FIVES: THE BEST WONDER YEARS SONGSThis week Lansdale, Pennsylvania’s The Wonder Years released their fourth album - ‘The Greatest Generation,’ a record that sees the pop punk quintet reach their creative peak in a number of ways. With a wealth of material in their discography, Already Heard's Sean Reid and Tom Knott took on the tricky task of picking out the five best songs from The Wonder Years. Find out what we picked and let us know if you agree or disagree?
INTERVIEW: MALLORY KNOXFollowing the release of their superb 'Signals' album, Mallory Knox have certainly become ones to watch in recent months. We caught up with the band to discuss joining Search & Destroy Records, how vital the festival season and touring are, what it feels like to be a part
of the expanding British rock scene and much more.
ALREADY HEARD RECOMMENDS: OVER THE OCEANOver The Ocean have crafted a compelling, brooding record with their latest effort ‘Be Given To The Soil.’ With intense specific precision and delicate accuracy that echoes the likes of Explosions In The Sky and Sigur Ros. Jesse Hill from the band to discusses how the
album came together, the importance of precision, being compared to post-rock pioneers and more.
VERSUS: BRING ME THE HORIZON - 'THERE IS A HELL...' VS 'SEMPITERNAL'After a top ten UK album and an outstanding UK tour with festival dates on both sides of the Atlantic to follow, Bring Me The Horizon are having a fantastic 2013 and are now featured in the latest edition of "Versus." It's ‘There is a Hell, Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There is a Heaven, Let’s Keep it a Secret’ vs the bands latest release, 'Sempiternal.'
ALREADY HEARD TRACK GUIDE: ALEXANDER - SAY HELLOWe catch up with Newcastle Indie Rock quartet Alexander to find out more about their debut album 'Say Hello' for a “Already Heard Track Guide” feature.
INTERVIEW: TITLE FIGHTHaving briefly returned to the UK for the Hit The Deck Festival before starting a European
tour, we caught up with vocalist/bassist Ned Russin to discuss the bands progression in sound, differences between UK and US festivals, their recent split with Touché Amoré,
having friends on tour and more.
Something For The Weekend: Count Your Lucky Stars Special
This week the lovely people at Count Your Lucky Stars Records put everything they’ve released on their Bandcamp for pay-what-you-want download. So we absolutely had to delve right in and pick some of our favourite releases from CYLS for this weeks “Something For The Weekend.”
We have Ann Arbor favourites, Brave Bird. Chicago’s “feel good sad jams”, Dowsing. And last but most definitely not least we have Merchant Ships, a dead Midwestern screamo band.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
Brave Bird
For Fans Of: Cap n’ Jazz, Brand New
I honestly have no idea how I came across Brave Bird originally but it was love at first listen. ‘Ready Or Not’ was released in November 2010 and it was on constant, and I mean constant, rotation for months of my life. Then came about the full length ‘Maybe You, No One Else Worth It’ and it was like all my indie-emo musical prayers had been answered. The record to me is just a perfect example of the “emo” revival done well – because it isn’t just a revival, it’s almost an invention. The youthful exuberance, the jarring vocals and melodic guitar work all add to the layers upon layers found within this band and record. I genuinely cannot stress enough how much I love this record & band – so I’d advise you go grab a copy and see what I’m talking about!
Something For The Weekend with Luke Taylor (Hello Lazarus)
For this weeks edition of Something For The Weekend, we have Luke Taylor from Britsol rock trio Hello Lazarus. Having released their latest EP, ‘Moving Forward Over The Next Financial Quarter’ last month, the bands sound has been described as “the lovechild of Deftones and Brand New.” In other words, we approve of Hello Lazarus.
When we asked vocalist/guitarist Luke to be a guest writer for Something For The Weekend, he jumped at the opportunity.
Luke’s choices for your recommended weekend listening consist of an underrated Danish trio, a fellow emerging Bristol band and an established Scottish band who are currently writing their third album.
What do you think to Luke’s choices? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
Efterklang
For fans of: Foals, Sigur Ros, Pianos Become The Teeth.
Efterklanghave been on the rise since forming in 2000 in Denmark and they just keep getting better. If you haven’t heard them already they are the kind of band that you might recognise anyway due to their music hitting British television as the backing tracks for several adverts.
