One Word Music Reviews!

Hey guys, this is something Nick and I threw together just to show you that reviews don't have to be long essays, they can be a simple word! Check it out. :)

Covers!

Everybody appreciates an occasional cover. So, I decided to compile my all-time top three covers. In no particular order, I bring you five covers taken from very, very different eras and scenes in musical history.

3. Wish (Nine Inch Nails cover) - The Dillinger Escape Plan

This one is great. Greg Puciato holds a note-for-note-perfect rendition of Trent Reznor, and that's a damn hard thing to do. This band has frequently dipped its toes in many different musical styles, one of which is Industrial, which Reznor almost exclusively specializes in. DEP put their own spin on a wonderfully intriguing genre, and it works.

2. Like a Drug (Desert Sessions cover) - Queens Of The Stone Age
This is an interesting one. Like QOTSA, The Desert Sessions is Homme's project. With an ever revolving cast, Homme is easily able to draft members in and out of the band and is also able to bring Desert Sessions tracks over to his own QOTSA records. Each of the five QOTSA records has a few Desert Sessions tracks scattered throughout. So, I have a soft spot for this one.





1. Sister Golden Hair (America Cover) - The Dandy Warhols


The Dandies will always be one of my favourite bands. Similarly, I have a soft spot for old time folkers America. To see the Dandies cover this song with their own space-psych spin on it was a marvel to witness.

SLEEPY SUN - SPINE HITS (2012) - REVIEW

A band has never sorely missed a founding member this much. Not since the days of burying Jason Newsted in the mix as a practical joke has a band sounded so drastically misshapen. It is possible for fans of old to avoid lamenting the departure of Rachel Fannan, a founding member who obviously was instrumental (no pun intended) in arranging structural elements of Sleepy Sun’s music, but it is very, very hard not to. What she leaves behind though, is one Bret Constantino who sounds much more empowered and inspired as a vocalist (read: lonely if you’re one of those fans), and a faster, more lively set of tracks. This is not a bad thing. We’re all open-minded round these parts. That’s why we all have tickets to Radiohead AND One Direction. Right?

When you listen to Stivey Pond and Creature, Fannan is hardly missed at all. In recent publications in the wake of Spine Hits’ release, Fannan’s poisonous presence on the band has been revealed and her departure is thereby justified. Bret Constantino is granted more ability to shine on his own, and the band ventures into new musical territory with a conviction that Fannan didn’t allow. V.O.G showcases a guitar groove that may just remind you of the White Album’s Helter Skelter. Then again, it may not. I see and hear similarities between the strangest things.

The departure of Fannan lets Conatantino breathe new life into the band that wasn’t allowed before.  Constantino’s appreciation of Fannan in both a romantic and musical sense somewhat stifled his own position in the band, and he has spoken on how he has been able to step up his own performance in the band since her departure. Just listen to Boat Trip to hear him very much powerful and kicking on his own. The only improvement Sleepy Sun can make on their already impressive career would be for the other members of the band to start singing live. Constantino sounds most lonely at live venues, much more than in the studio. I hope that in a near tour they decide to visit Sydney, in which case I would have the chance to verify whether or not the band needs to sing behind him.

This is a band that, upon previous releases, would express multiple ideas in single songs. Now, with their new approach and new working title, each musical idea is given its own spatial dimensions as a series of “hits”. Pun intended. In 2010, the 11 tracks on this album might have been spliced into 8 or 9, but accessibility with age is natural, and shouldn’t be condemned.

4.0/5.0 :)

Hear new single Stivey Pond below!

The Temper Trap - NEW SINGLES

The hugely successful alternative rock band which originated from Australia is back with a new upcoming self-titled album to be released in 2012! They'll be performing some of their new material in the upcoming Vivid Festival which I've pre mentioned in a post last week.

Their new singles include Rabbit Hole, which is distinctly TTP in style. I mean, they're pretty awesome as is, who'd want them to change? Have a listen for yourself as you'll be pleasantly surprised.



This next single is called Need Your Love, I think it's a great indication in what the new album will sound like, I think you're going to love it!

Kimbra - Spotify Sessions

I'm sure have all heard of Kimbra, she's been working hard on spreading her new album for a few years now and her recent collaboration with Goyte has only sky-rocketed her to the top. What some fans don't know is the unique way in which Kimbra likes to perform her songs live. Most people know that the real test of an artist is how well they can perform their songs live to an audience, and what comes with that is the assumption that there's usually a spin to it - most artists never perform a song the same each time!

She's had the single Settle Down out for quite a while now, and while it is quite a quirky song in itself, Kimbra has managed to create quite an interesting version of her own song using looping software on an iPad. Kimbra is known for being able to loop her own voice to create amazing harmonies and backup vocals. Check it out for yourself below!

Soundgarden's first single in 15 years

Soundgarden have released their first single in 15 years with the launch of the new Marvel film The Avengers. The band is currently working on their follow-up to their fifth studio album, 1996’s “Down on the upside”. As can be expected, the band is being asked about their new sound. Chris Cornell says:

“It sounds like Soundgardem, but I wouldn’t say it’s similar. I think there are parts of it that are gonna remind anybody of us, but we’ve always kinda progressed from album to album. So it’s definitely not a throwback. It’s not us getting back to our roots... it’s just kind of a natural progression.”

You can hear it below.

Florence + The Machine to Open Vivid Festival 2012

It's been announced that Florence + The Machine will be opening up one of Sydney's hottest festivals, the Vivid Festival of light, music and ideas. She'll be heading over here for an opening on the 25th May after selling out in Europe and North America. It is said that she will be performing alongside her very own group formed orchestra called The Ceremonial Orchestra which will consist of forty other musicians.
The festival will also feature the Yeah Yeah Yeahs lead singer Karen O, Australia's very own The Temper Trap, North America's Janelle Monáe & The Archandroid as well as Danish trio Efterklang. Florence + the Machine open at 9pm 25 May as part of Festival, at Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Australia.

For more details click here to visit Vivid Sydney's site.