A Blog Post From Adzy #2: Reason For Absence

Hello everybody, it's me Adzy again with another blog post detailing why on earth there has been no activity since the 19th of October (I fail). Well, the reason for that is because I was moving house and was without an internet connection, fair? Okay.

Well NOW I was expecting the internet to magically appear on my laptop at some point today, but that isn't the case unfortunately. I am now having to wait until the 9TH.OF.NOVEMBER for the internet to make its arrival. It's very shit, and very annoying indeed yes.

This unfortunately means that Little Comments will not be home to any new reviews until then. I am sorry for that for all of the BILLIONS of fans I've got (just kidding lulz) and will hopefully make it up to you with cake or cuddles or some shit like that.

Anyway, you might be asking yourself 'but if he's not got the internet, how is he uploading this post?!' WELL NOWS THE TIME TO CALM DOWN. I've got a job now and am currently using up my intense working time in order to post this. I should probably do some work now because the boss will probably look at this and hurt me. 

So, um, yeah. See you on the 9th/10th of November I guess guys. In the meantime, why don't you read through the many other reviews I've written? Or go and buy a puppy? Leave a comment of support/hate or just suggest any ideas on what the other people reading this should do while Little Comments is down.

Forest Fire - Staring At The X

Released: 17^th October 2011

Label: FatCat Records

Genre: ‘weird folk band’

TL;DR: Trippy as hell but I love tripping over it. 8/10

Forest Fire is a five piece band from Brooklyn, New York City and comprises of songwriter/vocalist Mark Thresher, guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Nathan Delffs, bassist/multi-instrumentalist Natalie Stormann, drummer Robert Pounding, and producer/keyboardist Adam Spittler. Staring At The X is their second album, and follows on from the success of their debut, Survival, which was named in a list of Top Ten Albums of 2009 by Rough Trade Records.

Staring At The X offers a strange tangent from their debut, with the band themselves stating that they wanted to take a more ambitious name to their descriptions, rather than just a ‘weird folk band’. There are many layers of sounds chiming in and out of these eight tracks, with a nostalgic take on MGMT’s evolved Congratulations tone to produce a set of songs that are very weirdly enjoyable.

Thomas Truax - Everything's Gone Halloween

Released: October 2011

Label: Unsigned

Genre: Punk

TL;DR: It’s only a single, read it. 7/10

New York City's Thomas Truax is a left field troubadour and inventor/player of strange self-made instruments like his now legendary 'Hornicator' and a motorized mechanical drum machine called 'Mother Superior'. He employs these and other contraptions as well as traditional instruments in exceptionally crafted, witty and often touching songs. Splendid magazine called him "one of the five or ten best singer/songwriters in the world that you've never heard of...an exceptional talent, unique and resistant to comparison, yet fairly accessible even to casual listeners."

He has unfortunately had the worst year of his life, and sees himself having to travel back home to Berlin because of a failed attempt to renew his visa. His ongoing monthly journal project sees its newest addition in Everythings Gone Halloween, a great track to release in the traditional month of October.

It has all of the elements of a fun Halloween song: spooky sounds, mysterious instrumentation and a haunting echo effect on Truax’s vocals. It has a fairly clunky rhythm which trundles along nicely, and is certainly one of the more interesting songs to eventually be on Truax’s new album, which will be a collection of the monthly journal tracks.

Reachback - Forget To Forget You

Released: 10^th October 2011

Label: Unsigned

Genre: Alternative

TL;DR: Lovely. 8/10

Last week, Live Nation UK launched interesting project Live Connection. Live Connection is an A&R selected, live performance video service used to promote the best unsigned acts and provides a platform towards the prospect of becoming signed to a record label. It has seen twenty tracks from seven different artists.

They have already achieved a developing major success story in the form of Forget To Forget You by Reachback. The track has had four times as much attention or any other track currently uploaded by Live Connection, and the band’s frontwoman Ruby Williams in particular has been gaining a ton of praise too. Forget To Forget You is a very mellow, acoustic powered song full of emotional guitars, pianos and covered on top with the best vocals I’ve heard in a long time from Williams.

Reachback’s track is set to be published by Sony ATV and promoted to an audience in excess of sixteen million music fans. No doubt the majority of them will adore this track as much as I have, and I certainly hope Reachback make it somewhere in the music business.