I was lucky enough to catch them with a full orchestra in London at the end of last year - it was just incredible and the kind of performance you remember for a lifetime. I would describe their music as relaxing but uplifting and compare them in parts to Foals and Sigur Ros but you really have to listen for yourself:
Efterklang on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Soundcloud.
Something For The Weekend with Cats? Aye! Records
For this weeks feature, we have another wonderful guest writer in the form of Cats? Aye! Records. Giving us a rundown on themselves, and some of the “must watch out for” bands they’re working with!
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
Hi! We’re Cats? Aye! Records. We are a small label based between Huddersfield and Southampton and we formed in January 2012. There are five of us that co- run the label and Kev, who is Huddersfield based also promotes under the name Cats? Aye! The label started as a drunk idea in Kev’s living room. During our first year, we have some incredible opportunities to work with aritists such as Arliss Nancy, Wegrowbeards, Young Attenborough, Kelly Kemp, Roo Pescod (Bangers), Giles Bidder (Great Cynics) and many more. We’ve also had success with a free download compilation featuring bands covering songs for free download and have been lucky enough to work with the likes of The Menzingers, The Flatliners and Jon Snodgrass among others.
Further info Cats? Aye! Records on can be found on Facebook, Bandcamp
Break Ups
For Fans Of: The Lawrence Arms, Spraynard
This Dorking based three piece played there first show in October 2012 and have since been stirring up a storm. We’ve just released their debut EP on CD/Digital download.
Something For The Weekend (26/04/2013)
Our resident “Something For The Weekend” writer, Rosie Kerr is back once again with three exciting new bands for your weekend listening pleasure.
This weeks picks consist of Southampton’s resident musician, an emotional London hardcore band, and a stripped down and bare folk/pop artist.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
Big Fin
For Fans Of: Onelinedrawing, Bon Iver.
Big Fin is Matthew Reynolds (of Howards Alias & Drawings fame) solo venture. Mostly recorded from his own flat, with added parts from Neil Kennedy at The Ranch Production House, this 4 track EP highlights Matt’s solid writing capability and his musical prowess. Instead of your standard solo acoustic, one man and his guitar, this EP is abundant with layers which create an astoundingly full finish. Going into this I wasn’t entirely sure I’d love it but coming away from this record I believe that Matt has really achieved something special here. If you enjoy the emotional givings of artists like Bon Iver and Onelinedrawing then it’s absolutely necessary you listen to this record.
Something For The Weekend (19/04/2013)
Our resident “Something For The Weekend” writer, Rosie Kerr is back once again with three exciting new bands for your weekend listening pleasure.
This weeks picks consist of a Boston Math Rock/Punk band, a noisey lo-fi pop band from Liverpool and a Post-Hardcore screamo band from New Hampshire.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
Old Gray
For Fans Of: Comadre, Daitro, End Of A Year.
Old Gray are Cameron, Raphael, and Charlie, “three dudes” from Hooksett, Manchester, and Auburn, NH. Now, I will admit, I sat on this band for awhile and I will be the first to say that that was highly, highly, idiotic of me. With the demise of one of my favourite bands, Comadre, I was in desperate need of a new band to fill that void, and then I happened across Old Gray and faith was restored. Their most recent release ‘An Autobiography’ is sincerely a beautiful record. Reminiscent musically to that of Comadre’s ‘Burn Your Bones’ and piercing vocals akin to those of Daitro, it’s easy to see why this band is getting “hype” at the moment. They’re one of the ones who can do this kind of thing well and we’ve all been burden to bands who just can’t quite reach the mark.
Something For The Weekend - Stay Sweet Festival Special
For this weeks edition of “Something For The Weekend,” Rosie Kerr previews Richmond’s Stay Sweet Festival by picking out three must-see bands. Take it away Rosie.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
In a little ‘ole place called Richmond, Virginia, this weekend sees the return of the 3rd annual Stay Sweet Festival. Time and time again, Stay Sweet manages to bring together all of the USA’s up and comers into one small space to play for the delight of fans from all round. Taking place over 3 days this weekend sees bands likes; Slingshot Dakota, Luther, Code Orange Kids, The Menzingers, Captain, We’re Sinking, Dowsing, You Blew It! And many many of the big hitters of the Run For Cover age. Below are some of the bands playing over the 3 days that have had my attention for a while now.
Turnover
For Fans Of: Title Fight, Daylight, Seahaven.
