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Issue 2 April 2012
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Hot on Tumblr- We're hiring for next year... May 3, 2012
- Sonar Suggestion: Cave Painting March 10, 2012
- Review: Speech Debelle - 'Freedom of Speech' (Big Dada) March 10, 2012
- Review: The Fray - Scars and Stories (ColumbiaUK) March 3, 2012
- Live Review: Howler, Joiners, Southampton February 20, 2012
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All the latest reviews and interviews from the Arts.
Contributors: Ollie Brown, Catherine Elliot, Sofija Hamika, Steph Powell, Chris Taylor
Country to country event reviewed by Sonars Joe McIndoe
Written by amyrose
Words: Joe McIndoe
The O2 has played host to some of music’s top names from, Jessie J to One Direction, even the
late Justin Bieber did eventually descend on the stage. The question is could the leading lights of
country and western, hold their own, in the inaugural country to country event.
Brantley Gilbert
For those expecting to hear a traditional and perhaps stereotyped version of the genre, replete
with banjos and violins, they were sorely mistaken. Bradley Gilbert and the band, rocked the crowd
with something akin to hard rock, a far cry from the roots of the genre. Gilbert, severely tested the
venues sound system with some heavy guitar and cranked it up with the rubble raising “Take It
Outside”. In spite of their unique style, the band has lost none of the opinionated approach that sets
country apart, with its lead happily extolling what he would do should anyone lay their hands on a
woman .
The opening act who are responsible for the Grammy nominated “Dirt Road Anthem,” did an
excellent job of kicking things off with a very enjoyable set which included the very appropriate,
“Country Must be Country Wide”.
LeAnn Rimes
The singer born in Florida best known for her role in Coyote ugly proved to be one of the highlights
of the night with exceptional and emotional vocals. While showcasing an abundance of talent Miss
Rimes treated the audience to the title track from her impending album the feisty “Spitfire” as well
as old favourites “Can’t Fight The Moonlight” and “Last Thing On My Mind” minus Ronan Keating.
Throughout the set, Rimes was extremely grateful of her viewers warm reception and even teared
up during her rendition of another of her new material “Borrowed”. The emotions continue to flow
for all concerned as the multi award-winner closed the performance with a sensational take on
“Amazing Grace”, ensuring the punters had their money’s worth with only half the evening gone.
Darius Rucker
The anticipation was palpable, as even before the Georgia native took to the stage the crowd
greeted his name with excited expectancy. They were not disappointed.
Rucker, not only brought the feel good factor with new song “Radio” but also nostalgia with covers
of the Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker” and Hank Williams Jr’s “Country Tradition”. Even with Carrie
Underwood just around the corner, the 46-year-old held his own and even got the crowd singing and
bopping along and revved up for the big festival finale.
Carrie Underwood
The name of the latest album from the former American Idol winner aptly titled “Blown Away”,
should go a long way to telling you what you can expect from Miss Underwood. With power that
can blow away a small car and an intriguingly diverse set list there was never any question of being
able to satisfy demand. Right from the outset the American megastar’s extraordinary talents were
evident as she belted out lead single “good girl” with an apparent ease. The outstanding range displayed through the entire 90 minute performance, ensured that almost every song had the right to be called a showstopper.
This is not the first time Underwood has graced the UK with her presence, having played the Royal
Albert Hall in the summer of 2012. As the saying goes if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, and with that in
mind the 30-year-old stuck with a largely similar collection of songs that wowed on her first trip
across the pond.
This lung busting talent is truly a must see, combining tough subject matter mixed in with a bit of
humour and country sassiness, bringing together the very best qualities of the genre.
The verdict
The country to country event has already been green lit to return for 2014 and based on this years
showing, attendees will not be disappointed.
Overall score 8/10
Atoms for Peace: AMOK & New Single ‘Judge, Jury and Executioner’
Written by amyrose
Words: Chloe Dyer
This hypnotic musical piece by worldwide phenomena Atoms for Peace has the impressive and creative vocals of Thom Yorke, the lead man of the hit British band Radiohead. In the beginning, the beats swallow your ears up. You feel like you’re floating around in space. From early on, Yorke’s soothing vocals slowly start to take control of the song.