Little Comments Interview #8 - Rat Trap

The EIGHTH (blimey) interview to be held EXCLUSIVELY for Little Comments is with Rat Trap! Awesome!

How are we today?

Grant: Radical

Ben: Ben-tastic

Oliver: Good

Firstly, how did you decide the name of the band?

Grant: The band first started out as a guitar and drums duo. Just me and my friend cranking out these really bad garage rock jams that sounded kind of like the white stripes if they played hungover. Blind. Missing limbs or something. Point is that it wasn’t very good. That was back in early 2010 when I was only thirteen years old. At the time, I didn’t really know that I had the potential to write songs or play any instrument with any sort of skill, or to have a band, I was just fucking around. One day I think we were just like “Hey we’re kind of a band right? And bands have names!” So we just thought of stuff that sounded cool and eventually picked ‘Rat Trap’.

A Blog Post From Adzy #1: From Me To You

Hey guys, this is Adzybaby here posting to just inform you the reasons behind the real lack of…effort on my part in terms of Little Comments lately. Last week I started my apprenticeship as a web developer; it’s all very good stuff and very good monies for an Apprentice, but does take a lot of energy and time out of myself. For example, last week I was waking up at 6:20am GMT every day and then WALKING to the train station by 7:30am. Not good, especially for someone such as I who was used to months and months of getting up whenever I want (stupid college ending).

Of course I am still committed and enthusiastic about making these reviews and maintaining the blog. I mean, receiving emails from bands/labels asking for me to help them out is pretty darn satisfying. But there may be days where my parents hate me and do not wish to pick me up from the train station when I’m finished at work, and I’ll come home knackered beyond belief, and not wish to add new content that day.

But yeah, what’s next for Little Comments? I have no idea really. I was enquiring to a few people I know who blog/vlog or do reviews about contributing guest posts to the blog but that might not happen just yet, who knows. I think in terms of music, Little Comments is pretty set on how it currently gets music. THIS IS WHY I NEED YOUR HELP GUYS.

The Pleasure - The New Monarchy

Released: 22^nd July 2011

Label: Unsigned

Genre: Alternative Indie/Pop

TL;DR: Alright 6/10

The New Monarchy is an album by American band The Pleasure. It is a record featuring tracks that were written over the course of a year during the time where the band experienced a bigger sense of growth and change, musically and individually. The tracks are written about the five piece embracing this growth and allowing their imaginations to open up possibilities for the future.

The album’s full of decent songs which fulfil their purpose well. However, I do feel that the tracks sound too similar with one another, and not exactly bringing anything new to the table. This could be from a lack of knowledge of songwriting, so hopefully this develops as The Pleasure’s career does too.

Los Campesinos! - Hello Sadness

Released: October 2011

Label: Wichita Recordings Ltd

Genre: Alternative Indie

TL;DR: Awesome. 7/10

Los Campesinos! is a band that has been around for quite a bit longer than I thought. Having started in 2007 with debut album Hold On Now, Youngster… and becoming omg brilliant amongst the indie community through their happy-yet-sad lyrics and instrumentation which spawned amazing tracks such as You! Me! Dancing! Amongst others.

The previous four years that followed saw the balance between happy and sad become slightly off foot a tad, contributing towards the tone of the band’s sound as well as lyrical content. Last album Romance Is Boring contained many extremely impact-worthy tracks dominate the track listing, ultimately lead by track The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future.

Little Comments Interview #7 - Lushfarm

The seventh interview to be held EXCLUSIVELY at Little Comments is with Lushfarm! This is definitely the best interview I've ever read. Anybody else care to top it?

1 How are we today?

We are grand!  Bummed that Steve Jobs died yesterday (This was sent back the day after Steve Jobs died.)  though.  Say what you will about PC vs. Mac or Android vs. iOS--if you use a computer or a smartphone, you’re carrying around a piece of his legacy.  I hope Apple doesn’t become an evil(er?) empire now that he’s gone.

The Ends - Talk Of The South

Released: November 2011

Genre: Alternative Rock

Label: Unsigned

TL;DR: Hnnng. 8/10

Talk Of The South is the new EP from 4 piece Essex band The Ends. They are currently a big name amongst the local live scene because of their high energy performances and relentless schedule playing venues big and small. They have been described as ‘Blur mixed with The Sex Pistols’ and ‘Distinctly British’ so if you like Blur, The Sex Pistols, or being bloody British, then this is the EP for you.