Turnover seem to be a band that I got pretty hyped about, then disappeared. Then only recently have I begun to once again see their name appearing and I read that they’re literally about to release a full length. Now, I can’t guarantee what the full length will be like, but if their previous works are anything to go by then it’ll be the record I’ve been waiting for from this band. ‘Magnolia’ is released via Run For Cover Records next Monday (16th April) and I’d advise keeping an ear out for it.
They play on Friday at 6.30 on the Stage.
Something For The Weekend (05/04/2013)
Our resident “Something For The Weekend” writer, Rosie Kerr is back once again with three exciting new bands for your listening pleasure.
This week she recommends a lo-fi indie rock band from New Orleans, a female acoustic pop artist and an indie duo from Michigan.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
Donovan Wolfington
For Fans Of: Joyce Manor, lo-fi rock, Tigers Jaw.
Donovan Wolfington are a band from New Orleans, Louisiana that play angsty rock with a sweet southern drawl. They have a record out called ‘Stop Breathing’ which is 9 tracks and 30 minutes of wonderful indie rock, all for only $1 on their Bandcamp (which is insane considering how good this record is). If you’re looking for a new summer band to wile away the warm days, then I strongly recommend Donovan Wolfington, I think they’re going to be a new band to watch out for this year.
Something For The Weekend (29/03/2013)
Our resident “Something For The Weekend” writer, Rosie Kerr makes a return for this week’s edition of our Friday feature.
Once again Rosie recommends three exciting new bands for your listening pleasure.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
Steady Hands
For Fans Of: Tom Gabel.
Steady Hands is one man with enough musical talent to fuel about 7 bands. The drummer of one of my most talked about bands of late, Modern Baseball, Sean Huber is a musical genius (and I don’t say this lightly). He’s recently released an incredible record called ‘The Libertines’ in which he’s had the help of his friends to form a backing band and create a real sense of completion with this record. As far as folk punk goes, this is the pinnacle that all artists should be aiming for. It’s original, interesting, and so god damn heart-wrenching in places that I honestly can’t praise this enough. They breed incredibly talented artists in Philly. Represent.
Something For The Weekend with Jamie Otsa (Radstock Festival)
Once again we have another guest writer for this weeks edition of “Something For The Weekend.” Jamie Otsa is one of the individuals behind Liverpool’s Radstock Festival, which takes place later this month. On top of that Jamie is the web editor for music website Glasswerk, manages rising UK bands Marmozets and Decade, and runs Wall of Sound PR whose roster includes Giants, Colt 45, We Were Beautiful, Next Stop Atlanta and more.
For his stint as guest writer, Jamie picked three acts that he’s been exposed to through his various lines of work.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
The bands I’ve picked for this feature are just a handful of the excellent UK talent that I continue to be pleasantly surprised by as I open my email inbox and physical post on a day to day basis. I’ve been in bands myself and now that I’m on the other side of the fence it’s difficult to watch exceptionally talented people struggling to have their voices heard, hence why I try to do my best to help out as many musicians as I can in whatever small way I can. As a music website editor, PR, artist manager and promoter I have a lot of great outlets for helping bands to get heard and it’s what I love to do, so here are a smattering of some of the excellent bands that it’s my pleasure and privilege to pass on to you.
For Eyes
For Fans Of: The Bronx, Every Time I Die, and The JCQ.
The first time I saw For Eyes I wasn’t really sure what the hell was happening; just that it was visceral, intense and that I loved it. Front man Dan Kenny was a tangled and sweaty mess of long blonde hair and bedraggled beard, and as he lurched and writhed across the pit towards me I was genuinely afraid. Guitarist Jack McGurran was topless on stage with a black stocking stretched over head which gruesomely distorted his usually handsome visage, and a small, terrified group of onlookers cowered away from the crushing riffs and impressive vocal acrobatics that were pouring out of the PA. Not just an excellent live show, For Eyes reign supreme at encasing their individuality and raw power in accessible, bite size chunks and have a knack for song craft that seems to elude many of their contemporaries. Frightening, essential, a little bit insane - this is music that venerates life and encapsulates sheer, irrepressible energy.
Something For The Weekend with James Lloyd (Carry The 4 PR)
For this week’s edition of “Something For The Weekend,” our guest writer is James Lloyd from alternative, rock and pop-punk PR company Carry The 4.
Since forming in late 2011, Carry The 4 and Lloyd has worked with a number of up and coming bands such as Birmingham pop-rockers Taking Hayley, pop-punk bands Angry Bears and Life On The Sideline, as well as New York’s Take One Car and more.