The repetitiveness of the chorus makes the song more interesting. The backing vocals really take hold towards the middle of the song bringing the hype to a climax, with all of the instruments finally playing all together in preparation for the sharp ending.
Atom’s For Peace was formed towards the end of 2009. The band’s members include: Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Red Hot Chilli Peppers bassist, Flea, Radiohead’s producer Nigel Godrich on keyboards and guitar and Joey Waronker from R.E.M. on drums.
It has been recently announced that Atoms for Peace will be playing Glastonbury this year and an album due to land on February 25th, produced by XL Recordings.
Bat for Lashes: The Haunted Man
Written by amyrose
Words: Chloe Dyer
Released: 11th October 2012
After purchasing this album just after the Christmas period, I still feel the need to express how impressed I am with Bat for Lashes for creating such a masterpiece. After releasing two successful albums, Fur and Gold and Two Suns, Bat for Lashes’ new album The Haunted Man has extended her musical creativity to a whole other level, three years later.
The consistent harmonics throughout this slightly techno album emphasises Natasha Khan’s unique voice. A good example is the song Winter Fields, it has many different effects and musical instruments that keep your ears enticed for what seems like forever. The lyrics are relatable and meaningful and it is hard not to like this addictive and simplistic musician- simple, but yet so amazing.
Songs that you should listen to: Winter Fields, The Haunted Man, A Wall
Twin Atlantic Review
Written by amyrose
Words: Kirsty Summerford
Guildhall opens its doors and in piles a guy dressed in a full fox costume, a mixture of drunken teenage girls, boys in checked shirts and a few older guys, or you could just call them Twin Atlantic fans. With two support acts, all the way from America Dead Sara and Busted’s very own Charlie Simpson keep the eagerly awaiting crowd at bay until the real party starts with the four Scottish lads.
As Bohemian Rhapsody begins to fill the room sucking in the crowd and creating one of the loudest united sing a longs I’ve heard at a gig, a clever move by Twin Atlantic. One thing is for sure if the audience wasn’t in the mood before they definitely are now. It is perfect timing as the song dies and the band take to the stage.
As the guitar riffs and drumming booms through the speakers the band dives straight in with Time For You To Stand Up from their most recent album Free. It is clear Sam McTrusty and the boys are happy to be here with huge amounts of energy that only spurs on the adrenaline in the crowd as mosh pits break out throughout the fans. The beat of the drums intertwined with Sam’s distinguished vocals with a twang of the Scottish accent sound even better than they do on the record.
Not taking their success for granted the band thanks the audience who are wrapped around their little finger. McTrusty even goes as far as saying it could possibly be “the best show yet”.
As the show comes to an end, the band leaves the stage only to create an eruption of feet stomping and chants of ‘more’ bringing them back. With a four song encore, the crowd has noticeably lost all their inhibitions and are lost in the moment as well as the four boys are who are still jumping around stage like little kids on a sugar high. United, tearing apart this respectable pillar standing in Southampton.
Watching lead vocalist Sam McTrusty edge towards the end of the stage there is only one way this is going, stage dive and crowd surf. As the crowd disperses, all still slightly buzzing, there’s the few ‘groupies’ left waiting around for the remaining guitar picks and even the piece of paper with the set list. Proving to be rewarding night for both Twin Atlantic and their fans.
Re:So
Written by amyrose
Words: Emma Salter
Re:So is a small pop-up fashion and lifestyle boutique space created and led by students. A wide range of fashion students from Solent have created a shop with the tagline ëenter a world where punk collides with decaying elegance through the power of art, fashion and musicí. The shabby chic apartment look of the interior really entices you in with the contemporary but vintagesque ambience. The room was filled with rails of handmade and vintage apparel, accessories and quirky trinkets for sale.
