Review by Ciarán Steward

After being at the heart of the Bristol’s urban reggae scene for over a half a decade, Laid Blak released a track last month giving their views on the London riots of last summer, aptly entitled ‘Crazy’. Recently winning an award for best Northern European reggae band, it is easy from this track to see why Laid Blak are causing such a storm.

Opening with the sounds of static and a television/radio broadcast, the introduction of pairs of stabs from the whole ensemble set the track in motion. Despite the distinctively serious lyrical content, the track just makes you want to dance. The electric organ sound in particular stands out as lighting up the song and along with the electric guitar makes the piece sound incredibly bright. There are almost hints of a mainstream pop song at times, however, it would be hard to describe the track as anything other than reggae.

The echo of the lead voice works nicely throughout but it is the bridge section that sees it shine. The recurring riff of ‘They must be sick’ helps to drive the point home and the instrumentation behind this helps to vary the texture so that the track doesn’t become tiring. The mini-guitar solo, still behind the voice, is unexpected but the tone of the guitar is perfect for its purpose. The drums are constantly impressive, whether playing fills in the introduction or just in the overall mix, keeping the track together.

Sound effects are well-used throughout the track and they help to drive home the message, as well as just adding to the existing soundscape. Perhaps, though, it is the selection of voices in the foreground that steal the show. With well thought out lyrics and appropriate harmonies the message comes across clearly, even when competing with police sirens and the like. The delay at the end of the track completes the song nicely and the length of the song ensures that it doesn’t become tiring at all.

It is hard to fault Laid Blak for their enthusiasm and the character they show through this track - they seem to be good value for their recent award and its a shame that acts like this aren’t a greater part of the mainstream. Musically tight throughout, ‘Crazy’ is well worth a listen as it is able to create such a good atmosphere despite a predominantly serious topic. Well worth a listen and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who like upbeat music, reggae, soul, pop, or pretty much anything!

Review by Ciarán Steward

Review by Leo Charlton

There is a LOT of hype around Fearless Vampire Killer’s debut album Militia Of The Lost, and in the wake of its release perhaps we can begin to determine whether the hype is justly warranted, or another case of shameless bandwagoneering.

Review by Matt Gurr

Tango In The Attic are back with their new album 'Sellotape', the follow up to 2010’s storming debut Blank Place Locomotive Society. If their first coming was something you missed, just know that comparisons to Vampire Weekend, while frequent, are accurate, as they offer their own Scottish take on catchy, chorus-led indie pop-rock.

If you're a fan of The Levellers, or just want to see what they're about without spending any hard-earned cash, here's some good news.

In preparation for the release of the new album, 'Static on the Airwaves', the group are releasing a free download called 'Our Forgotten Town'.

For your free preview of the new LP go to staticontheairwaves.co.uk

Review by Ciarán Steward

Liverpool-based alternative/indie band Ninetails will be releasing their latest single ‘Blue Bottle Flu’ for free online on the 21st May after selling out their debut EP within just two weeks. The track sounds like Two Door Cinema Club with some added grit and from the moment that the guitar enters the track just never stops moving. Vivacious drumming and non-stop guitar riffs keep the piece flowing well and as the track mellows out slightly for the vocals to enter each part can be heard clearly contributing to the overall sound.

Review by Leo Charlton

The Unkindness of Ravens are so-called not because ravens can be cruel bastards, but because “unkindness” is a collective noun. And, let’s face it, “The Unkindness of Ravens” sounds way cooler than “The Flock of Seagulls” or “The Skein of Geese”.

Review by Kathryn Ashman

As an alternative to the pulsating throb that so commonly seeps into our ears when we turn on the radio, Kissimmee’s ‘This City’ is a single that champions the revival of pop-punk in a world of synchronised dance tunes,  alternative wannabes and David Guetta.

Review by Leo Charlton   

Before you continue, a short declaration must be made: For anyone who doesn’t know the Ramones or their music, stop reading now. Seriously. Go and buy their discography and spend some time getting lost in their music. Then, once you’ve had a lie down and your head is clear, you may return.

Review by Emma Jones

‘Changing’ is the second release from Ad-rian’s 5th album, conveniently entitled ‘5’. Born in Switzerland in 1969 Adrian Sturzenegger has been heavily involved in music his whole life. As well as being a musician he owns his own studio and also writes soundtracks.  This clearly multi-talented singer, who lists Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Presley amongst his influences, states he  combines the approach of soul music with a pop composition in this track. 

Review by Sean Mackey

When an original song is remixed by a DJ, two things would usually come to mind. The first would be ’Oh god this going to be horrible, whoever this person is has just put an obscene amount of bass and a rubbish beat to my new favourite song!’ The second is ‘Oh my new favourite song has just become edgy and I think I’m starting to prefer the remix!’ Maribou State has a habit of doing the second.

Review by Sacha Whittaker

‘Red Skies’ is the third single from Boxes, a.k.a. Carey Willetts. The name may sound familiar to fans of Athlete for whom Willetts has played bass since the band’s inception in 2000, but Willett’s own project is far removed from the low-key songs of Athlete’s last release, Black Swan.