For his spot as guest writer, James picked four “under the radar” bands that haven’t had the attention they deserve.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
My choices for this edition of Something For The Weekend are predominately bands that I would consider “under the radar,” bands that don’t have the buzz surrounding them that they perhaps should, some of whom we’ve been introduced to at Carry The 4 by management, bands, or labels and others who I’ve been fortunate enough to stumble across through Facebook or Twitter.
Barely Blind
For Fans Of: The Composure, The Dangerous Summer, and Motion City Soundtrack. When I came across Barely Blind around 18 months ago, they had just released their third full length, ‘Wilder Child Of A Thousand Suns,’ which remains one of my stand out albums of 2011. The back catalogue should certainly not be overlooked, but for me ‘Wilder Child…’was the first time Barely Blind reached the full force of their potential.
An intriguing blend of indie and pop-punk, Barely Blindis self proclaimed as “a sonic meld of fuzzy rock’n’roll” – a description as delightfully dulcet as the music that it speaks of, pop-punk for the conscientious listener. Whilst by no means hook after hook, there’s melody aplenty to be enjoyed, but there’s much more to be taken from Barely Blind than that. Lyrically smart, the musicianship and instrumentation, individually, are rarely standout. But then Barely Blind are much more than just the sum of their parts. What instead shines through is the composition and the perfect compliment of guitar tone with Brad Cuccio’s vocal, creating an honest narrative, which, instead of being repetitively pounded into the ground is honed into a laid back indie vibe, with some verses not sounding out of place on a Best Coast album.
As I write this, the band are celebrating their 10 year anniversary, and at a time when the phrase “…they should be bigger” is thrown around about every musician and their dog, I cannot think of a more apt recipient of that tag than Barely Blind.
Something For The Weekend with Bob Cooper (Producer/Engineer)
For this week’s “Something For The Weekend” we once again have a guest writer. Bob Cooper is a recording engineer and producer. Having previously run his own record label (All Aboard Records,) Bob has worked at Beat360 Studio in New York City, The Chairworks Studio in Castleford, and is now based at HQ Studio in Manchester. Over the past few years Bob has worked on music from the likes of Ginger Wildheart, Nai Harvest, Hawk Eyes, Pnau, Teddy Geiger, Watch Commander, Jimmy Holland and many more.
For his piece as guest write for “Something For The Weekend,” Bob chose these bands because they’ve all had a positive impact on his life, both personally and musically.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
Troubled Sleep
Troubled Sleep, as a group of people, have had a more positive impact on my life than almost everyone I’ve met before. I met Benny a couple of years ago when his other band End Of A Year (Self Defense Family) played a show in my living room. When I moved to New York, he was the only person there I knew, he introduced me to his friends, took me on tour, and they opened their home to me when I had nowhere else to stay.
Anyway, Troubled Sleep are an indie rock band from Brooklyn, NY, featuring members of Self Defense Family and Bridge And Tunnel. They’re the loudest clean guitar band i’ve ever seen and they sing about real life stuff that resonates with me more than most music, if you’re into cool mid tempo indie with nods towards Sonic Youth, this is for you.
We should be working on a new 7” together in April / May time, until then, their most recent release ‘Wacky Past Is Now’ is available on their Bandcamp.
Something For The Weekend with Jamie Robertson (Fist In The Air Records)
For this weeks edition of “Something For The Weekend” we welcome Jamie Robertson from Fist In The Air Records as our guest writer.
Since its formation the Kent-based label has released material from the likes of Departures, XERXES, Take Courage, and End Reign. More recently they’ve added the highly recommend Moose Blood and The Winter Passing to their growing roster, showing their finger are firmly on the pulse within todays music scene.
For his stint as guest writer FITA founder Jamie Robertson recommends three Stateside bands that may have passed you by, but thankfully they all have releases planned in the coming months.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
I’ve chosen these three bands purely on the fact that I enjoy them and hopefully some of you will to. They’re all based over in the USA and even with the Internet making the world of music a million times smaller, there’s a good chance they will have slipped under the radar for a lot of people. All three have releases planned for this year, fingers crossed at least one of them makes it over to tour the UK some time too!
Apart
For Fans Of: American Nightmare, Touche Amore and The Saddest Landscape.
