Top 5 Albums of 2011:

2011 for me was a very up and down year, but there was one thing for me that stood out over everything else and that was the exceptional music that has treated my ears over the past 12 months. I've been to a number of live shows and purchased various albums both of new artists and old favourites. 2011 was an exciting year music wise, particularly for upcoming artists, so I am most definitely hoping that 2012 will have a whole lot more to offer! For now though these are my top 5 albums of 2011, it was fairly difficult to narrow it down to five, but i am very happy with my choices!

1. Ben Howard - Every Kingdom

Some of you may have read my album review already on this album, so i won't go into too much detail here. However this album has not stopped playing on repeat since it was released back in the beginning of October. I am quite frankly in awe of Ben Howard and his musical abilities, his voice is soulful and unique and his guitar skills are some of the best i've seen in a long time. This album is fantastic from start to finish and i find myself getting completely lost in the music, unaware of anything happening around me (sometimes a problem when i'm walking around in public!) His music makes me lust for the country air or a long car journey to an unknown destination. The album suits any mood, high or low so if you haven't yet heard his music or bought the album, i cannot urge you enough to do so, i guarantee that you won't regret it.

2. MONA - MONA

I first discovered MONA at the beginning of the summer and have loved them since. I saw them live on Halloween and despite spending the evening alone i couldn't have been happier. Infront of me stood a group of very attractive Tennessee men, sweating their way through a rock filled set list. It's becoming difficult these days to find some real, talented rock bands, however MONA have reignited the fire and are making people fall back in love with the old school rock sounds we grew up on. Personal favourites from the album include 'Listen to Your Love', ' Teenager' and 'Shooting the Moon'. Take a listen and i'm quite sure after hearing Nick Brown (lead vocalist) say the word "Babydoll" they will have wormed their way into your music loving hearts.

3. Charlie Simpson - Young Pilgrim

I've been banging on about Charlie Simpson for a while now, he was the influence for one of my first posts on here and has made various appearances on Seaside in the City ever since, but can you blame me? Young Pilgrim was released in August and is still the soundtrack to most of my daily life, after seeing him live in Brighton in October my love for him grew even more as the show was just outstanding. Some of you may have already heard his three singles from Young Pilgrim, 'Down Down Down', 'Parachutes' and 'Cemetery' which would have given you a great taster for the rest of the album. But i must urge you all to get you hands on a copy of this excellent debut record, it's full of brilliantly written songs that a lot of people can relate to, Charlie's choice of instruments are spot on and the whole album has such a great vibe to it.

4. Twin Atlantic - Free

Twin Atlantic, a four man, scottish filled, rock beast. These chaps are well on their way in making themselves known in the alternative scene and i am so excited to see how far they will go in the next year. Free is an album that, from start to finish makes you want to jump around in the air screaming along to their songs. I'm quite sure they'll be playing the festival circuit this summer, so if they're playing one of the one's you will be attending, go see them, you will undoubtedly be impressed with what you see and hear. You'll have a sudden desire to have a scottish accent and if like me and my friends, will go around quoting lines from their songs in the most inappropriate of situations. Sam McTrusty's voice is gritty but powerful and really creates an atmosphere with each song he sings. Together they make up a very exciting new approach to rock music.

5. Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm

I reviewed Ben's album back in the summer on here and i still stand by every word i said. This is a beautiful record that stands out amongst the other choices due to it's style and genre. Each of the tracks on the record are fantastic, Ben has one of those husky, soulful voices that makes you melt a little on the inside and go off into a daydream world. Well, that's what happens to me anyway! Definitely an album to put on when you're having a quiet evening to yourself so you can just lose yourself in his music. He spent most of 2011 touring around Europe and by the looks of things is doing the same for 2012, already he has UK dates set for February and i wouldn't be surprised if he's enlisted for every festival going! Benjamin Francis Leftwich is definitely a name to remember and keep your eyes out for, i predict great things!


