Two Door Cinema Club, Undercover Martyn

Two Door Cinema Club, hailing from Ireland, were included on the BBC's Sound of 2010 longlist but there has been a buzz about this three-piece for quite some time. I first wrote about them for Culturedeluxe way back in March last year (my original review can be found here) and it's been a steady climb to success ever since.

Now the boys are back to give us our final taster before the release of their debut album in late February, early March. 'Undercover Martyn' is another irresistible slice of danceable electro-pop with a great opening hook that sounds like a chillout Ibiza hook sped up and helps to carry the momentum throughout the rest of the song. The amount of energy that these three lads manage to put in to the song is incredible and if the rest of the album is filled with more wonderfully crafted three minute songs then we should be in for a treat.

Bittersweet Redemption

So I was roaming on Twitter, like you do, and I found a link to the debut video for 'Are You Ready' from a new band called United Nations of Sound. Naturally I checked it out and thought it sounded very Britpop like a kind of thing Oasis or the Verve would do. Of course it was after I thought this that I found out that it was actually Richard Ashcroft's new band. I don't know whether to be happy that I was kinda right or embarrassed that I didn't recognise his voice.

Anyway, it's pretty good. I know The Verve get a lot of stick from people even though, for me, 'Urban Hymns' is a masterpiece, but this is different. It's harder and rougher around the edges. It's got that kind of swagger that's so readily identifiable with Britpop that the charts are missing these days. You think back to bands like Blur and Oasis and even The Verve in their heyday and they just dripped with confidence. I mean the song ends with an epic two minute guitar solo freak out! I can't remember the last time I heard a guitar solo on the radio let alone a two minute guitar solo outro! It could be a breath of fresh air in an industry that seems to be, with a few notable exceptions, stagnating when it comes to new talent. The new album is due for a release around March and will be called 'Redemption'.

Currently the NME has the video exclusive so if you want to check it out then you can find it here.

Quasi French

Portland duo-turned-trio Quasi have recently announced details of their eighth studio album entitled 'American Gong'. The album has been mixed by Steve Fisk, Tucker Martine and Dave Fridmann and has been set for release through Domino in the UK & Europe, and Kill Rock Stars in the US. The album will also come with a 2CD option with a bonus album, 'So Far, So Good: A Quasi Anthology', which contains a selection of 13 of the best tracks from the Quasi back catalogue.

To celebrate its release, they are giving away an album track to fans, named 'Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler'. You can either sign up for the track here or you can sign up using the embedded form below.

   

Review: Editors, You Don't Know Love

After the storming 'Papillon' Editors return bringing with them a track which, in my opinion, was the highlight of current album 'In This Light and On This Evening. 'You Don't Know Love' is the album's dark, brooding ballad and, despite having over a minute cut for the radio version it still retains its core elements. a steady build up, complete with ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’, before bringing Tom’s increasingly emotive vocals over a rare example of their signature guitar riffs.

Added to this is the extremely surreal video to accompany the song, directed by the same people responsible for the 'Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors'. It features a suited man performing acrobatics, dancing and fighting a woman and her hair. It makes a lot more sense if you watch the video below. Then again, it still doesn't make much sense anyway!

Daisy Dares to Dream

Daisy Coburn, otherwise known as Daisy Dares You, has been making significant ripples in the music industry over the past month or two. At only sixteen years of age she's already been named on just about every 'Sound of 2010' list going, notably the BBC's and The Times'. Now the rest of the general public gets to hear her brand of pop-punk with the release of debut single 'Number One Enemy', which features recent chart-topping act Chipmunk.

Now, it's great for her that she's been able to attract a number one scoring artist but, for me, his segment completely spoils the track. Firsly, it's completely out of tone with the rest of the song, which is a very radio friendly and infectious blend of spunky power pop, rock. Secondly, I believe that music, like theatre should have a 'Fourth Wall' and that we don't need to be reminded of who's done the track whilst we're still listening to it. It's one of the reasons that I'm not too fond of rap and hip hop, too many egos, though at least most of them have had enough success to have earned the right to big themselves up.

And it's a shame because, like I said, it's otherwise a great little song. However this collaboration will get her more recognition and it's likely to score high in the charts. Here's hoping that her next offering will keep the same standard...just without the chipmunk.

Teenagers Refuse to Grow Up

After their interview with us in October teenagersintokyo have been off putting the finishing touches to their debut album, due out later this year, and are back with the latest offering from it, 'Peter Pan'. It's a pretty solid track, with an atmospheric guitar line laid over a thumping drum beat and atmospheric vocals thrown in to the mix with good effect.

The band are obviously gaining a name for themselves with current critical darlings The Horrors (who were awarded the best album of 2009 title by NME, though how seriously anyone can take a list from NME is debatable) offering a remix of the track. You can download 'Peter Pan' remixed by The Horrors here.

And just for good measure, here's the original...

Feeder turn Renegade

The recent departure of drummer Mark Richardson for a Skunk Anansie reunion seems to have shaken up Grant and Taka, the two core members of the band, and the mysterious 'Renegades' campaign is the result. As of yet it is still unclear whether this shroud of mystery is a clever promotional device to whip up anticipation ahead of the latest Feeder release or a new side project. However, the recent announcement of a packaged mini tour, including three nights in London, complete with a four track 'Renegades EP' would seem to hint at the latter.

Due to the small scale nature of the shows some have already sold out but you may still be able to get tickets through Feeder's website. The package includes a ticket to the gig of your choice, a limited edition 'Renegades EP', a special Renegades t-shirt, and a selection of badges.

They seem to have retained the sound from 'Silent Cry', making it even heavier in places, especially in 'Sentimental', which can be found below. The latest offering 'Renegades' can now be downloaded free of charge from the link above.