The visual layout of the room was very quirky and had a sort of bohemian, ëkitschí interior feel which I loved and now want to re-create for my future house. Being a visual merchandising enthusiast, I was very happy to see some artistic thought had gone into the displays. There was a generic ladder being used as a display shelf and amazing mannequins displaying jewellery of all kinds in an extremely innovative way. The lighting set up was also simple yet unique.
I was invited to a live blogging workshop in November for fashion blogging tips and insider secrets from Brent Meheux, a successful industry blogger and expert who is also a lecturer at Southampton Solent University. For 2 hours, he told us inspirational stories about entering the world of blogging, how to make your blog into a successful career and get those must have seats at the front row and worldwide recognition. I was proud to be a part of the wonderful workshop they put on showcasing the Southís obvious talent.
It was a very fun and informative afternoon for myself as a Writing fashion and culture student and I have got lots of new plans to improve my own blogging thanks to Brentís great tips and tricks of the trade. The keen turn out of fashion students and blogging enthusiasts from all range of fashion journalism, fashion promotion, make-up and hair design backgrounds.
facebook.com/Re:So
so-blog.tumblr.com
Maia: Pepper Stars
Written by amyrose
Words: Chloe Dyer
Maia’s 2nd album Pepper Stars follows their very popular self – titled debut album and the successful EP, Alligator.
Performing to many festival-goers this summer and after their unbeatable performance at the No Direction Home festival in June 2012, the band have picked the perfect time to release the album.
Right from track one’s enchanting, eerie and slow start the band’s eccentric vibes start to come alive. After the 4th track gradually builds a soft, but soothing touch to the album. From that moment on, it sounds like a totally different genre.
As a four-member band and fresh university graduates, they are an enthusiastic and dedicated band. The collaboration of all their musical talents combines together as one is especially interesting. You will wonder how do so many different instruments go so well together.
The upbeat sounds of folk swiftly make their way through on the 11th track, making the song lively and addictive.
Maia reminds me of a softer version of Mumford and Sons. Their soothing country vibes swim through your mind and sooth all your worries and woes.
Mumford & Sons: Babel
Written by amyrose
Words: Bradley Evans
The headliners of English Folk Rock have returned with their stunning second album; Babel.
The album’s success has been nothing more than extraordinary considering how long they have been fiddling around the country since the release of their multi-platinum first album ‘Sigh No More’ three years ago.
‘Babel’ since its release has become the fastest selling album in the UK this year and is also the biggest selling album this year in the US.
The album starts off with the song ‘Babel’, a powerful, anthemic stomper of a song that doesn’t ask politely for your attention.
This song certainly pushes you more towards dancing like a hillbilly than the mafia could if they were shooting at your toes with tommy guns.
A couple songs later their single ‘I Will Wait’ comes on, and is the steering wheel and foundation of this album. The song is driven mainly by the beautifully composed banjo leads, some very influential melodic vocals, and those climatic choruses that Mumford deliver so well.
The album later goes on into even more heart-pounding rhythm sections and even more melodic splendour.
Overall this album leaks of intimacy, love, and passion, and is a definite must if those are the things you seek in your pursuit of good music.
Download: I Will Wait, Lover of the Light, Hopeless Wanderer, The Boxer.
Palma Violets: Best of Friends
Written by amyrose
Words: Chloe Dyer
Palma Violets new single Best of Friends begins with a smooth rock intro with all of the captivating and vibrant drumbeats taking shape from the early stages.
The song emphasises the best of the rock and indie genres. The edgy guitar solo definitely takes hold and creates a free and relaxing melody. The vocals are ecstatic and filled with the rock tones that invite you to sing along too.
The band is a fairly new four piece that are currently performing at gigs and festivals all over the country and have graced the October’s issue of NME.
We all love different genres of music and I’m a fan of Palma Violets, but this song doesn’t capture my full attention. However, I’m sure the single is going to do very well.
Bastille: The Saint of Electronic Music?
Written by amyrose
Words: Steph Powell
Sonar Magazine catches up with vibrant electronic sensation Dan Smith, better known as Bastille, before his show at the Joiners in Southampton to discuss lifeas a major label signing.
