Two Door Cinema Club’s second album, Beacon, was far from the difficult second record. While their 2010 debut, Tourist History, charted promisingly at #24, the lack of a direct radio hit ensured that the Country Down trio stayed something of a niche hit. However, when they returned two years later, their sound had taken on a poppier edge and they immediately exploded into the album charts, peaking at #2. Fast forward 4 years and the band return with their third studio album, Gameshow, which in the aftermath of a mammoth release has expectations to meet. With the band now stadium fillers, can they deliver a record that warrants their continued rise? Having taken time away from the trio, the band return with a renewed vigour and if their addictive sound is anything to go by, a real zest for life. While the album is an addictive, up-tempo sonic experience, lyrically the boys remain unafraid to challenge society within their lyrics. Having already proved a hit on Radio 1 with their album’s opening track and lead single, Are We Ready? (Wreck), the band are determined to move their listeners’ minds as much as their bodies. As they question consumer culture, they […]
Wills and the Willing–Dream in Colour–Review
Ian Wills has always had somewhat of a ‘revolving door policy’ on his critically acclaimed band Wills & The Willing. Each of his first two albums featured an almost entirely different line-up, including Jessie Wood (Reef), Rachel Wood (Cirque de Soleil), and guest vocals from the likes of Tom McRae., Harry Collier, & Liane Carrol. Now with a brand new line-up and a bigger, more accessible sound for his third album ‘Dream In Colour’; Wills finally believes that he has settled on a definitive band line-up and has an inspiring set of new songs that will help take the band to a much wider audience. With their brand new album “ Dream in Colour”, Wills and the Willing have crafted a timeless audio journey that flows seamlessly from song to song with stories bursting to be told. It’s spoken word with an Indie twist and tons of punk attitude. At first listen Ian Dury springs to mind but The Wills take it to a different level. The music is so epic, dreamy and laced with walls of euphoric sound it’s almost reminiscent of The Beach Boys on acid on holiday with a sonic and dreamy Beck, but then there are […]
Green Day – ‘Revolution Radio’ Review
Billie, Tre and Mike put their 2012 meltdown behind them on an album as strong as anything they’ve done since ‘American Idiot’ As falls from grace go, Green Day’s 2012 chastening was one for the ages: hubristic overreaching, self-inflicted exhaustion, an excruciating public meltdown leading to a raft of postponed tour dates and an entire trilogy of underwhelming albums that laid bare the scorched-earth extent of their burnout. What lit the match, however, may have been nothing more than a misguided surfeit of ambition. After two decades at the top of their game, Green Day seemed to believe it was no longer enough to simply be a band that released albums; they had to be a behemoth that made statements, even ones as unwieldy and confounding as ‘¡Uno! ¡Dos! ¡Tré!’. Every great downfall deserves a redemption, however, and with ‘Revolution Radio’, Green Day now have theirs. There’ll be no Broadway musicals made of this album, no think-pieces devoted to unpicking its politics or meaning, but as a simple collection of songs, it’s as strong as anything they’ve come up with since 2004’s ‘American Idiot’. Thematically, Billie Joe Armstrong has said the album is about making sense of our chaotic times, […]
Lady Gaga – Joanne
Eight years have flown by since Lady Gaga exploded onto the international stage with her RedOne produced, Colby O’Donis featuring and RedOne/Akon co-written debut single Just Dance. Almost instantly she became one of the most talked about and sought after pop icons. As she toured the world and thrilled her Little Monsters with her message of self-belief, anthemic pop songs and thrilling outfits, Lady Gaga’s profile exploded to the point of implosion. With her third studio album, Artpop, taking her identity exploration to an extreme, many fans felt they had lost their sense of connection with their champion. Her response, sensibly, was to take a step back and re-focus her energies on her own goals. After a brief exploration of jazz standards with the legendary Tony Bennett for her fourth studio album, she returns with her long-awaited fifth studio album, Joanne, and a reported foray with country pop. First things first, Joanne may have country undertones, but this is no country album. This is Lady Gaga at her most personal and insightful. Stripping away the experimental edge that was so harshly over criticized on the actually rather compelling Artpop, Lady Gaga delivers a record that shines a light on the […]
Theatre of Hate–Westworld – Cherry Red Records (label)
