New Video- The Gaslight Anthem- Bring it On

If anyone asked me what's my favourite band? Without a doubt its the Gaslight anthem. If you had read my previous blog I try to explain how difficult it is (for me anyway) what I love about a particular band. I remember reading an album review, bought it online and I solidly listened to sink or swim for six months straight- end of, that’s where it all began, three albums and an EP later, watching various live performances in the UK and Europe and my love remains. My most memorable moment was watching The Gaslight Anthem at Glastonbury on the John Peel stage in 2009 with Itch Fox lead singer of King blues, three days without a shower and sweating profusely.

New single Bring it on taken from their latest release American slang is one of the more definitive tracks of the album. I think the concept of the video is weak and uninteresting, the sweeping camera is juxtaposed with still life images and the band performs in an abandoned warehouse. What interested me most was the actors look of despondency and one very familiar face, Dave Hause. Better known for his solo work of late, he is also the lead singer of the loved ones accompanied by Chris Gonzalez (Bass), Dave Walsh (guitar) formally of the Explosion and drummer Mike Sneeringer. The explosion broke up in April 2007 after being dropped by Virgin records and two albums releases, all members have gone on to join new projects. The video captures the song meaning well, Fallon sings “Wait a minute/ Wait a minute/ Wasn’t I good to you” questioning his part in the breakdown of the marriage leading to an acceptance that the other party has moved on to a new relationship “If it’s better than my love/ Go on and take it all”

Brian Fallon is currently on tour with Dave Hause, Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music and Dan Andriano from Alkaline Trio. The revival tour begins in Bristol on 27^th September, I’ve got tickets…..more importantly have you?
http://www.therevivaltour.com/

Single I can’t get enough of…..Foster the people- Pumped up Kicks

It’s had lots of airtime yet I never tire of this track. The band was recently interviewed on Radio 1 by Greg James after he employed two listeners as the president and vice president of bumdancery on the show after they made a video to this song. The video by these chaps is posted below but im sure you can imagine it’s content, perhaps I should make a tribute  to this clip as everytime I listen to this track I cannot help but shake my bootay either.

Album I can’t live without- The bouncing Souls- How I spent my summer vacation.

 

Doc Martins- 'With Souls Bouncing' how the band name originated

 

Formed in 1987, the Bouncing Souls have a discography spanning 24 years and 8 studio albums. The third track on the album True believers is easily the standout single with its simple AB rhyme and  punk inspired Woah’s in the main chorus combine to create a truly catchy record. The lyrics focus on the importance of friendship especially in this track and Manthem written about the friendship between Greg Attonito, the lead singer and the bassist Bryan who have been friends since childhood. Unlike many artists whose sole focus is romantic love, The Bouncing Souls decide to centre on an association that can be just as consuming, a relationship between friends.

How I spent my summer vacation is one of my favourite releases and has a lot to do with these lyrics “It was a darkness all my own/ a song played on the radio/ but it went straight to my heart/ I carried it with me/ until the darkness was gone” from the track Private Radio. The lyric describes the effect music can have on an individual and the healing qualities it can posses. I have been reading a book by Jodi Picoult called Sing you home about a music therapist using music to help provide solace for burn victims and hospice patients. It also explores the idea that there is no proven reason that individuals feel the desire  to sing, dance and tap their feet along to a beat, just like I can’t explain easily why the Souls music really touches me. All I do know is the combination of uplifting melodies and lyrics about lasting  friendships goes a long way to explain why I feel inspired about the music this band have produced.

Hailed as Australia’s equivalent to Glastonbury, Good Vibrations better known as Good Vibes to locals is famous for its bad weather and this year was no exception.

Wellies and rain macks are essential so in many ways Good Vibes is a lot like any other UK festival, but there are some major differences, for starters the temperature. Whereas at previous festivals I have worn three layers and a cagoule, I opted for denim shorts, a tank top and a thin plastic coat, the type that can only be purchased at theme parks and lasts for the duration of one rowdy mosh pit.



Me with my bum in the air and friend Liz outside a nando's stall

 Then there is the size of the festival, GV has three stages compared to its UK counterpart with four large main stages and hundreds of smaller set-ups and activity based stalls. The length of time is also disappointing as no camping is available and festival goers are encouraged to the after show party at a nearby club venue. There are four shows across Australia in Sydney, Perth, Gold Coast and Melbourne and very expensive at $160 for a ticket (around £90) but despite these shortcomings the acts such as Fat Freddy’s Drop, Fenech-Soler and Kelis made up for it. Headliners Faithless and Friendly Fires also shone on the day unlike the sun but there is nothing like a bit of hot, spicy chicken at a nando’s food stall whilst watching Ludacris to shake the rainy blues away.

 

We are the Ocean - Go Now and Live

Dan Brown- Screaming vocals

Liam Cromby- Clean vocals, Rhythm guitar

Alfie scully- Lead guitar

Jack Spence- bass guitar

Tom Whittaker- drums, percussion

The second release from We are the Ocean, Go Now and Live does exactly what it says on the tin. The final track ‘Before I die’ vocalist Brown and rhythm guitarist Cromby take it in turn to sing ‘Take the time to enjoy the moments/Don’t waste your life/Next thing its all over.’

The band has taken a more mature approach to the composition of their eagerly anticipated second album. They have ditched the bleached blonde hair and the screamo vocals in favour of Brown’s grovelly, rich vocal tone. Even the lyrical content of their tracks ‘How do I explain how I feel?/ Every time I do there’s no one to turn to so why do I even try?’ to the video for The Waiting Room solidifies their transition from teenage upstarts to respected musicians. The video is not over complicated by a storyline and instead focuses on the band performing as a unit. Every word is executed by Cromby with such emotion I cannot draw my eyes away and is a sign that the band truly believe in the music the are producing.

It’s not going to be an album that will stay in my CD player for long, but worthy none the less.