Newton Faulkner - 'Studio Zoo' Album Review

NEWTON FAULKNER

STUDIO ZOO ALBUM REVIEW

SET FOR RELEASE AUGUST 26TH

After his most recent album 'Write It On Your Skin' rocketed to number one immediately after release, acoustic god Newton Faulkner is back with another album full of hits! His new album 'Studio Zoo' is set for release on August 26th and I advise you all to head over to his website and pre-order it, you will definitely not be disappointed.

The recording process is different for every artist and in this case, it was entirely unique. Newton set up a live stream where fans could watch him live 24/7 over a 5 week period as he recorded 'Studio Zoo' from his home studio. This gained him a ton of exposure and is possibly one of the best things -in my opinion- that anyone could do while recording an album. It gives people the chance to feel as though they are a part of the process. The album is already set for success and it hasn't even been released yet!

The first track on the album 'Where To Start' starts of with Newton's classic rhythmic picking and in come the mellow vocals, I absolutely love the lyrics of this song, he sings 'keep your love, I don't need nobody'. When you're listening to this song you can hear the atmosphere, almost as though he's performing in the very room that you're in. 

The next track on the 'Studio Zoo' is 'Treading Water'. The song is carried by the slapping of Newton's guitar, a sound that we hear often in his music. With this song his vocals are very fragile. With the next song on the album 'Plastic Hearts' Newton picks up the pace straight away, vocals are speedy and his picking is impeccable. He carries this on with 'Indecisive'. This is a song that is definitely going to be hit, the lyrics are meaningful and the chorus is one that I can picture an entire audience singing back to him at the top of their lungs. 

'Losing Ground' is also a song that catches your attention, it has that same sound that Newton's always had. The harsh guitar rhythm and strong vocals immediately make you want to sing along. This is a song that I think will gain Newton more fans, it has the classic sound of his past music although it has a air of pop around it, meaning that people who may not have listened to him before will hear this song and perhaps want to check out some of his other music too.

The last track on the album 'Orange Skies' rounds the album off nicely. With a chorus that reminds us of that folk sound that we all love. 

This entire album is fantastic, Newton has stayed true to his folk roots while adding so much of his own rhythm and talent which ultimately makes this album what it is. 'Studio Zoo' showcases his singer/songwriting abilities perfectly. Meaningful and relatable lyrics, a great voice, great rhythm and the talent that is Newton Faulkner is the recipe for another No.1 album.

-newcitylauren

Ask: The OK Social Club

LIFE IS MUSIC TV ASK: SINGER/SONGWRITER RAFF ERAGONA

How did the band get together?
We met while playing in two different bands in Stirling, we hit it off that night and kept in touch. When the time came that we were looking for people to play with we got together.

What made you want to start a band?

I always loved music growing up and I guess I had a good ear. When I saw Back to the Future the first time I knew that I wanted to play guitar, My parents were kind enough to take a punt and I got one that Christmas, I was pretty natural at it right away.

How did you come up with the band name?

It was the name of a night we tried to put on a few years ago. It was rubbish but it seemed like a good name at the time, I don't like it.

Individual musical inspirations: 

These are very varied, I love a lot of older stuff, The Beatles, Sam Cooke, Tommy James and the Shondells, The Supremes, Chris loves to keep on the pulse, anything new and interesting, Jordan likes Dave Grohl and lots of 70's Pop and Gordy likes 90's indie stuff, that's a very vague answer to be honest.

Can you describe your sound in 3 words?
"Dirty Guitar Pop"

Who is the girliest member of the band? 

Jordan, Chris, no definitely Jordan.

Describe each other in 1 word (one good thing, one bad thing) 

This is unfair as I'm the only one answering: 

Chris - Pessimistic, driven 

Gordy - Stubborn, Genius 

Jordan - Enthusiastic, inattentive

Any crazy fan experiences?

Not really, anyone that we've met that comes to see us is pretty cool. Some folks have got tattoos and stuff, that's pretty flattering.

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why? 

I'd like to time travel, just to see what things were like before. I'd probably do some paradox stuff too.

What is your songwriting process like? 

I write all the words and music then everyone plays together until we get parts we're happy with.

Tell us a bit about your most recent release: 

Our most recent release was our debut album 'Nothing in Common', it's basically 10 of the best songs we had when we recorded it. It's a great representation of what we sounded like when we started out. 

Favourite song to play live? 

New stuff is always our favourite, a song called 'Keeping up Appearances' which we played live for the first time last week seems to be everyones favourite just now. Of the older songs, 'The Shape of Things to Come' is still fun to play.

What have you got planned as a band for the rest of 2013? 

We're going to finish writing our second album and record it before the end of the year, we also have a few cool gigs coming up including a few dates in Italy.

For people who haven't heard of you before, why should they check you out? 

I guess it's all down to taste, if you like guitars and pop music check us out, if you like experiential music go listen to Aphex Twin. One thing I'd say is if you like our songs then come and see us live, it's all about live music.

Where can we find your music? 

Just search for The OK Social Club on: 

iTunes, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter.

Thanks to Raff Eragon of The OK Social Club.

