed it or failed it. For some strange reason the vocals always seemed to be overpowered by the guitars and drums, taking away most of the Rakes charm. However, After witnessing them live at Rough Trade as well as at Koko a few weeks ago, I am more than glad to conclude that they have completely redeemed themselves. Where other bands from their generation are failing to live up to expectations The Rakes are proving that they are still in it and have no fear of smelling the shit.

The Rakes
STRASBOURG

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This Love is Fucking Right!

Over the last couple of months the self-titled debut album of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart has received a fair amount of critical acclaim. I, for one, have been enjoying this record ever since its release early January. The record is passionate, fragile but above all heart-warming from start to finish. Nevertheless I always wondered if they would be able to come across just as affectionate in their live shows. Before headlining at the Windmill tonight they played an instore at Rough Trade this afternoon. As the crowd gathered I couldn’t help but notice the irony in the fact that the (brilliant) Vaselines re-issue cd was scattering through the store. Is it just me or has twee definitely revived? I’m not complaining, as spring is the perfect time of year to blow the dust off your Talulah Gosh, Shop Asssistents, Vaselines and Pastels records, bands that the POBPAH can be linked to. Even though the band is clearly influenced by the late 80s sound they have seemed to found the right balance, hence, creating a distinct and wonderful sound.

From the advent of the set my attention is drawn to the genuine joy the band seems to obtain from playing. Opener, Doing All the Things, which featured on their EP, is followed up by This Love Is Fucking Right. Powered by hooky guitar riffs and upbeat drums the song sets the tone for what is to become a great afternoon. Latest single Young Adult Friction is welcomed with an enthusiasm that is rarely present at London gigs. As landmark song Come Saturday refers to the formation of the band when they had yet to find a drummer “a wasted summer with no drummer, we're gonna stay in”. Stay Alive is equally great and captures the harmonious vocals and sweet keyboards that leave you restless for love. After playing new song 103 the set is rounded up by Everything With You, leaving me with a tremendous feeling of satisfaction.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart has removed all my prior doubts about their live capabilities and left me with the knowledge that I will experience their album with even more pleasure from now on. Make sure you catch them at a small venue before it's too late:




2009 Tour Dates
5/16 - London, UK - Brixton Windmill
5/17 - Leicester, UK - The Musician
5/18 - Wrexham, UK - Central Station
5/19 - York, UK - The Duchess - tickets
5/20 - Glasgow, UK - Nice and Sleazy
5/21 - Leeds, UK - Cockpit - tickets
5/22 - Manchester, UK - Chorlton Irish Centre
5/23 - Bristol, UK - Dot to Dot Festival
5/24 - Nottingham, UK - Dot to Dot Festival
5/25 - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix - tickets
5/26 - Paris, France - Batofar - tickets
5/27 - Toulouse, France - Le Cri De La Moutte
5/28 - Montpellier, France - Rock Store
5/29 - Barcelona, Spain - Primavera Festival
5/31 - Ravenna, Italy - Hana Bi
6/01 - Milan, Italy - La Casa 139
6/02 - St Gallen, Switzerland - Palace
6/03 - Munich, Germany - 59 to 1
6/04 - Koln, Germany - Luxor
6/05 - Berlin, Germany - NBI Club
6/06 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust
6/07 - Utrecht, Holland - Ekko
6/08 - Amsterdam, Holland - Paradiso
6/09 - London, UK - Madame Jojos - Whiteheat
6/10 - London, UK - Cargo - Sold Out
6/11 - Oxford, UK - Jericho Tavern
6/12 - Cambridge, UK - Soul Tree
6/13 - Southampton, UK - Joiners Arms
6/14 - UK Isle of Wight Festival - Big Top Stage
6/18 - New York, NY - Cake Shop w/ Crystal Stilts

7/04 - Denmark - Roskilde Festival
7/05 - France - Eurokeennes Festival
7/10 - New York, NY - South Street Seaport
7/18 - Chicago, IL - Union Park - Pitchfork Music Festival
7/20 - Los Angeles, CA - The Echo % (All Ages) %
7/21 - San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop (All Ages) %
7/23 - Portland, OR - Backspace (All Ages) %
7/24 - Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Cabaret (19+) %
7/25 - Seattle, WA - Capitol Hill Block Party

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
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I AM NOT A DJ

Gregg Gillis has taken sampling to the next level and transformed it into a new art form that is GIRL TALK. Forget the cheesy MTV mash-ups, yeah sure mixing up Gwen Stefani with Britney Spears is fun, but who could be arsed listening to it more than once? I guess this is what former biomedical engineer Greg Gillis thought as well. Instead of just mixing two tracks, he loops samples creating a dense sound that airs SEX. Who ever thought that mixing up Pixes, Blur, 50 Cent, Sir-Mix-A-Lot, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Elton John, Elvis Costello, Mariah Carey, The Verve, Outkast, Eminem and Neutral Milk Hotel would turn into something great?

