Villagers – Nothing Arrived

Irish Group ‘Villagers‘ have released their new single ‘Nothing Arrived‘, taken from their forthcoming album ‘Awayland‘. The album serves as a  follow up to the Mercury nominated and Ivor Novello Award winning debut album, ‘Becoming a Jackal‘. ‘Nothing Arrived’ had its first play with Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1 yesterday evening.

The video, which premiered online today, depicts a day in the life of Terrence Bliss and is creatively directed by Alden Volney. We witness Terrence as he goes about his monotonous life, feeling somewhat invisible. His every day life takes a sudden turn of events, but is this the change he so desperately longed for?

“What were we hoping to get out of this? Some kind of momentary bliss? I waited for Something, and Something died,  So I waited for Nothing, and Nothing arrived”

Accompaniment is kept simple throughout, which highlights the melodic piano line. Front man Conor J. O’Brien, highlights his unique vocals and captivating storytelling ability. Conor’s songwriting skills are at the forefront here, as he cleverly mirrors both the sentiment and lyrics of the track.

‘Nothing Arrived‘ is available to download from iTunes, while their album ‘Away Land‘ is set for release through Domino Records on January 14th.  Be sure to catch the band on some of their upcoming UK and Ireland dates for 2013:

February
8 Sheffield Leadmill
9 Newcastle Warehouse
10 Glasgow Stereo
12 Leeds Wardrobe
13 Manchester Gorilla
14 Birmingham HMV Library
16 Bristol Trinity
17 Brighton Old Market
18 Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms
20 London Village Underground

March
14 Galway Seapoint
15 Limerick Dolans
16 Belfast Empire Music Hall
18 Killarney Inec Acoustic Club
19 Cork The Savoy
21 Dublin Olympia Theatre

BenZel & Jessie Ware – If You Love Me

Up-and-coming duo ‘BenZel’, made up of 15-year-old Umi Takahashi and 16-year-old Yoko Watanabe, have re-worked their version of ‘If You Love Me’, a song made popular by 90’s R&B group ‘Brownstone’. The duo recently formed in 2012, after a shared appreciation for 90’s R&B and J. Dilla and have gone on to collaborate with Barclaycard Mercury Prize nominee, Jessie Ware, who has had an exceptional year and is set to have an even brighter future.

Having released her captivating debut album ‘Devotion’ in August, the South London singer is going from strength to strength, and is currently in the middle of a headline tour. Ware’s album ‘Devotion’, produced by Dave Okumu, Julio Bashmore and Kid Harpoon, features the singles ‘110%’, ‘Running’ and ‘Wildest Moments’, and takes us on a musical journey of R&B, pop, soul and electronic music.

‘If You Love Me’ sees Jessie lend her soulful vocals, much like she did with SBTRKT’s single ‘Nervous’, followed by Jokers ‘The Vision’ and ‘Sampha’s ‘Valentine’. Jessie manages to retain that classic 90’s R&B vibe, while at the same time, offers a fresh modern take, thanks to the unique production skills from BenZel. With it’s minimal percussion, off kilter beats, and smooth synths, Jessies soulful voice takes centre stage, as it builds to the uplifting gospel-style chorus.

Having recently been signed to Cherrytree/Interscope Records in the US, Jessie is set to make waves stateside with the release of her EP in December. BenZel have produced an impressive debut with ‘If You Love Me‘ and no doubt we’ll be hearing lots more about this exciting young producer duo in the future.

Barclaycard Mercury Prize – Albums of the Year (Part 2)

Continuing on from Part 1, we take a look at the next 6 albums in the running for the coveted Barclaycard Mercury Prize – Album of the Year.

7) Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again

‘Home Again‘ is the debut album from singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka, released by Polydor Records in March 2012. It features the singles, ‘Home Again’, ‘I’m Getting Ready’ and ‘Bones’.

The 25 year old Londoner started off the year on a high, after winning the BBC Sound of 2012, beating off tough competition from Azealia Banks and Frank Ocean. His debut album, produced by Paul Butler, is a soulful folk album showcasing Kiwanuka’s rich jazz voice. Having been inspired by Otis Redding ‘Sitting on the Dock of the Bay’, Kiwanuka’s style ranges from the laid-back summery atmosphere of ‘I’m getting Ready’ to the old school retro sounds of his latest single ‘Bones’ and the smooth mellow sounds of his debut single, ‘Home Again’.

Having supported both Adele and Laura Marling on tour, Michael has just set off on his own US tour, with a European tour set to start Nov 9th in Paris. Be sure to check out his new single ‘Bones‘, set for release on September 24th.

 

8) Plan B – Ill Manors

East Londoner Plan B (AKA Ben Drew), released his third album ‘Ill Manors’ through Atlantic Records in July 2012. The album, which was also the soundtrack to his directorial film debut of the same name, includes contributions from Labrinth and Kano and features the singles ‘Deepest Shame’, ‘Lost My Way’, and ‘Ill Manors’.

