Author Archives: natalie

Friday Classic – The Cure

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Admittedly, The Cure had their moment in the spotlight while I was a bit too little to take notice of them (I was too busy being born in 1988 to really pay much attention to the workings of the music industry). However, I’m going to feature the West Sussex five piece for several reasons:

a) They inspired many, many of my favourite bands – AFI, Hell is for Heroes and, according to Wikipedia, My Chemical Romance (can’t see the resemblance to be honest)

b) They’re amazing

c) I have a soft spot for any bands from South East England. Its not known for fostering a strong music scene..

d) It’s Friday. Who doesn’t think of ‘Friday I’m In Love’?

Despite the typically Gothic following of the band, they’re actually quite hard to define. The albums are almost conceptual, drifting between upbeat pop melodies, snarling social comments and lovelorn ballads (see ‘Burn’, used in The Crow film). They’ve recorded an impressive thirteen studio albums and in my mind would definitely be one of the greatest British bands.

I was lucky enough to see the band play Bestival two years ago and spent most of their set stood perfectly still, transfixed in the moment of seeing such a legendary band in person.

Rather than go with the obvious choice for today’s name, let’s pick another upbeat one. This one was an obvious choice after I remembered it features kittens.

RC xx

Single Review – Paramore – Now

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They were four, then they were five, now there are three. Paramore members Josh and Zac Farro (guitarist and drummer respectively) left the band in 2010, claiming the band was being manufacture as a solo project for vocalist Hayley Williams (Source).
It’s hard to ignore this, seeing as the lyrics point to the struggle that the band has been through in the past few years.
Luckily, Paramore have retained their original energy and determination against the odds. ‘Now’ is a good track, it’s catchy, upbeat and has slight Be Your Own Pet influence (which is never a bad thing).
Unfortunately, what is lacking is feeling. Gone are the music progressions made in ‘Brand New Eyes’, this new single is much more of the light rock feel of ‘Riot!’. The chorus draws a few comparisons to ‘Crushcrushcrush’. It relies too heavily on Hayley’s vocals, with not enough backing.
I won’t be making assumptions about the new, self titled album just yet, but let’s hope for something with a bit more kick to it?
RC xx

Wednesday Wish List – Download Tickets

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Did anyone else see the Download announcements today? I have to confess , I haven’t been in a long time. (And I’ve heard horror stories of bad weather in the last couple of years).
Looking at the line up though, it’s really starting to tempt me. Slipknot, The Gaslight Anthem, Queens of The Stobe Age, Enter Shikari.. and now Papa Roach too. I think those tickets will be going pretty fast.
If you haven’t got them already, they’re still going (for now) with prices from £170 for arena only, to £205 (ouch!) for 5 days camping. Fancy it? Grab your ticket http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets.
RC xx

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Bring Me The Horizon Release New Video For ‘Shadow Moses’

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Anyone else looking forward to Bring Me The Horizon’s new album ‘Sempiternal’? (I definitely am) What’s more exciting than the album coming out, is the fact that the band are releasing it direct to fans. You can pre-order the album from the band’s Pledgemusic page here.

Out today as well is the band’s new video for ‘Shadow Moses’, the first single from the album. Its amazing. (and well suited for the current blizzard weather). But seriously, you must watch this now. Right now.

RC xx

New Music Monday – Rat Attack

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On the genre section of Rat Attack‘s facebook page, it simply states ‘party punk’. After a few listens to their tracks online, it doesn’t seem like such a bad description really. Full of angry vocals, power chords and an underlying sense of fun, the Exeter four piece know how to make an impression.

‘Bad Catholic’ starts out with a glam-rock tale of girls, before plunging into a Papa Roach-esque screeching refrain. For a bit more of a taster, here’s their new video for ‘Heartbeat’, featuring the vocals of Liam Cronby (We Are The Ocean). If that’s not enough ,it also has a guy crowdsurfing in a crocodile costume. Now that’s not something you see everyday.

Download ‘Bad Catholic’ from the band’s soundcloud here. Or check their Facebook for more info and UK tour dates in March.

RC xx

Lower Than Atlantis – Go On Strike (PARENTAL ADVISORY)

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Its still snowing here (booo) so I’ve been stuck indoors again. Today consisted of trying to remove the rust from a Wii remote. It did not work. Luckily, after an hour or so of trying, I found another controller.

Anyway, here’s a bit of feel-good fun to cheer everyone up. Herts punk-rockers Lower Than Atlantis have released their new video for ‘Go On Strike’, taken from their third album ‘Changing Tune’ out now. Its the perfect soundtrack for anyone who thinks Christmas finished too early last year..

You can catch the band on tour in the UK this April. Dates on their facebook here.

RC xx

Best Converse Designs

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I was really hoping to see Asking Alexandria and Motionless In White at Brixton Academy tonight, but due to the weather (read: there’s way too much snow), I’m stuck at home. I’ve been killing the time with a bit of internet window shopping, looking for one of my favourite things to buy, new Converse.

Here’s my pick of some of the best Converse designs available at the moment:

Zip Hi Tops

Price: £50

Where from: Amazon

Batwoman

Price: £50

Where from: Exclusive to Schuh

Gorillaz

Price: £53

Where from: Grindstore, but they’re selling out fast!

While these are pretty cool, if you have some free times and live in the States (or just fancying trying it anyway) you can design your own Converse on their site. They’ve even got some really cute designs in for Valentines day..

Have a go yourself, here. Enjoy!

RC xx

Snow day / Friday Classic – Jimmy Eat World

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Well I hope everyone’s enjoying the snow as much as I am (if you have any). I’m pretty much stranded at home, so I’ve been busy baking brownies (see below) and catching up on some much-missed TV.

Anyway, here’s my Friday blast from the past (and one of my favourite songs and music videos ever), Jimmy Eat World – The Middle. It’s a song that’s got me through some tough times, and is a classic one to dance round your room to.

What are they up to now?

According to their Facebook, the band are currently recording their 8th studio album (so far unnamed). They’re also playing Download this year, so if you’re planning to go, make sure you don’t miss them!

RC xx

Free Download – ‘Bones’ (Acoustic) From Young Guns

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If you live in the US, you’ll probably be seeing a lot of this band in the next few months. Brit-rockers Young Guns are touring the States with 10 Years in February, with a slot of Krrofest thrown in. On the other side of the Atlantic, they’re playing Isle of Wight festival and Download this year, plus rumours of some new material coming soon.. – these are some very busy boys!

You can download their acoustic version of hit single ‘Bones’ by signing up to their mailing list here.

Go check them out now!

RC xx 

Wednesday Wish List – Step Up Clothing

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Who likes a bit of ethical fashion? I definitely do. It’s nice knowing that your clothes aren’t the result of some poor child slaving away in a factory somewhere. (Not to mention the actual clothing quality is normally better)
If you’re looking to fill up your wardrobe for spring, a good place to start would be Enter Shikari frontman Rou Reynolds’ clothing line ‘Step Up’. Focusing on fair trade and organic cotton, plus some items having up to 50% of profits going to Amnesty International, it’s a pretty guilt free shopping trip.
Have a look for yourselves here.
RC xx