So there we have it, my top five albums from 2011, these are just my words though, to really believe what i say you need to go buy each of the records and listen for yourself. Of course there were many other albums that i enjoyed which i feel deserve a mention, so if none of the above tickle your fancy then maybe try out one of the below:

You Me At Six - Sinners Never Sleep
Deaf Havana - Fools and Worthless Liars
Kids In Glasshouses - In Gold Blood
Example - Playing in the Shadows
Ed Sheeran - +
Birdy - Birdy
Dave McPherson - The Hardship Diaries
Friendly Fires - Pala
Jessie J - Who You Are
Lower Than Atlantis - World Record
Rizzle Kicks - Stereo Typical
Rihanna - Talk That Talk
Two Spot Gobi - The Sun Will Rise

Live Review: Twin Atlantic - The Haunt, Brighton

Think of a great Scottish rock band…. I’m guessing the first band that comes to mind is Biffy Clyro right? Well now you need to push that name aside and make way for a Glaswegian four piece that are making a strong name for themselves in the alternative scene.

The weather in Brighton was certainly fit for the Scottish, (I definitely didn’t come prepared!) However this didn’t seem to faze the rest of the Brighton fans, upon entering the venue it was clear it was close to a sell out and pushing your way towards the front was a task not many could handle. The support acts were unfortunately a little disappointing, with most of the crowd spending their time at the bar during their sets.

Despite this, as soon as the lights lowered and the introduction music started, the crowd were ready and waiting to let themselves go. ‘Serious Underground Dance Vibes’ was the opening track and even though it has no vocals, it most definitely set up the atmosphere, leaving the crowd on edge for what was next to come. The Twin Atlantic boys then went full pelt into ‘Make a Beast of Myself’ and from that moment on they had the audience firmly in the palm of their hands. They made their way through most of the tracks from latest album ‘Free’, mixing it up with some older tracks such as ‘Human After All’ and a few from the first EP’s.  Each song provided evidence that Twin Atlantic were here to play a rock show, with circle pits taking up most of the venue and even lads shouting “I want your babies” in their best Scottish accents, it was clear that Twin Atlantic are fully accepted in the scene.

By the time it came to the encore everyone in the room was insanely hyped up, on returning we were treated to two of their latest singles, ‘Time for You to Stand Up’ and ‘Free’ which, quite frankly made me worry about the structure of the building as I could feel the floor bouncing underneath me. As the show came to an end, every last bit of energy was squeezed out and the crowd left rather sweaty but full of passion. There’s a lot of love for Twin Atlantic down south and it’s pretty awesome seeing so many people come together to celebrate their music.

If a proper rock show it what you are after, than I highly recommend going to see Twin Atlantic, I’m quite sure you won’t regret it! 

Live: Charlie Simpson - Concorde 2 Brighton

It’s been a while since I have felt the need to travel to see a band or artist play, but having missed Charlie’s first tour back in May, it was a definite that I would go wherever necessary to see the dapper young man at his best.

Charlie’s debut album ‘Young Pilgrim’ was released back in August and already is in my top 5 of ‘Best albums of 2011’. On top of that he was playing in one of the best music venues along the South Coast therefore it was a show that just simply couldn’t be missed.

As the 25 year old graced the stage there was a sudden uproar of screaming girls, (probably the only negative of the entire show) and it became clear that Charlie is still as much of a heartthrob as he was 10 years ago when he adorned many a bedroom wall with his fellow Busted members.

Charlie and his band gradually made their way through the tracks that feature on the album, as well as a cover of 80’s hit ‘(I Just) Died In Your Arms’ which seemed to go down a storm with an audience that were fresh out of the 90’s. With each song they played the band as a whole put everything they had into it, one that stood out in particular was ‘Riverbanks’. On record the middle instrumental is already quite powerful, but live, it is a whole new experience. You could see Charlie squeezing out as much energy as possible to intensify the sound, mix that with strobing lights and you’re left standing in awe of what is happening; I could even feel my ears struggling with it all.

Alongside the album tracks, Charlie also treated the crowd to a couple of B-Sides, including ‘Please Let Me Go’ which was performed completely stripped back with only Charlie, his guitar and one band member for harmonies. The performance left an incredible atmosphere, as everyone dealt with the tingles that were sent up their spines.