Stay Awesome, Life is Music Tv x

Premonition - EP Review

Type – EP Review

Title – Beneath The Wreckage

Artist – Premonition

Premonition are a fantastic up and coming band within Glasgow’s metal scene. The band have been working hard recently and this EP shows only a small slice of what they have to offer.

Premonition do not waste time in making an impression with both songs on the EP making a huge impact from the get go. Loud, fast and designed to instigate bar brawls, it’s a monster of an EP. Neither song is bad on this EP. ‘Beneath The Wreckage’ is comfortable in is own skin full of heavy guitar riffs. Unlike so many before them, Premonition just might be able to break out and be more than just another local band.

We really enjoyed this EP and we want to know your thoughts on it, leave us a comment below telling us what you thought.

@GillianLIMTV

Sleeping with Sirens 'Feel' - Album Review

Sleeping With Sirens

'Feel' Album Review

After constantly listening to 'Feel' for the past two days, I felt that it was time to write a review.

Sleeping with Sirens are one of those bands that kids will never lose faith in, every piece of music they've released to date has had a deeper meaning behind it. 

The title track 'Feel' is a little slower compared to the other songs on the album, although that really isn't a bad thing. After seconds of the song begining you hear­ Kellin's destingtive high pitched vocals. Although it's a little different to what we're used to hearing from Sleeping with Sirens, it's a good different, definitely a feel good song.

'Here We Go' is a quick change of pace thanks to drummer Gabe's blistering speed. With 'Free Now' Kellin lets us in on a very personal aspect of his life, his family.  During an interview he said 'It's important that kids understand you can't choose your parents, but you can choose the outcome of your life'. 

With 'Low' being the first single release from the album, there's been bad reviews, there's been good reviews, but even the bad reviews can't say there's not meaning behind the song and that's one of the biggest reasons the band have such a great following that just doesn't seem to stop growing. 

One of my favourite tracks from 'Feel' is 'Congratulations' featuring Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire. The song is has much more of a rock-y feel to it, it's like Sleeping with Sirens have managed to raise the bar again! Kellin and Matty are a fantastic team, their voices work really well together and I don't think this will be the last we see the duo work together on a song.

'Satelites' is another slower paced song. It showcases Kellin's phenomenal vocal ability so well. The track talks about change, a subject that many of us can relate to. Quinn sings 'It's time we finally look at what we've done, and wake up'. It reminds me of the bands 'If you were a movie, this would be your soundtrack' release, if it was acoustic of course.

This album is definitely another great release from Sleeping with Sirens. You can tell these guys definitely put a great deal of effort into making this album what it is and the fans are going crazy for it. I can't wait to see the band perform it live! At first I thought it'd be difficult for the band to top their previous releases but I can now say they've done it, another fantastic album. 

-newcitylauren

Sleeping with Sirens
https://www.facebook.com/sleepingwithsirensband
https://twitter.com/swstheband

'Feel'
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/sleeping-with-sirens/id360773035

Life is Music Tv
https://www.facebook.com/lifeismusictv
https://twitter.com/lifeismusictv

A Rocket To The Moon - 'Wild & Free' Album Review

Type – Album Review
Artist – A Rocket To The Moon
Title – Wild & Free

A Rocket To The Moon recently released their follow up album ‘Wild & Free’ to their 2009 release ‘On Your Side’. The band teamed up with producer Mark Bright on their new album and they channelled their classic rock and country influences, from Jonny Cash and The Eagles to Tom Perry and The Heartbreakers to Brad Paisley. With the band saying “We wanted that good ol’ rock n roll fell, almost that southern rock vibe to this album,” and from what I heard the guys have definitely accomplished their goal

‘Wild & Free’ is somewhat of a departure from ‘On Your Side’ but hopefully fans of the band will notice and appreciate the seemingly natural and genuine progression of their sound and the maturity in their song writing. Plus, vocally, Santino knocks it way out of the park on this record. Their anthemic title track and fun loving sing-a-longs, “Going Out” and “Whole Lotta You,” A Rocket To The Moon pulls from their various influences for some solid country/folk/pop-rock fun. On their swoon-worthy, nostalgic and beautiful love song, “First Kiss,” the band incorporated more country flavour.

Lyrically, the band’s latest single, “Ever Enough,” a heart-wrenching ballad about devotion, and the closing track, the piano driven “Lost and Found,” are easily the two most emotionally gripping songs on the album. The honesty and vulnerability in the lyrics hit you in such a way that you can’t help but hang on to every word.

‘Wild & Free’ definitely has a large variety of songs. It jumps around from slow country-like ballads with rather deep lyrics to upbeat quirky summer loving songs. A Rocket to the Moon were known for that more pop-rock edge to their music. But this album doesn't fall into that same category. ’Wild & Free’ has something for everyone. It has smooth transitions and may be the new beginning of A Rocket to the Moon. The band tried something new and it’s definitely worked.

Make sure you head over to iTunes to get your copy of ‘Wild & Free’ and if you haven’t already go check out A Rocket To The Moon on their social media sites. Much love.

@GillianLIMTV

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