I came across this band through Mayfly Records who announced they would be releasing their upcoming full length in Spring/ Summer last year. Mayfly is a great label, put out a lot of solid bands (Code Orange Kids, Xerxes, Barrow etc) and I’ve worked with them on a split 7” in the past, so I knew they would something worth checking out. They play a fantastic mix of screamo and hardcore that seems to be popular nowdays since the rise of bands like Touché Amoré, albeit with more caustic sounding vocals. Their album ‘Gray Light’ was one of my favourites from last year and I highly recommend it; even if screamo isn’t entirely your bag I think there’s something in that album for everyone to enjoy. I believe they have a couple of new records planned for this year so keep your eyes peeled!
Something For The Weekend with Rosie Kerr (Already Heard/Ebb & Flow PR)
Our very own Rosie Kerr makes it a hat-trick this week, as this is her third time picking three bands for “Something For The Weekend.” As reward we’ve given her the title of “Something For The Weekend Editor”, so expect to see more of Rosie’s fantastic choices in the coming weeks along with the occasional guest writer.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
Pet Symmetry
For Fans Of: Houston Calls, Drive-Thru Records, and Summer soundtracks.
Pet Symmetry are Into It. Over It. and Dowsing’s new power-pop fuelled sound of summer band. It took me one listen to fall instantly in love because if there’s one thing I love more than most, it’s summer. There’s only one track currently available, ‘A Detailed and Poetic Physical Threat to the Person Who Intentionally Vandalized my 1994 Dodge Intrepid Behind Kate’s Apartment’ and I swear this is all it will take to get you excited about this collaboration. If you loved Drive Thru Records and their summer power-pop offerings then there’s nothing about this track you won’t enjoy. The band will be releasing a 7” via Asian Man Records called ‘Two Songs About Cars. Two Songs With Long Titles’ this spring.
Pet Symmetry on Facebook.
Something For The Weekend with Charlie Thomas (Calls Landing)
Next week Leeds Pop Punk bands Make Your Mark and Calls Landing head out on a Already Heard-sponsored UK tour, and for this week’s edition of “Something For The Weekend” with handed the reigns over to Calls Landing drummer Charlie Thomas.
Since forming in 2011 and with a select amount of releases in their back catalogue, 2013 will see Calls Landing continue their rise with new material set to be released and more touring planned.
For his three choices as guest writer, Charlie picks three bands that are refreshing yet are heavily influenced by some of his favourite bands.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
I picked these three bands because I really connected with their music. In terms of influences especially, a host of my favourite bands are the favourite bands of the three I chose and the influences I share with the bands are evident within their music and persona. I also feel that they’re producing something fresh and exciting. Each bands music has put me in a state of excitement and anticipation in regard to seeing their music live too. Fortunately, I’ll be able to catch The American Scene this May when they tour the UK, hopefully I can catch The Vestals and Moose Blood pretty soon too!
Moose Blood
For Fans Of: Early Brand New, Morrissey, and Tigers Jaw.
I discovered this band back in August, I follow their drummer Glenn on Tumblr and he’d posted a track, a couple of friends reblogged it and I digged the artwork, it looked like something from the film Drive. The track was the demo version of ‘Bukowski’ and it just grabbed me. I guess it was a mix of the pop culture references, including Morrissey and drinking coffee, and the catchy little guitar lick in the verses. They released their début EP in December, it’s such a feel good record, you should check it out for sure!
Something For The Weekend with Rosie Kerr (Already Heard/Ebb & Flow PR)
For the second week running, Already Heard writer and Ebb & Flow PR boss Rosie Kerr takes the “Something For The Weekend” reigns once again.
If you’re not familiar with our “Something For The Weekend” feature, the concept is simple; a guest writer from the music industry recommends three (or more) up and coming bands for your weekend listening pleasure.
If your label, band or company would like to become a guest writer for Something For The Weekend - contact Sean Reid to find out more information.
Hop Along
FFO: Laura Stevenson, Lemuria, garage guitars.
Frances, Mark and Tyler are Hop Along, a band from Philadelphia. Now, I’m writing this presuming that the majority of people will know about this band because essentially if you don’t, you’re missing out. Their first full length record ‘Disowned’ was released last year and has just been announced as getting its UK release with Big Scary Monsters. With a UK tour planned soon with The Sidekicks, be sure to get out and watch this band. I would highly advise listening to ‘Tibetan Pop Stars’, one of the most encapsulating tracks on the record.