‘Ill Manors’ skillfully depicts the underside of London and the harsh realities including protests, drugs, racism and violence.  Combine that with soulful choruses, stirring strings, classical samples, bursts of dialogue and drum ‘n’ bass and you’re in for a brilliantly perceptive album.  We’re presented with a genuine sense of frustration and hopelessness in ‘Lost My Way’ and although the album is relentlessly grim, it offers a somewhat positive message in ‘Live Once’ to ‘follow your dreams’.

Plan B recently performed at the iTunes festival last week, but if you weren’t lucky to get tickets, you can catch him on his UK tour starting February 2013.

 

9) Richard Hawley – Standing at the Sky’s Edge

‘Standing at the Sky’s Edge‘ is the 6th album from Richard Hawley. Released through Parlophone Records in May 2012, the album features the singles ‘Down in the Woods‘ and ‘Leave Your Body Behind You‘

The Sheffield based singer has worked with the likes of Pulp, Robbie Williams and Red Hot Chili Peppers and has gone on to create 5 critically acclaimed albums. ‘Standing at the Sky’s Edge‘ refers to an area in Sheffield that once boasted amazing views of the city, but is now over-run with council estates and crime. Again, not the most uplifting subject matter, however the music captures this perfectly with its echoed vocals and distorted guitar solos.

Hawley really lets loose in this album, from the hazy distorted echoes of ‘She Brings The Sunlight’, to the rock n roll vibes of ‘Down in the Woods. Don’t Stare at the Sun’ presents us with a chilled out track highlighting Hawleys melodic vocals that builds to one of his statement guitar solos. His recent single ‘Leave Your Body Behind You’ allows Hawley to rock out, as the reverb almost overpowers Hawleys vocals. The constant repetition of Hawley and the choir chanting ‘Leave Your Body Behind You’, adds to an extremely effective finish.

Be sure to catch Richard Hawley at one of his many upcoming UK and EU dates.

 

10) Roller Trio – Roller Trio 

Roller Trio consisting of James Mainwaring (tenor sax and electronics), Luke Wynter (guitar) and Luke Reddin-Williams (drums), released their self titled debut album in August 2012, through F-IRE Presents.

The trio, who are previous recipients of the 2011 Peter Whittingham Jazz Award, are a dynamic group filled with rhythmic patterns and melodic riffs and also combine elements of hip hop, rock and funk. Roller Trio think outside the box, to deliver a fresh take on contemporary jazz that is greatly influenced by popular culture.

The 9 track album features the tracks ‘Deep Heat’ ‘R-O-R’ and ‘Where’s my Whip’. Keep an eye out for one of their many upcoming UK dates from September 23rd.

 

11) Sam Lee – Ground of its Own

North London’s Sam Lee, released his debut album in July 2012 through The Nest Collective and  features the singles ‘The Ballad of George Collins’ and ‘Goodbye My Darling’.

‘Ground of it’s Own’ is a compelling and uplifting debut album, that breathes new life into old songs from the Gypsy traveller communities. He celebrates the British tradition of the ever changing British folk song, and sings with such charm and beauty. His interpretations of the songs, allows him to explore both lost and current sounds. In ‘The Ballad of George Collins‘, he incorporates the use of a jaws harp, to propel the once mellow track into a more trance-like song. His rich baritone voice further highlights the storytelling aspect through out the album.

From The London Jazz festival at The National Maritme Musuem in London, to the Folk Aliance in Toronto, Sam has plenty of upcoming performances to look out for.

 

12) The Maccabees – Given to the Wild

Brighton based five-piece band, The Maccabees, released their third album ‘Given to the Wild’ in January 2012, through Fiction Records. It features the singles ‘Pelican’, ‘Feel to Follow’ and their latest single ‘Ayla’ which was released September 10th.

‘Given to the Wild’ is a creative and lyrical album that captures your attention throughout. The album serves as a nice change from their typical acoustic origins, and shows how the band has matured by incorporating a variety of different influences to evolve their sound. The wonderfully structured album presents us with a varied selection of tracks, from the soft ghostly echoes of ‘Child’, to the beautiful melodic harmonies of ‘Heave’.  ‘Pelican’ packs some quirky punches with its infectious energy, upligting chorus and angular guitar riffs, while the laid back vocal style of ‘Feel to Follow’ builds to a transcendent, uplifting moment.

Currently in the middle of their US tour, the band are set to support Florence + The Machine in their upcoming North American Tour.

 

Barclaycard Mercury Prize – Albums of the Year (Part 1)

The shortlist for the 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize Albums of the Year, were announced earlier this week. Celebrating the best albums from UK and Ireland, host Lauren Laverne read out the 12 nominations. Previous winners include PJ Harvey, The xx, Elbow, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand and Dizzee Rascal. Lets have a look at the first 6 albums up for contention …

1) Alt-J (∆)  – An Awesome Wave

** Updated** – Winner of the 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize

‘An Awesome Wave‘, the debut album from Alt-J, was released in May 2012 through ‘Infectious Music’. It features the singles ‘Matilda’, ‘Breezeblocks’ and the stunning ‘Tessellate’.

