Kid Cudi - 'Indicud' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – Kid Cudi
Title – Indicud

Kid Cudi has never been the kind to hold his tongue or boast modestly, in fact he is infamous for his onstage rants and mid-performance meltdowns. So it came as no surprise when he likened his fourth studio album ‘Indicud’ to Dr. Dre’s classic 2001 album. Straight off the back of his announcement of an amicable split with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music, Kid Cudi serves up his latest offering to his fans. Originally the album was meant to drop April 23^rd however the release date was moved up a week due to the entire album being leaked online.

Coming off the back of Cudi’s bold comparison to Dre, Cudi has since has clarified that on the album that he would be the puppet master behind the scenes with Cudi tweeting – “Some things I’ll produce, others I’ll feat&/or play songwriter”. Cudi’s fans are all too aware of the rapper’s affinity for things from outer space. The signature feel of his debut album ‘Man on the Moon’ and its sequel, felt like an acid trip through our solar system. After his foray into the rock world with last year’s album ‘WZRD’, Cudi is once again reaching for the stars with ‘Indicud’. This time he is the captain of the spaceship has handled most of the production himself.

One of the standout tracks from Cudi’s debut album was “Solo Dolo” and Cudi blesses his fans with a sequel and this time he has recruited Kendrick Lamar. As always, K.Dot steals the show, which is hard to do since Cudi is as razor sharp as ever. The award for weirdest collaboration goes to “Afterwards” featuring Michael Bolton and King Chip but unsurprisingly on a Kid Cudi album that already took a left turn straight out of the gate, this unusual 'gathering of the minds fits snugly in place.

‘Indicud’ is a natural transition from ‘WZRD’ back into the hip-hop realm. Cudi has never been one to remain inside the box and his fourth studio album further proves he will never be contained. ‘Indicud’ has a crossover appeal that other music genre lovers will enjoy. Cudi seamlessly weaves hip-hop, punk and alternative rock into an 18-track odyssey through space. Though he may not be the wonderful wizard that is Dr. Dre, he’s Kid Cudi and that’s good enough. 

This new album from Kid Cuddi is utterly fantastic and we strongly recommend that you head over to iTunes and grab yourself a copy. Also if by any chance you haven’t heard of Kid Cudi before make sure you go check him and his music out. Much love.

@GillianLIMTV

Deez Nuts - 'Bout It' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – Deez Nuts
Title – Bout It

Deez Nuts are somewhat of a ‘marmite’ band. The band began in 2007 as a one-off project for ex-drummer JJ Peters, they have since polarised opinions all over the hardcore scene. With their music being a mashup of hip-hop and hardcore that the band describe as ‘fun’, ‘simple’ and ‘catchy, the band have also made quote the name for themselves touring all around the world over the past 6 years.

‘Bout It’ is Deez Nuts third full length album. From the opening catchy hardcore riffs of ‘Bout It’, accompanied by the heartfelt rap vocals of the bands front man JJ Peters, it is already clear that Deez Nuts plans to stick to their guns on this new album. However, there aren’t many surprises as the album continues in an assault of hardcore punk riffs and odes to partying. Charmingly names tracks such as “Go Fuck Yourself” encapsulate their outlook perfectly.

On the other hand, ‘Bout It’ does offer some attempts at changing their dynamics slightly, a lot of those new dynamics came from their collaborations with bands such as Architects and Suicide Silence. Tracks such as “What We Eat Don’t Make You Shit”, “Call To Arms” and “True Colours” are all shorter, faster and punkier than the bands previous efforts whereas “Unfuckwithable” brings some metal elements in the guitar that brings the song to an end.

All in all this new album from Deez Nuts is great and could possibly open up new horizons for the band. Make sure to grab a copy of the album on iTunes and if you haven’t heard of Deez Nuts before go check them out, much love.

@GillianLIMTV 

Anthrax - 'Anthems' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – Anthrax
Title – Anthems

Anthrax has always been much more hit than miss when it comes to covering other artists’ songs. Quite often, the NYC thrash icons think way outside the box and they aren’t afraid to cover songs by acts as disparate as Public Enemy, the Smiths and the Police. Early in their career, however, they were far less adventurous, choosing instead to lazily record near note-for-note renditions of popular metal or punk tracks, from Alice Cooper’s “Eighteen” to Black Sabbath’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” to the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen.” And once every thirty years or so, they simply struck out.

'Anthems,' the band’s brand new EP, unfortunately adds several tracks to the negative side of this equation. Instead of covering songs by lesser-known bands (Trust, Celtic Frost, Discharge) or by non-metal acts (Joe Jackson, the Chantays, Beastie Boys), the six cuts here are all classic rock gems originally recorded in the 1970s by some of the biggest bands at the time. Half of the selections are still FM radio staples which 95% of Anthrax’s fanbase has undoubtedly herded nauseam. Even worse, these new versions sound almost exactly like the originals. Instead of making these songs their own, Anthrax is content to just plug in and grind them out, almost as if they were merely warming up.