Hello Dan, It’s great to have you back in Southampton! Congratulations on signing with Virgin. You must be very excited.
It’s great to be back, thank you!
How did you get into writing music?
I started writing songs when I was 16/17 but it was always something that I very much kept to myself. I didn’t really play anyone any songs until I was about 20. I just did it for myself, and fun.
Did you do any music related courses at college or university?
No I actually studied English at uni but a lot of my mates were in bands and my housemates were all studying music so I that’s what got me into it a little bit more.
Did you have any influences that helped when you started writing?
Anthony and the Johnsons and Regina Spector, who are both very different, influenced a lot of the old early songs. I’ve thrown a lot of those away now, but it was their song writing styles at that time that helped me. When I’m writing songs these days I produce them as I go along so I’m also thinking about a lot of production stuff. As it’s electronic I’m looking at hip-hop production, electronic production and the people who work in these areas, Kanye West for example.
You self-produced a lot of Bastille stuff from your bedroom, have you found signing with a major label has impacted that creativity?
We’ve been really lucky, the label that we’ve signed to is happy with what we’re doing so nothing has changed. We’ve pretty much finished the album and I’ve made that with the same guy I’ve recorded all the previous Bastille music with. Being signed is just a useful tool to making the music better. For example when we recorded our strings before it had just been two guys playing, this let us record the strings for the album at Abbey Road with a proper string section! I think we’ve got the best of both worlds.
So fans of Bastille should not be worried!
No not at all, nothing’s changing!
You’re four days into a tour that takes you onto some festival dates. Are you a fan of festivals?
Yeah, we’re all massive festival fans! Kyle (keys) and I love Glastonbury and those city festivals like Camden Crawl and Great Escape are wicked. We’re playing at a festival in Norway which will be our first proper trip overseas so we’re looking forward to that.
So there’s a new Bastille single, ‘Overjoyed’, out on 30th April, any other exciting future plans?
Yeah, the single’s coming out and then pretty soon after we’ll be releasing a new song called ‘Bad Blood’. I’m quite excited about that because ‘Overjoyed’ is a slightly older song, it was on an EP at the end of last year, so it’ll be nice to release brand new material. Then finally, the album will come later in the year!
A busy year for Bastille! We look forward to hearing more from you! Thanks Dan.
Review: Alabama Shakes – ‘Boys & Girls’ (Rough Trade)
Written by Contributor
Words: Catherine Elliott
Make way for Alabama Shakes, with their harem of famous fans including Adele and Bon Iver and Russell Crowe. This album is pure neo soul with classicist influences. There are moments of Jack White, Al Green and Tina Turner. This album is a spectacle, and in my books –an instant classic.
They met at high school and have been a successful covers band for a few years – covering the likes of The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC to name but a few. So in essence, they have spent time imitating the greats, doing their homework and drawing inspiration from their sound. The studying has paid off, and this is only their debut album.
Every once in a while you hear a song and think you’ve heard before somewhere. Why is that? This rings true for ‘Hold On’, the album opener that is also their debut single. This has received loads of airplay and huge support from DJ’s.
Brittany Howard is lead vocalist –her androgynous voice is iconic in itself, similar to the strength of Amy Winehouse with the character of Jack White. ‘I Found Out’ is magnificent, and ‘Rise to the Sun’ is my favourite, sounds a little like Macy Gray, the spangled guitars twinned with her voice are a winner.
‘You Ain’t Alone’ is a ballad, it’s so delicate and emotional, “Are you scared to wear your heart on your sleeve, are you scared of me?” ‘Hearbreaker’ sounds enormous; it reminds me of Al Green’s ‘How Can You Mend a Broken Heart’. ‘Be Mine’ is so silky and smooth.
The album has the feeling of being at an intimate gig in a bar, sounding so raw and natural. Her voice is spectacular; I do doubt without the unstoppable Brittany Howard, they would still be playing cover band slots. I foresee that this album will appeal to a wide range of demographics, and no doubt be the soundtrack to many a summer barbeque this year.