His performance at Scala last night exceeded all expectations. Kicking off with Pimp C lyrics "Sweet jones, by bitch a choosey lover, never fuck without a rubber /never in the sheets, like it on top of the cover" which made people dance around like their shoes didn't fit. I guess the best way to describe it (from a European point of view) is by comparing it to an American High School party with all the right ingredients, awesome tunes, hawt girls and drunk people. If that doesn't make sense just check out these clips:






Anyone who wonders how he gets away with sampling all these artists without paying for the copyright should watch Good Copy / Bad Copy.
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PONYTAIL SHARE THE BODY ELECTRIC

seen live: Gentle Friendly, Future Island and Ponytail @ 100 Club, 12 February 2009

Tonight's gig at 100 Club started as duo Gentle Friendly stepped up to play a short, two song, but very powerful set. This is yet another band that instantly grabs you by the balls and doesn't let go until you have shown your appreciation for their loud muscular rock powerhouse (bless yourself if you don't have balls). As the stage was cleared Baltimore's trio Future Island stepped up to surprise the shit out of the audience (not literally as that would have been very messy, obviously). Anyone who's familiar with the Office will know what I mean when I say that the front man Sam looks like David Brent, if he would have had a successful music career that is. It is probably Sam's amazing voice that clearly distinguishes him from David Brent. Furthermore Sam dances around the stage like an OD'ing Grizzly Bear, while bursting out his lyrics to the beat of über catchy electro tunes and bassline. If that doesn't get you moving you should go see a doctor.

The memory of these two bands would, however, soon be faded as the Baltimore quartet that is Ponytail hit the crowed with their art-house punk noise sound. I know that sounds vague so here are a few pointers, think of colours, energy, screams, wasabi powered drums, trebly guitars and forget about any bass. If that still doesn't work for you just listen to their music. Last years album Ice Cream Spiritual contains all these flavours and it's this album that dominated the setlist. The pony ride started of with 7 souls, blasting authentic primal chants into the audience in a manner only vocalist Molly Sigel can get away with. As the screams of Beg Waves screeched through the monitors the pony ride gained speed and evidently turned into a crazy horse ride at the first notes of Late for School.

To spice up the Ice Cream the new track Honey Touches was played, the song is largely in line with their previous work and merely another great new flavour to their pallet. The touch of honey hit the right spot and was followed by the only 'old' song on their setlist Bermuda Traingle which struck the audience like a Kamehameha blow to the chest. Sky Drool's "oew baby oew" and Die Allman Bruder raged past before the night was ended by crowd favourite and single Celebrate the Body Electric (It Came From an Angel).

"AWAYWEGONOW-AWAYWEGONOW-AWAYWEGONOW"

If you missed out on this gig you'll get a chance to redeem yourself on March 10 when Ponytail play at Lexington or on March 3 when Future Island will unleash hell at Old Blue Last.

Setlist:
7 Souls
Beg Waves
Late for school
Honey Touches
Bermuda Triangle
Sky Drool
Die Allman Bruder
Celebrate

PONYTAIL
FUTURE ISLANDS
GENTLE FRIENDLY
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CRYSTAL ANTLERS TEAR DOWN BOWLING LANES

seen live: Three Trapped Tigers and Crystal Antlers @ Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes, 5 February 2009

Tonight, the slightly unconventional venue, Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes, is home to the one of the most anticipated bands of 2009, Crystal Antlers. Yet another amazing band to hail from Southern California. With the release of their astonishing debut EP, produced by Mars Volta's Ikey Owens, Crystal Antlers went from sweeping chimneys to raping venues with their eclectic sound. Perhaps best described as psych-garage, combining punk, noise, blues, swirling guitars and psych into ground braking compositions.

Before kicking-off Three Trapped Tigers acted as main support act. Where the two other bands had earlier desperately failed to impress, Three Trapped Tigers proved to be very talented. By mixing Lighting Bolt like drums with synths and dynamic keyboards they create a sound that is not only striking but unmistakeably mind-blowing. When given the chance do not miss out on this band, as you most assuredly will be blown away.

With just one EP Crystal Antlers blasted through their songs, generating strike upon strike. What else would you expect from a band that has given us songs like A Thousand Eyes, Until The Sun Dies (Part 2), Vexation and Arcturus. After playing one new track the band left us with Parting Song for the Torn Sky. The sweeping bass intro is the start of what is to be a ten minute orgasm, as penetrating guitars meet with tearing drums and a screaming organ finished off by percussionist Sexual Chocolate (yeah, I know that's hot).

