I Wish I Was Someone Better – Blood Red Shoes
The amazing gem from their self-titled debut is a furious mass of energy, distortion and pounding drums. Both members of the band add their distinctive vocals and shout with lots of passion between each other increasing the intensity of the track. The lyrics deal with self-loathing which fits the fast-paced and dirty song. The notes on the guitar are plucked with ferocity as are the throbbing pulse of the fast, thrashing chords. The drum work is just as strong with an accelerated beginning and catchy constant 4/4 beat throughout the rest of the song. Though it’s simple the track is still a fantastic ball of energy and it is impossible not start jumping around as the pre-chorus starts.
Noah and the Whale
Noah and the Whale are the new leaders in folk rock. The mix of new and old is Noah and the Whale’s sound it’s great. It gives one a warm feeling inside. From the few demos I could find from them, there are two that really stand out. “Beating” initially mislead me as a sad slow song about violence. On closer inspection I realised it is actually a jaunty song, with a slow beginning and lyrics about always loving; “In everything you do let your heart shine through.” The first of the part of the song is haunting with slow chords and the occasional drum beat. A bugle blows in with a melancholy melody after the singer has stopped singing with his female back-up singer. Then, suddenly the momentum picks up and the lyrics are again recited. The tone becomes upbeat with fast violin and banjo harmonies. Then for the end of the song, within every line, the tempo speeds up and down again and again. A simple but magical song. I can’t wait to hear this one’s proper finished state. “5 Years Time”, their popular indie hit Is a simple 4 chord structure but as the song progresses a range of instruments are added from bass guitar to violins to flutes. The lyrics are fantastically happy and catchy and can easily be sung along to. This song is incredibly upbeat and happy, it is definitely a favourite in my “Happy” playlist. Their album is coming out August, hopefully it will be as good as these initial demos.
Mypace
5 Years Time
Keegan
Keegan are a powerpop German band and are the only good German band I have encountered. They aren’t fantastic, but they are damn good. Like Orson, but without the crap, Keegan uses fast, choppy guitars, allegro bass and lots of passion. My favourite track is “Pleased To Meet You”, which seems like it could easily by a top 10 hit in the U.K. It’s a fantastic performance with backup vocals edited so they fit perfectly. It’s the perfect summer song. Because they will never be “heralded as the next big thing in the NME!”, one really hopes that these guys will succeed among the awful trash that is the German music scene. Plus they have some decent music too.