Boasting five songs full of straight up rock tunes, melting faces and changing paces along the way, this EP displays the result of a band’s improved musicianship from merciless touring since 2009. Talk of the South reveals a ton of promise for the Ends, if they can keep this momentum going through to their next album, then the UK should expect to hear all about these guys pretty soon.

Survival Society - The Obsolete Vernacular

Released: 2^nd September 2011

Label: Unsigned

Genre: Indie Rock

TL;DR: Nice. 7/10

Survival Society are a three piece band from Baltimore, MD, and this is their debut EP, The Obsolete Vernacular. It boasts six songs ranging from a sound of indie rock, straight up rock, and the odd acoustic number. The band is made up of Jason Taylor (vocals/guitar) Jack Applegarth (guitar/vocals) and Nathan Wroten (drums).

If you’re a fan of solid rocks tunes, then this EP is for you. Every element in the sound of Survival Society is solid, the drums are tight, the guitars and tuned just right, and the riffs are pretty darn good also. The redeeming factor for me however are the vocals, they have a touch of Lostprophets and You Me At Six in them. So if you’re a fan of those bands, then check out Survival Society.

Johnny Parry - Islington Town Hall Show

15^th October is a date to set in your diaries and calendars. It is the date in which enigmatic singer and composer Johnny Parry plays a rare performance at Islington Town Hall, London, complete with a THIRTY piece ensemble behind him. It will certainly be a remarkable musical event and whoever is able to attend it should be considered extremely lucky.

"Overall, to imagine this, just put Tom Waits in front of A Silver Mt Zion, an opera singer is in the wings doing vocal exercises. Gravelly vocals over sometimes elegant and sometimes Kurt Weill like musicscapes, earthy imagery contrasting with polite strings, the gamekeeper is in the drawing room enjoying the ladies from behind."

Americana UK

“A piano led thing of beauty.”
Timeout

"Parry's poems of morbid carnality and romance are framed by heavy velvet curtains of stylized theatrical gloom"
Uncut

Witch Cult - Witch Cult

Released: 31^st October 2011

Label: Holy Roar Records

Genre: Hardcore

TL;DR: My Ears Hurt. 7/10

Witch Cult has certainly adopted the mystery that surrounds them. Playing live shows that barely last over eight minutes complete with balaclavas and whispers wondering as to who’s actually in the band that could make even the Chinese blush. They are definitely the most hardcore band to have been reviewed on Little Comments.

Their debut self titled album is the first set of studio material to sprout from the band, and it’s easily packs a punch Rocky Balboa would be frightened of. It’s full of feedback, tons and tons of the stuff. Screeches and wails from guitars and microphones encompass the pounding drums and harsh vocals in a way that makes it possible for ears to start bleeding profusely, I do wonder if anybody’s willing to play this album on their iPods, headphones n all, at full blast. It makes perfect sense that Witch Cult is released on Halloween.

Chapter 24 - You Said

Released: 2011

Label: Odd Box Records

Genre: Art Rock/Punk Girl

TL;DR: Absolutely Bonkers 7/10

Chapter 24 are a band who certainly throws all common sense out the window. With their unusual guitar riffs and floundering drum patterns, and some crazy HEYs and HOs from frontwoman Claire Smith, it’s a wonder if the band got their name from flicking through a book about insane asylums or something.

There is no need to take this as negative; everybody needs to express themselves as being a bright neon colour afterall. You Said is a single released from their debut self titled EP earlier this year, and it is weird, yet wonderful. Sounding retro and yet extremely fresh, as if this is music we should come to expect in the future.

The only other band that could be compared with Chapter 24 is Hot Head Show. Both offer rather eccentric takes on music, often slipping in and out of genres in a matter of moments. If you happen to like Hot Head Show, or just fancy something a bit out there, then give this track a listen below. 

Chapter 24 - You Said from Tom Levinge on Vimeo.

BADBADNOTGOOD - BBNG

Released: 17^th September 2011

Label: ?????