It is obvious that the band was looking to have some fun with this collection of covers that ranges from the expected (given Scott Ian’s affinity for AC/DC, “T.N.T.” feels like its almost overdue) to the unexpected (the Hammond B3 organ-laced Boston cover “Smokin”). The sense of fun definitely carries over into the listening experience. As was the cast for the band’s last “serious” album, “Worship Music,” the MVP is definitely Joey Belladonna, with a vocal performance the widely exceeds expectations. Sure, he’s always had the Steve Perry thing going, which makes the Journey cover “Keep On Runnin’” feel natural. Less expected is the way he hits the helium heights of Geddy Lee’s vocal part in the Rush cover “Anthem,” or the way he channels Bon Scott on “T.N.T.” his swag on “Jailbreak” is pure Phile Lynott.

Some of this EP is predictable and the rest is somewhat unpredictable which all in all creates a great EP. Make sure to check out the album on iTunes and check out Anthrax if you haven’t listened to them before, much love.

@GillianLIMTV

Josh Kumra - 'Good This Come To Those Who Don’t Wait' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – Josh Kumra
Title – Good This Come To Those Who Don’t Wait

Josh Kumra has already had a chart-topping success when he featured on Wretch 32’s number one single "Don’t Go", but now Josh Kumra is hitting back with his debut album.  After being catapulted into the spotlight in 2011, Josh Kumra has been touring with artists such as Labrinth, Gabrielle Aplin and One Republic. But most importantly he’s been working on his debut album ‘Good Things Come To Those Who Don’t Wait’. Inspired by the likes of Tracy Chapman, Jeff Buckley, Bob Marley and Ray Lamontagne, the album has elements of blues, folk, pop, acoustic roots and soul while at the same time still sounding very modern.

Kumra’s album begins with his single, “The Answer”, which is smooth and very well produced. The ballad is light and touching with that comes a catchy chorus. While “Reckless Love” is a little heavier than the opening track, we love the combination of Kumra’s soft vocals and the edginess to the chorus. -“Keep On Walking” is a beautiful ballad and is one of those tracks that you better have a box of tissues at the ready for listening to it. The track is perfect if you are nursing a broken heart with its big chorus and a positive message, to keep on walking to get out of it.

“Don’t Go” is Josh’s collaboration with Wretch 32, the collaboration topped the charts and catapulted Kumra into the limelight. The album version doesn’t feature Wretch 32 but although different it is still great. The track is one of the strongest on the album. “Find My Way Home” is another one with its raw, southern American sound it hits all the right notes to create a beautiful sound. “Brave Face” shows how extremely versatile Josh Kumra is and gives the album a slight religious element. “Waiting For You” also has a strong choir at its core but this is completely different. The track instantly catches your attention with its fresh and familiar sound. We love the way that the track unfolds and gains more and more power until it reaches its climax.

“Be My Light” is another track that catches our attention, with its catchy melody, it is a brilliant pop song with its big chorus. It instantly stands out on the album. “I’m Not The One” is really good fun with its blues influences and the tongue and cheek lyrics really are the icing on the cake. The album ends with White and Black, another tongue and cheek track with a great melody at its core. Maiday joins Kumra on this beautiful track the combination of both female and male vocals add a new layer to Josh Kumra’s music.

Good Things Come To Those Who Don’t Wait is a fantastic album, which very well crafted and produced with lyrics that are easily relatable. Some of the music is a little generic but it appeals to fans of the genre. Make sure you get a copy of Kumra’s album on iTunes and make sure to check out Josh Kumra if you haven’t heard his music before, much love.

@GillianLIMTV

The Summer Set 'Legendary' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – The Summer Set
Title – Legendary

The Summer Set recently released their third full-length album ‘Legendary’ which is their first release through Fearless Records. The Scottsdale, Arizona-based band has been making quite a name for their selves since 2009 with their fantastic melodies and upbeat pop-rock style. With Legendary being a mid-April release the album is a perfect predecessor to summer with their carefree and upbeat melodies that are made perfectly for sunshine and car rides with the windows rolled down. The album embodies love, youth, living life in the moment and also as the album suggests growing up and wanting to become better.

The twelve tracks on Legendary are not only catchy pop-rock songs that are lyrically thoughtful enough for fans to connect with. “Maybe Tonight” opens the album with a steady beat and an infectious chorus with synths and group vocals. “Jukebox (life goes on)” keeps with the carefree attitude of this album with some soft keyboard melodies in the background to accompany the vocals and beautiful harmonies. “Heart On The Floor”, “The Way We Were” and “7 Days” are beautifully written songs with catchy melodies and fantastic melodies. “Someday” is a heart wrenching song that discusses chasing dreams and finding yourself.  “Legendary” is the final song on the album. The honest internal thought expressed in the lyrics make this song the most relateable song as it deals with feelings of insignificance.