In the crazy creative world of the early 1980s, there were times when several genres merged to great effect. For example, the likes of Japan developed a unique New Wave sound, using the best elements of 70s Glam with the fresher New Romantic. Other bands came and went almost as quickly as David Sylvian’s Japan, but didn’t leave the same influential soundtrack. Perhaps harshly, Theatre of Hate can be put in that latter bracket. Westworld was their only album and combined raw punk elements with a more produced, expansive, slightly self-indulgent sound. Formed after the demise of The Pack, Theatre of Hate featured the unique vocal of Kirk Brandon, alongside Stan Stammers (bass), guitarist Steve Guthrie, drummer Luke Rendle and, as if to typify the era, saxophonist John Lennard. Westworld was the band’s only album, with the follow-up never seeing the light of day before Brandon went on to form the poppier, but just as angry sounding, Spear of Destiny. At the time, the album was seen by some fans as a disappointment. Produced by The Clash’s Mick Jones, it came after several independent singles that had created a buzz, as well as raucous live shows. The album though lacked […]
Highly rated up and coming single–Check out MRJ’s lovely “Water”
MRJ a.k.a Matthew Russell Jones is a pop Singer/Songwriter originally from Lincoln and based in Camden, London, UK. He launched his career performing across the globe and in London, but with his pulse always on the pop music scene. MRJ writes songs in the pop genre ranging from electric to acoustic. He says ” I like many different types of music so experiment with different styles within pop. Some people say its a fight between acoustic & electronic but I embrace both, I love music, particularly pop and all my music comes from a place of how I’m feeling at the time”. MRJ has collaborated with many different producers and songwriters from London to L.A to procure his sound. This includes Michael Stockwell ( Jools Holland ) and Sky Adams ( Jessie J, Rizzle Kicks ) at ‘Phrased Differently’ London ( Little Mix, Craig David, Jessie J, Miley Cyrus) who all came together to create the brand new single ‘Water’ with MRJ . MRJ has also worked with songwriter/producer Lenn Arun (Skunk Anansie ), Lyricist ‘Marvee Woods’ and Singer/Songwriter Effie and has received praise from Perez Hilton who is a fan of his work. While in LA in 2015 MRJ […]
Gwen Stefani is returning as a coach on The Voice U.S
Gwen Stefani is returning as a coach on The Voice U.S. after a two season break. The former No Doubt frontwoman will take Miley Cyrus’ red swivel chair for season 12, joining returning coaches Alicia Keys, Adam Levine and her boyfriend Blake Shelton. Long-time host Carson Daly is also returning to present the singing competition, which will begin next February (17). However, Miley won’t be missing from TV screens for too long, as she’s set to return as a coach for the following season of the show. The other three coaches for season 13, due to air in fall next year (17), will be announced at a later date, NBC said. “We can’t wait to experience the unique chemistry and energy Gwen, Alicia, Blake, and Adam will bring to season 12,” Paul Telegdy, president of NBC’s Alternative and Reality Group, said in a statement. “With Miley returning for season 13, we’re truly ecstatic about the unmatched musical know-how and talent coming together in our coming seasons.” Gwen was previously a coach during seasons seven and nine, the latter of which saw her relationship with country singer Blake, 40, blossom as their flirtatious moments became a regular feature of the show. […]
New E.P from Lorenza “Peace of Mind” combines layers of instruments and vocals with relatable lyrics, creating epic stadium-sized sounds.
Heart-stopping synths, energy laden rock and full-blown chart pop combine in Lorenza’s signature sound. This British three-piece combines layers of instruments and vocals with relatable lyrics, creating epic stadium-sized sounds. Drawing musical influences from the likes of Bastille, The Weeknd and twenty one pilots, this relentlessly innovative trio shines bright in an ocean of unsigned acts. Academy of Contemporary Music alumni the band wrote, recorded and produced their debut EP to be released on their own label in September 2016. Lorenza consists of: Jordan Cosmo (vox & keys) Gio Fraser (guitar) and Jack Robinson on drums. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdmrCcKKQvM] The epic new single ” Peace of Mind” is taken off the new E.P “Peace of Mind” recorded at AIR and Metropolis studios and now available worldwide on iTunes and all good online retailers. Online: facebook.com/LorenzaBand twitter.com/_LorenzaMusic instagram.com/LorenzaMusic http://lorenzamusic.com
Legendary singer Bob Dylan has been awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize
Legendary singer Bob Dylan has been awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature making him the first songwriter to be honoured with the award. At 75-year-old it was said he was selected “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. The first American to win since novelist Toni Morrison in 1993, President Obama said the honour was “well-deserved”.”Congratulations to one of my favourite poets,” he wrote on Twitter. An artist, innovator and poet, this will be a very popular choice around then globe. Check it out on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NobelPrize?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien is working on his first solo album.
Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien is working on his first solo album. O’Brien says his solo work will be ready for 2017. Speaking to BBC6 O’Brien said, “it starts in Brazil. Kids were born 2004 and 2006. And I said to the guys, in five years time, me and my wife are gonna go and live in Brazil for a year. I don’t wanna put the kibosh on anything but this is something we have to do. Don’t feel you can’t make a record. Make a record without me, if I can come in later on whatever…And I was really aware that I’d had so many adventures with this band; I wanted to have an adventure with my family.” O’Brien kept his word. He actually did go and live in Brazil for a year with his family. His solo album will reflect his time in the South American country. “Everyone sings,” he said. “There must be 4000 people on each samba school who parade down there, and the combination of writing music and that feeling of being there and being like, ‘Oh my god, music can be like this.’ It was so profound, so it’s fed my whole inspiration and writing. […]
Kuizz–Younger
Kuizz Shah is a Singer-Songwriter & Producer based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Kuizz has worked with multiple award winning artists such as Juno Award Winner Mia Martina, Danny Fernandes & Kristinia Debarge. Kuizz’s writing career has been recognised in both Canada and Japan achieving chart success in the past couple of years. He started writing and producing at the age of 19 and worked with Los Angeles based label Kurado Publishing for 4 years. The latest release “Till The End” E.P consists of six freshly produced tracks including the new single ” Younger”. The tracks resonate the ambience of soulful vocals and beats in an urban setting. The combination of these richly-textured songs which Kuizz wrote , mixed and produced in his home studio and then collaborated with co-producer Daniel Matthias Ortmann on, make it a fiercely independent project with surprising mass appeal. Kuizz’s sources of inspiration to write songs are mainly derived from movies, be it a chick flick or a straight up action movie. Check out his music and decide if you’ll be with him “Till The End”. Get Kuizz releases on Spotify and iTunes. To keep updated with KUIZZ , follow him on his social media channels: […]
Muzic Mirror recommends the beautiful sounds of “Shadows feat Joell Fender” from Brighton brothers Mon frere
‘Mon Frere’ are the U.K. based electro pop producers based in Brighton. Mon Frere consists of brothers Paul and Matt Lennox. Paul is the songwriter and producer Matt provides the lyrics and the brothers source talented young vocalists to complete the line up. Mon Frere have worked with some of the most talented up and coming singers in the business like Joell Fender who has worked with the likes of Kwabs Sigala and Wilkinson and Kate Wild who is a lead vocalist on many recent EDM records across the globe. After the release of their debut album ‘Urban Glow’ in the summer of 2015 the two brothers who form Mon Frere have been working hard to develop their sound and create a unique identity. Drawing from influences such as The Cinematic Orchestra Massive Attack and Naughty Boy the brothers are set on fusing modern electro pop production with the musical depth of the aforementioned artists to create a refreshing new sound for the masses. With the pending release of a brand new E.P. in early 2017 Mon Frere will be hitting the road in the summer. Their latest single “Shadows” ft. Joell Fender will be released worldwide on 2 […]
Tony Shaw’s new song Take Me Away is about a personal experience in his life
Born in Northamptonshire (United Kingdom) Tony comes from a musical family. His own musical talents are purely self taught. Tony has appeared on national television in programmes such ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ in which he performed a song by Star Sailor. He also reached the finals of Mic UK competition at the NEC Centre in Birmingham. He has performed in venues around the United Kingdom such as 02 Birmingham, BMF Festival Peterborough, The Roadmender Northampton including the famous Camden Roundhouse music venue and Chandos Arms in Colindale London. Tony’s influences are Oasis, The Verve and Stereophonics in addition he likes blues music and brit pop. His repertoire of songs include over 30 of his own compositions and his aspirations would be to co-write with Noel Gallagher and Ed Sheeran. Tony’s new song Take Me Away is about a personal experience in his life. This track was recorded at Vigilante Studio in London. His current project is recording and completing a new album. Tony will be embarking upon a series of media interviews which includes performing at venues across the United Kingdom Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/tonyshawonline/?fref=ts Instagram : http://www.imgrum.net/user/tonyshawmusic/3596792154 Take Me Away is available on iTunes.
Kim Kardashian held at gunpoint by two armed men in her hotel room in Paris
Kim Kardashian was held at gunpoint by two armed men in her hotel room in Paris on Sunday (02Oct16). The mother-of-two has been in the French capital for Paris Fashion Week, and attended the Balenciaga show, the Givenchy show and the Siran Presentation at Hotel Plaza Athenee earlier on Sunday. However, after returning to her hotel room, Kim was confronted by two men dressed as police officers, who proceeded to keep her captive in the room. The incident is believed to have happened at some time between 3 and 4am, Central European Time (CET). “Kim Kardashian West was held up at gunpoint inside her Paris hotel room this evening, by two armed masked men dressed as police officers,” a spokesperson for the star said in a statement. “She is badly shaken but physically unharmed.” Kim’s children, three-year-old North and nine-month-old Saint, are not believed to have been involved in the incident, according to People.com. Her husband Kanye West had earlier sparked concerned when he abruptly ended his set at the the inaugural Meadows Festival in Queens on Sunday night (02Oct16) just an hour in, telling the crowd he had to leave immediately. In the middle of performing his song Heartless, […]