Genre: Hip-Hop/Jazz

TL;DR: So good. 8/10

BBNG is the new album from BADBADNOTGOOD. It follows on from their first self titled LP back in June, which was mostly a collection of songs they had released sporadically at the start of the year. They are a three piece from Toronto, Canada and comprise of Matthew A. Tavares, Chester Hansen, and Alex Sowinski.

This new album boasts some covers and some original material from the band. Mixing the styles of hip-hop and jazz together to produce a very slick sound beefed up by samples and tight drum patterns. The band take their sound into different directions throughout its twelve songs, diminishing any real sense of flow, but the tracks themselves have a fluidity to them to make up for it. There’s even a ten minute Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time tribute involved, and the album’s free too, so you’ve just GOT to give it a go.

M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

Released: 18^th October 2011

Genre: Electronic/Pop

Label: Mute

TL;DR: So good. 9/10

M83 is the electronic/pop music project of French musician Anthony Gonzalez, it has been around in the music business since 2001, and has currently released six studio albums in its ten year life. Their new album, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, offers a lot more of the synth pop that was significantly used on previous album Saturdays = Youth, and manipulates it into a much more accessible sound.

The first single to be released from the new album was Midnight City, a track which the blogosphere adored (including me) because of its unusual beats, amazing production, and simply anthemic atmosphere. It’s even got a saxophone solo included too, what’s not to like?

If you are a fan of M83, or have only heard the name or Midnight City, then check out this album. It’s full of tracks which like Midnight City offer a ton of accessibility and fantastic atmospheres, without doubt one of the more anticipated records of 2011, and it has easily hit that high standard.

Me And This Army - Souls

Released: 26^th April 2011

Label: Unsigned

Genre: Indie-Soul

TL;DR: Cool. 7/10

Me And This Army are a three piece indie/soul band from Baltimore, MD. Comprised of Courtney Hargrove, Nicholas Pollione and Jonathon Burrier, the band look to propel to bigger levels of stardom with their latest EP Souls, and could sound quite original with their interesting mix of indie and soul.

Souls offers a slightly more jagged edge to an otherwise smooth indie genre, with opening track F(r)iends being one of the most exciting songs of the year, and seeing it’s momentum throughout the following two tracks. The EP is also full of accessible choruses and vocal hooks that allow any hipster or scene kid to shout along to.

Little Comments Interview #6 - The Bum Gardeners

The sixth interview to be held exclusively for Little Comments is from The Bum Gardeners! That's right, the greatest band in the world have offered their kind words to help propel this blog into super stardom. ENJOY.

It must be said that I was interviewing one of my best friends Graham, so the questions may be a little bit um...not professional. But still.

MX4HSHT4TRFJ

Hiya, how are you today?

I am super awesome happy fun time

What happens in the life of a Bum Gardener?

Well for me I like to start the day like any normal guy with a cool refreshing glass of Relentless, available at all stores for a price that’s just right for the man on the go.

Fun. - We Are Young

Released: October 2011

Label: Fueled By Ramen

Genre: Indie/Pop

TL;DR: Pretty. 7/10

Fun. Are soon to be back with their new album, but while that won’t be released til 2012, they have kindly leaked song We Are Young, which features Janelle Monae (of The Archandroid fame) in a solid verse. It features pounding drums, a repeating but endearing beat, and one heck of an anthemic chorus.

Vocalist Nate Reuss has never sounded cleaner, and his voice (as always) sounds as angelic as its driving force in last album Aim & Ignite. We Are Young is a good song that offers all of the juvenile elements that made their last LP so enjoyable, but it also signals that Fun. Are going for a more mature sound this time around. 

fun.: We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe by Fueled By Ramen

Superheavy - Superheavy

Released: TODAY

Label: Superheavy LLC

Genre: Everything

TL;DR: …wut? 4/10

Superheavy is the self titled debut album by the newest supergroup on the block, Superheavy. It comprises of Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart A.R Rahman and Damian Marley. That’s right, three big name vocalists in one band, with an album that’s twelve songs long.

The debut offers a little of reggae, straight forward rock, some electronic stuff, and some Indian orchestra also. It’s an album boasting tons of different genres at once but as expected it sounds a little congested, as if everybody is purposely trying to overshout the other and shove their speciality genre into the listener’s face. The instrumentation is often crowded because of this, so there’s not really standing out here, just another bogus supergroup.