Fuck it dude, this is about as good as music gets, sheer EPIC.

CRYSTAL ANTLERS
THREE TRAPPED TIGERS




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VIDEO NASTIES UNLEASH HELLVETICA

Seen live: Video Nasties, Swanton Bombs, Threatmantics @ Cargo, 28 January 2009

After disappearing from the limelight last year, Video Nasties have returned from a lengthy fishing trip with the release of their second mind blowing EP Albatross. To inaugurate the release of this EP they’re touring through the U.K. this month, accompanied by Threatmantics and Swanton Bombs.

The Hellvetica tour stopped in London’s Cargo last night. With rotating head liners throughout the tour, it was Threatmantics turn to kick-off the night. The Welsh trio, who have recently signed to Domino, managed to get the blood flowing at high speed with their unique style combining folk, Welsh lyrics and pure rock. East London/Essex duo Swanton Bombs, yes another band with an unquestionable love for wrestling, continued on this leg. One only has to listen to Shock to know this band has all the potential of hitting the charts, intertwining edgy riffs with heaps of energy and catchy lyrics. That music is in fact a matter of nature and not nurture was once again proved when Dominic’s brother Eugene McGuinness got on stage to finish of the set in a fashionable manner.

However, with all due respect, there was always only going to be one head liner at tonight’s gig, Video Nasties, being arguably the best band to have hailed from London in the last couple of years. The much-anticipated release of their debut album On All Fours in April, will surely wake up the ones who have yet to be grasped by their intense and astounding collection of songs. Over the last few years they have, to some extent, changed their sound from the highly catchy Southern Demos (Plus One/Jorgensons Horn, Flickers, Riot Gear etc.) to a more ferocious and dark sound on the Karl Blau EP.

The band set off with one of their new tracks Stay Home, which ignited a forceful and yet pleasant feeling through my back spine. Stay Home was processed by another new song Jellybean, the song is guided by a scorching guitar riff, combined with powerful drums and mysterious vocals, another success number in the making. Devil and Karl Blau continued to flourish the set, serving two shots of pure adrenaline through the veins. However, while the band was clearly giving every drop of sweat to their home audience, I can’t help but state that the audience reacted far too sedate. Anyone who can recall the historical concert (I for one) at Paradiso in 2007 knows how an audience can turn a gig up to eleven. Nevertheless single Albatross, with Dominque McGuiness on guitar “to make it even more hardcore”, turned out to be plain proof of the sheer genius that is Video Nasties.

After playing two more new tracks HNB (no to be mistaken with Hearts and Bones) and Old Flower the set was brought to an epic close by one of their oldest and still one of their strongest songs to date, Teenage Celebration. From the first chords the song takes you on a seven minute trip that no class A drug will ever be able to re-enact. To finally explode into a unbelievable climax, leaving the audience in awes once again.

ALBATROSS



Setlist

Stay Home
Jellybean
Devil
Karl Blau
Conversation Dies
Kaiser
Albatross
HNB
Old Flowers
Teenage Celebration

VIDEO NASTIES: MYSPACE / .NET
THREATMANTICS: MYSPACE
SWANTON BOMBS: MYSPACE


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WHITE LIES BOUND TO GAIN A LIFE

Seen: White Lies, 20 January 2009 @ HMV Oxford Street

Last year we mentioned that White Lies had a sparkling bright future ahead of them. After playing various festivals around the world it was just a matter of time before the album To Lose My Life. Unlike their bright future the album is filled with dark songs mainly inspired by death. The demo’s of the three main songs we discussed last year Death, From the Stars and Unfinished Business are still excellent and haven’t left their soul at the studio’s editing board. New single To Lose My Life is bound to sing around in your head forever, as the chorus “Let’s grow old together and die at the same time” is ultimately catchy. Harry McVeigh’s voice is distinctive but above all breathtaking. The songs on to Lose My Life are characterised by slick keyboards and synths as well as edgy guitar and bass lines flowing into a sublime album.

The release of To Lose My Life was celebrated with an instore at Oxford Street’s HMV. At the outset the plastic scenery was never going to do justice to the intimate feel of the music. Nonetheless White Lies managed to create a personal atmosphere and clearly enjoyed every second of the long anticipated release. The set kicked off with Unfinished Business, which was followed by To Lose My Life, EST, A Place To Hide, The Price of Love and finished with arguably their best song to date Death.

WHITE LIES: listen


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TONIGHT: FRANZ FERDINAND AT ROUGH TRADE

Seen: Franz Ferdinand, 19 January 2009 @ Rough Trade

It has been a good three years since the release of Franz Ferdinand’s second album You could have it so much better with Franz Ferdinand (2005). Nevertheless their worldwide fame has been merely increasing over the years. Arguably obtaining the status of one the biggest bands the 21st century has produced to this day. As part of the promotion for their long awaited third album Tonight: Franz Ferdinand they are playing a series of intimate secret gigs across London town this week. Kicking off at a secret wristband only instore at Rough Trade last night.