The band consists of Gwil Sainsbury (guitarist/bassist), Joe Newman (guitar/vocals), Gus Unger-Hamilton (keyboards) and Thom Green (drums), who together deliver a strong and captivating debut album that spans across a multitude of musical genres, including their uniquely dubbed “folk step”. Each track is fresh and exciting, while lead vocals from Newman guide us through the album effortlessly with his poignant intimate lyrics.

The band had a great presence throughout the summer festival season, including performances at Latitude, Bestival, T in the park, Reading and Leeds and have plenty of upcoming  tour dates on the horizon.

2) Ben Howard – Every Kingdom

Every Kingdom, the debut album from English singer song-writer Ben Howard, was released in October 2011 through ‘Island Records’. It features the singles ‘Old Pine’, ‘The Wolves’, ‘Keep Your Head Up’ and ‘Only Love’.

Bens clear influences from Bon Iver and John Martyn, has resulted in a debut album that’s both engaging and emotional. His folk style incorporates delicately plucked guitars, simple percussion, soothing vocal harmonies, and a collaboration with India Bourne on cello. From the up-tempo tracks of ‘Keep Your Head Up’, to the more personal and restrained numbers of ‘Everything’, ‘Every Kingdom’ is a perfect balance of light and shade.

In April 2012, Ben launched his music in the US followed  by a successful performance at SXSW in Texas. During the Summer, Ben captivated the crowds at Radio 1 Hackney Weekend, T in the Park and Electric Picnic. Be sure to catch him at one of his many upcoming UK and Irish dates.

3) Django Django – Django Django

Django Django’s self-titled debut album was released in January 2012 through ‘Because Music’. It features the singles ‘Default’ ‘Waveforms’ and ‘Hail Bop’.

The psychedelic quartet consists of David Maclean (drums), Vincent Neff, (vocals and guitars), Jimmy Dixon, (bass) and Tommy Grace (synths). The album uniquely infuses musical genres to deliver such a distinct sound – Whether it be the synth-pop vibes of ‘Hail Bop’ to the tribal beats and chanting of ‘Skies Over Cairo’, each track is fresh, imaginative and bursting with colour.

Their new single ‘Life’s A Beach’ will be released on October 31^st, while a full tour starts October 20^th in Norwich.

4) Field Music – Plumb

‘Plumb’ is the fourth album from brotherly duo Peter and David Brewis. Released in February 2012 through ‘Memphis Industries’, it features the singles ‘(I Keep Thinking About) a New Thing‘ and a ‘New Town’.

With fifteen tracks in just 35 minutes, ‘Plum’ is quite complex and  constantly changing with its use of instrumentation and different rhythmic devices. The album can be described as ‘progressive pop’ that spans across a multitude of different influences, from the Beatles, to Talking Heads.

The duo recently performed at Bestival, with their upcoming UK tour starting October 3^rd in Aberdeen.

5) Jessie Ware – Devotion

Jessie Ware, one of the most promising new acts from South London, released her captivating debut album ‘Devotion’  in August, through Island Records/PMR. Featuring the singles 110%, Running and Wildest Moments, Devotion takes us on a musical journey of R&B, pop, soul and electronic music

When you’re debut album is produced by Dave Okumu (The Invisible), Bristol electronic producer Julio Bashmore (Au Seve), and Kid Harpoon (co-writer of Florence + The Machine: Ceremonials), you know you’re building pretty solid foundations for a debut release. Each with their own individual style, yet never taking away from Ware’s unique form that makes ‘Devotion’ a real stand-out album.

From the defined beats of ‘Wildest Moments’, to the 80’s inspired synths of ‘110%, Jessie manages to keep it fresh by making it so relatable and personable. You really feel like she’s singing from her soul as she opens up about these personal moments in her life.

After an exceptionally busy summer, including performances at BBC Radio 1 Hackney Weekend, Ibiza, House Party live on channel 4,   Jessie kicks of her headlining tour of the UK in November.

6) Lianne La Havas – Is Your Love Big Enough

In July 2012, Lianne La Havas released her stunning debut album through ‘Warner Bros Records’. The album features the singles ‘Is Your Love Big Enough?’,’ No Room For Doubt’, ‘Forget’ and ‘Lost & Found’.

From the delicate guitar accompaniment of ‘No Room For Doubt’, to the edgy and powerful vocal of ‘Forget’, Lianne highlights not only her soulful voice, but her talent as a songwriting. Citing Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill as her main influences, the South Londoner sings with such honesty as she invites us into her world with each new track.

Lianne started off the year on a high, after being shortlisted for the BBC Sound of 2012 and supporting Bon Iver on tour. Her next performance is at the iTunes festival September 28th, followed by a UK tour starting October 5th