‘Legendary’ is a beautifully written album with lyrics that are easily relateable as everyone goes through the motions of feeling insignificant and not knowing who they are meant to be. Whether you have been through this or are going through it every one knows exactly what The Summer Set were feeling when they wrote these songs.

Make sure to buy Legendary on iTunes and check out The Summer Set if you haven’t heard of them before. Much love, Life is Music TV.

@GillianLIMTV

@The_Summer_Set 

Peace

Peace Live Review

The Arches, Glasgow

16/04/2013

Peace are the latest four-piece indie love band to grace the music scene. The band have constantly been building their fan base and unknowingly creating hype since the release of their EP 'Delicious' in September 2012. Attracting people of all ages and walks of life, these guys definitely have a hugely loyal fanbase. This was obvious tonight as they headlined a sold out show at 'The Arches' in Glasgow.

Opening with 'Delicious' got the crowds attention and quickly sent them into a trance of swaying before the bobbing around began as the song progressed. Peace then went on to perform 'Follow Baby', 'Lovesick', 'Waste of Paint' and 'Float Forever' before performing 'Higher Than The Sun' which seemed to unexpectedly be a crowd favourite. Everyone around me was going nuts for this song. It was the most dancing I'd seen all night and it created such a great atmosphere. It really didn't feel like it was 2013 in The Arches tonight! After performing a few more songs from their debut studio album 'In Love', Peace then left the stage, leaving the crowd chanting. I mean, we're in Glasgow, so you can guess what everyone was screaming.. 

After a couple minutes the band came back out on stage and performed 'California Daze' and 'Bloodshake'. Having had a chat with the guys prior to the show, they had told us that they've only just changed the encore, due to the previous songs not creating as much of a buzz with the fans. It was definitely a good change up, the crowd were jumping around and bobbing their heads. Watching Peace on stage, it was clear that they were a band who loved to perfom. They were feeding off of the crowd and it was great to see everyone just enjoying themselves.

Although there wasn't much crowd involvement at the gig, if I'm honest, it wasn't needed. They performed the songs the fans wanted to hear and everyone was on a high. It truly was a great event to be part of.

If you haven't heard of 'Peace' before, check them out:

www.facebook.com/peaceforeverever

www.twitter.com/peace4everever

I recommend not judging these guys on their recorded music, Peace are a band you need to see live!

Here's what some fans said following the gig:

Gary Cassidy ‏@consciousgary16 Apr

Also Peace were great live!

John McLeod Brown ‏@johnmcleodbrown16 Apr

@PEACE4EVEREVER WERE UNREAL, WELL DONE

Laura Martin ‏@lauzmartin17 Apr

@PEACE4EVEREVER were amazing tonight! Come back to glasgow soon!

Much Love, Life is Music Tv.

-newcitylauren

The Band Perry - Pioneer

Type – Album Review

Artist – The Band Perry

Title – Pioneer (Deluxe)

The Band Perry’s debut album hit shelves in 2010 from which the hits ‘If I Die Young’ and ‘All Your Life’ were released, since then the country sibling trio have been travelling around the world. After waiting just over two years their much anticipated second album was released earlier this week.

The lead single from this album ‘Better Dig Two’ was released way back in October last year with the band debuting the song at the CMA awards. The song gave some indication of where the Perry’s were going with their new album but no one could have predicted just how fantastic the whole album would turn out.

This sibling trio have stayed true to their country routes that made us fall in love with them to start with. However with having such a successful first album called for the Perry’s to come up with something that they hadn’t done before, and that is exactly what they have done. They took their beautiful country songs and rocked them up a little. Which is influenced by their upbringing with The Band Perry saying, and I quote “daddy rocked us to sleep with Rolling Stones; Mama woke us with Loretta Lynn” and this combination of country and rock really shows through in this album especially in their songs ‘Forever Mine Nevermind’, ‘Chainsaw’, ‘I’m a Keeper’, ‘Luck Ones’ and ‘Gonna Be Ok’.

As well as these rock infused songs we have some good old, beautifully written, heart wrenching songs that we are used to The Band Perry bringing us which include – ‘Don’t Let Me Be Lonely’, ‘I Saw A Light’, ‘Mother Like Mine’, ‘Back To Me Without You’, ‘End Of Time’ and title track ‘Pioneer’. A couple of songs that have been stuck in my head since I started listening to the album include ‘DONE.’ and ‘Peaches and Caroline’.

Pioneer is a beautifully written and produced, it showcases the amazing talent that The Band Perry have as musicians, singers and songwriter. Each song is powerful with fantastic lyrics and addictive melodies; they also show the amazing depth and range of Kimberly’s vocal abilities.

Make sure to purchase a copy of The Band Perry’s ‘Pioneer’ on iTunes now, and if you haven’t already make sure you check out our interview with The Band Perry’s in Glasgow by clicking here.

@thebandperry

@gillianlimtv