The 250 lucky lucky fans were treated to an exclusive preview of the bands new album. Unlike the previous albums Tonight is a concept album, which refers to The Odyssey and James Joyce’s Ulysses as is most striking in Franz’s new single Ulysses. Besides the theme the most obvious element in which Tonight, to a certain extent, differs from previous work is the overall sound. In essence the album is filled with pop songs but these songs have got a more experimental twist to them as was ever so clear during their performance.

Tonight’s set commences with two classic Franz Ferdinandesque tracks both Send Him Away and No You Girls are straight on pop tunes with a rather catchy chorus combined with highly danceable rhythm sections. Live Alone is filled with bleep synths but as the song progresses they’re pushed to the background by a über catchy chorus “ “wherever you are, whoever is there, you know I’ll be here, whishing I could be there”.

Halfway during the set Bite Hard starts slow but soon goes into another up-tempo synth filled tune “we ride together, we die together”, with the scorching guitar solo at the 2:22 minute mark, turn it into another great tune. Single Ulysses gets the crowd chanting, the already instant hit, chorus “laa-lalalalaaa, Uylesses, I’ve found a new way”. Turn It On rolls into a lovely drum beat and razor guitar riff, turning it into another flat out wonderful song.

The set concludes with What She Came For, which starts of with a very classic Franz feel “I’ve got a question for you… Where do you see yourself in five minutes time?” As the song strides along the inevitable explosion comes at the end of the song when it turns into a full on punk tune, with explosive drums and squeaking guitars.

No, this is not the Franz we knew 3 years ago, this is better. They’ve found a healthy balance between their pop feel and their drive for more experimental songs. At moments when you feel the songs are turning into slightly cheesy pop songs the bands surprises and steps in at the right moment to turn songs around into proper tunes. Where other big bands such as Coldplay and Kaiser Chiefs have failed to achieve the standard of their debut album, Franz Ferdinand has come back with a more than decent third album which will most surely please first minute, last minute as well as new (cavemen?) fans.
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HISTORIA

Seen: Cajun Dance Party, Good Shoes, Loverman, 15 January 2009 @ Astoria 2

In its thirty year history Astoria has become one of London’s most prominent venues. Hosting the worlds biggest bands from U2 and Nirvana to upcoming bands in its smaller sister venue Astoria 2. However over the last couple of years plans to construct a railway station, which connects the centre of London to the east and west, have put Astoria’s future in uncertain hands. Sadly the ultimate decision to tear down Astoria has since been made.

To celebrate the last night at Astoria a final gig was organised on 15 January. Besides various DJ sets from the likes of Lightspeed Champion, Mystery Jets, Frederick Blood Royale and many others Loverman had the honour to kick off what would be one of the last gigs at Astoria ever. Their dark hardcore punk music sounds promising to say the least. Whilst the drums fracture your skull, the emphatic screams fix to your throat like pieces of broken glass. The vigorous ergo energetic performance by the front man got a fair share of the crowd going berserk, all the signs of an amazing night, that had yet to be fully unrolled.

The hype machine that is Cajun Dance Party released their first full-length release “The Colourful Life” on major label XL Recordings. With another release planned for 2009 everything seems to go well for these teenagers. However, their live performances, although well prepared, lack the natural energy and enthusiasm you would expect from such a promising band. The unnecessary dramatic and pitiful approach by front man Daniel Blumberg plainly doesn’t work. Neither does the total lack of unity within the band’s style (jumpers, leather jackets, dresses, make up, boots, sneakers, beards etc.) add to their arsenal of wise before their years pop songs. To some these factors might come across as utterly irrelevant, however, these are the predominant factors that distinguish the average drama high school performance from a proper gig.

London’s Good Shoes had the privilege to play the last gig in Astoria’s bright history. Unlike the middle of the road performance by Cajun Dance Party Good Shoes were bound to end the night with a cracker from the advent of their set in the tiny bar overlooking the main stage. Front man Rhys words “If you vandalise it, it isn't going to matter because it is going to be fucking knocked down anyway.” were wisely followed by the crowd as Good Shoes kicked off with old favourite Photos. The eloquent mixture of old and new songs made me eager for the much-anticipated follow up to debut album Think Before You Speak. By ending the set with crowd favourite Morden resulting in a total mayhem of limbs, guitars, glasses and sweat Astoria was given its the last worthy push.

CAJUN DANCE PARTY: listen
GOOD SHOES: listen
LOVERMAN: listen

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