The show drew to a close, of course an encore was due and Charlie performed two more upbeat tracks so the crowd left on a happier note, however if everyone else felt the way I did afterwards, then Charlie has definitely mastered the art of connecting emotionally with his fans. His vocals could perhaps have been stronger, but after losing his voice just two days prior to the gig it’s a negative that I’m sure won’t apply for the rest of his shows on the tour.

Overall, a great performance from Charlie and his band. Long gone are the days of his spikey hair and poppy chorus’; these have been replaced by designer stubble, waistcoats and a lyrical genius.

I'm a Renegade it's in my blood.

Paramore – Renegade

Last month saw the second anniversary of Paramore’s third album Brand New Eyes, meaning that it was surely time to hear something new from the three piece?

It’s been a difficult year for the group, having had two members leave and various internet war of words, now though it seems that the remaining three members are in a confident place and heading in a new direction with their music.

The summer saw the release of ‘Monster’ which was included as part of the soundtrack for the latest Transformers movie. This gave the first hint of the ways in which Paramore were traveling with their sound, as it came accompanied with gritty vocals and vigorous guitar chords.

Recently, Paramore announced the ‘Singles Club’ which would be available through their website. For a sum you are able to purchase three new singles, which will be released over the next few months, as well as other items such as t-shirts and vinyl, to complete the package. First single to be released from the ‘club’ is Renegade, a full-throttle, fast paced, beast of a record.

The intro starts with the beefy guitar chords similar to those heard in Monster, followed by Hayley Williams’ superb vocals, which seem to have taken an edgier tone compared to previous tracks. The lyrics are somewhat darker, with ‘I’m a renegade it’s in my blood/I’m a renegade I always was’ making up the main structure for the chorus’.

Paramore have been criticised in the past for being to pop to be punk, but it’s clear that now the three of them are working their way up the punk scale. Hayley belts out the words while the drums and guitars provide and intensity that makes the track feel incredibly powerful.

If the rest of the ‘club’ follows suit with a similar sound to that of Renegade, than it’s possible Paramore are going to gain a whole load of new fans and get the respect they are due.

Check Renegade out here:

Ed Sheeran +

It seems that some artists these days are appearing out of nowhere and rising to the top quicker than you can say “two singles in the top 10 and a number one album”. Ed Sheeran is definitely an example of a quick rise to fame, a few months ago his name was whispered around industry types but yet was unknown to the masses. Fast-forward (a bit) and his debut album ‘+’ has gone straight to number one, knocking his old pal Example off the top spot. Not bad for a guy who has lived on people’s sofas for the past year or so.

‘+’ Opens with his hit single ‘A Team’ which I am sure you are all familiar with by now, as it has been played on nearly every radio station across the country. This is then followed by ’Drunk’ and the re worked version of ‘U.N.I’ which some earlier Ed Sheeran fans may recognise as it appeared on the ‘One Take’ EP, this is the first track to give us more of a taste of his grime/hip hop influences that are included in the album.

The next four tracks, ‘Grade 8’, ‘Wake Me Up’, ‘Small Bump’ and ‘This’ are the more ‘soulful’ songs, with instruments stripped back to basics, either being acoustic guitar or piano and the lyrics are all evocative, these are most likely the tracks that listeners could ‘relate’ to in some way or another, and it shows Ed’s voice at his best.

‘The City’, ‘Lego House’ and second single ‘You Need Me’ see the addition of extra instruments, more drums are added and the acoustic is swapped for an electric, particularly in ‘The City’. These songs also provide the evidence of the skill Ed has with his voice, and that he clearly knows how to work it to get the sound of the album perfect.

As you reach the end of the album, everything slows down again, treated with what could almost be described as a ballad in the form of ‘Kiss Me’, an intense song that couples everywhere will adorn as ‘their song’. The album is then finalised by ‘Give Me Love’, which for the first three and a half minutes gives the impression of just another slow, acoustic track that is very similar the some of the others. But this song has got a trick up its sleeve that turns an otherwise boring song, into possibly one of the best tracks on the whole album. Come 3:30, extra vocals, not belonging to Ed, are introduced followed quickly by African drums. All of a sudden it feels like you’ve been transported to The Lion King and you should be watching animals stampede around you!

The song continues with Ed pushing his voice harder than any other song, which quite frankly gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. It’s an utterly brilliant way to finish off the album, kudos to Ed for that one.

Overall, it’s an excellent debut, though it could possibly have been improved with more hip hop/grime features to give the album more of a variety, each of the tracks are excellent in their own way and it’s an album that a lot of listeners will be able to relate too and there’s nothing bad about that!

Let’s see where this fiery haired fellow travels next on his adventure to the top…(Probably the biggest venues this country holds).

This review can also be found on the Propaganda blog website at www.thepropagandamag.com

Attack The Block

Director: Joe Cornish

For someone that is making the step up into feature filmmaking, writer Joe Cornish has created the perfect starting point with Attack The Block. A story about a gang of troublesome youths who become horribly acquainted with giant, gorilla like aliens that will destroy anyone and anything that gets in their way.

Many of the actors/actresses that appear are newcomers to the big screen, besides Nick Frost, who plays drug dealer Ron.

Unlike films such as Shaun Of The Dead, Attack The Block very much focuses on the moral of the story and making the audience feel disturbed, rather than the comedy. The moments of humour within the movie are very borderline with mocking ‘the youth of today’ and the particular culture the film surrounds itself with. However being British, lines such as “I just want to go home, lock myself in my room and play Fifa”, are one’s that provide a good laugh about today’s society.

All in all, Joe Cornish has excelled himself with this release. It makes you laugh, it makes you think and it makes you jump out your skin, all elements that, when mixed together, provide a potion for a brilliant British film and it looks like Cornish has got plenty of it. 

The Pierces - Glorious

We've all heard about Alabama and its sweet homeliness, but one thing Reese Witherspoon didn't tell us about is sister duoThe Pierces. Originating from Birmingham, Alabama but now residing in London, Catherine and Allison Pierce have been creating rustic folk music since 2000, and are about to release their fourth album, You & I, on 30 May.

Their latest single, Glorious, comprises hypnotic harmonies that are mixed with fast paced guitar rhythms and a twinkling of tambourines. Lyrically mournful, with lines such as "I will never die, never die like you", it makes you wonder just what the influences for this song were and what the rest of the album has to offer.

With well-known friends such as The Strokes' Albert Hammond Jr. and Coldplay's Guy Berryman championing them, we can only expect big things from the sisters. They're most definitely set for the next few weeks, with a UK headline tour throughout June and a spot at Glastonbury Festival. Here's to hoping the album will provide us with plenty more delightful sounds to accompany the summer months.

This article can also be found on the Q Magazine website

EMA - Milkman

The video for EMA's new release, Milkman, is probably not one for sensitive eyes. It's full of eccentric, trippy monochrome graphics, flashing images and bizarre 3D simulation, which sees vocalist Erika M. Anderson - aka EMA - smashing digitized objects with an axe and regurgitating virtual eggs.

But if you look past the madness of the video, you'll be enticed by and drawn into the electronic, heavily distorted bass line and MGMT-esque drum snares. The vocals are gritty yet sensual, which makes for an enchanting listen.

Taken from her newly released debut album, Past Life Martyred Saints, Milkman is an excellent representation of the unusual song writing and creativity inhabited in the ex-GOWNS vocalist/guitarist. Having recently played two shows at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, EMA could well become a new icon for lo-fi electronic music.

This article can also be found on the Q magazine website.

Airship - Kids

Biffy Clyro, Editors and The Joy Formidable all quite impressive names to add to a bands ‘have toured with’ list, a list that is being strongly developed by Manchester four-piece Airship.  Their debut self-released EP was released last year which received rave reviews and their debut album Stuck In The Ocean is due out this Autumn through Play It Again Sam.

Kids is the first single to be released from the fourth coming album, it provides an exciting glimpse in to what sounds will be unleashed from the rest of the record. It begins with fast paced drums that you would possibly expect from a pop-punk record, however the low-pitched guitar riff and the soft vocals of front man Elliott Williams quickly diminish this illusion. The chorus promptly lifts the mood of the song with punchy, distorted guitars and echoing vocal harmonies, which leaves for involuntary head nodding and foot tapping.

For a band that produced their debut album in a total of just fifteen days, Airship could perhaps be amongst those leading Indie music into an intriguing new dimension.