Dexters – Can’t Sleep
Geraint Rhys – Think Again
The Shallows – Running for Cover
Broken Bells – After the Disco
Sleeper – Inbetweener
Weatherbird – Where Eye Wanna Be
The Libertines – Up The Bracket
Fifth and Pontiac – Chupito Mosquito
Dan Croll – Compliment Your Soul
Rory Wynne – Post Party Confusion
Big Audio Dynamite – E=MC2
Peter, Bjorn & John – Young Folks
Hundreds – Our Past
Metronomy – The Upsetter
In another debut for AlternativeFriday we welcome ‘Major Tom’ who will be periodically
reviewing new and recently released albums, and here is his debut by Fear of Men…
Artist: Fear Of Men
Album: Loom
Fear of Men are a Brighton based band centring on the song writing duo of Jessica Weiss (vocals and guitar) and Daniel Falvey (guitar). Music wise, they have been pigeon holed under a number of different genres, but given their art school background and the dreamy/ambient feel which runs through Loom, Dream Pop and Art Rock are probably the best descriptions to get to a handle on the overall feel of their debut album.
In light of the above, there is a danger that on first hearing Loom may pass by pleasantly (and dreamily) enough without the burning desire to hit the replay button anytime soon. And sure enough the melodic and wistful strains of Waterfall and America are the only immediate stand outs on its initial outing.
However, what really alerts the listener that there is something a bit more substantial – and indeed darker – to such pleasantries are honest and direct lyrics, which touch on subjects such as Loneliness, obsession, illness and doomed love. These are delivered by Weiss in such a way that you can’t help but be affected – even when it’s just a line or two, leaping out and finding some sort of resonance.
Luckily by the second listen, music and words come together, with strong hooks and melodies appearing – and you wonder how you could have ever missed them in the first place. This is particularly true of such tracks as Descent, Luna and The Seer. The first of which one could easily imagine becoming an indie sing-a-long favourite, in the style of The Smiths or The Sundays. So, yeah, by this you can tell the usual jangly Indie influences are here, but by no means do they dominate proceedings.
A surprise string bit here and sprinkling of feedback-lite there keeps the listener on their toes, and adds to the sense that Fear Of Men are striving to provide a twist to existing affairs and come up with something a bit different. To this end, they largely succeed and Loom has a fresh feel to it, even if the wheel isn’t totally reinvented.
In summary then, Loom is: Sweet, yet dark / Dark, yet sweet. Simple / yet complex. Complex / yet simple. It all adds up to a rewarding listen and a fine debut from a band I will certainly be keeping a look out for. Have no fear of that.
Score (out of 5): 
Website | Soundcloud | Twitter
Welcome to the first in a series of short interviews with artists and bands. There’s no need to hold your breath in this debut though, as Glastonbury thankfully comes above Eurovision as far as The Paul Hegley Band are concerned.
Paul Hegley is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and with Bassist Danny and drummer Charlie, they make up The Paul Hegley Band, an edgy blues rock trio from Bedfordshire who formed in 2011.
Combining lively and energetic blues riffs that span the ages from BB King to Jack White, dynamic drumming and vocals, plus some great tunes, they perfectly capture the sound they are looking to create. Having seen them perform a few times I can vouch that they also put on a fantastic live show, offering everything a vintage smoke filled boozy blues performance could offer (aside from the smoky bit). Their most recent 4-track EP is called Shelter, which includes the song Casino Square, and is available on iTunes here, while you can also find out more via their links below.
Website | Soundcloud | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Anyway, onto the questions…
~ Where did you meet and how was the band formed?
Dan found me via a Gumtree add for my solo stuff and he came round for a jam and sprinkled some bass over some of my early material and we got on really well, and since then we’ve got heavier and heavier, and now Charlie is on board we really feel that we have a defined sound and the music we make carries the same blues feel and thread and the band has a specific identity which took a lot of hard work to get, and we are all mates which is really important.
~ Who have been your main musical influences?
Dan Auerbach/Black Keys, Gary Clark Jnr, Jack White
~ What’s the best gig you’ve ever done and why?
Probably the night we filmed the video for ‘Smoke & Liquor’ The Ivy House in Nunhead, great venue, great people and very appreciative of performers in general. This is everything a venue should be. Dan got us the gig and we love the place.
~ If you were appearing on ‘Later with Jools Holland’, which track would you choose and why?
Probably Smoke and Liquor although Casino Square would be a close second, hard to choose as we love playing all the songs but for different reasons.
~ Which famous song by another artist would you love to have written yourself?
The Chain by Fleetwood Mac.
~ What would it take to get you to represent the UK in the Eurovision song contest!
A gun!
~ What do you have planned for the next few months?
Gig, write, gig, write, gig, write, record….?
~ What would you do if you were invisible for the day?
Mingle on a Jools Holland Show.
~ What’s the least rock thing you’ve done this week?
The food shop.
~ What/who makes you laugh?
Will Ferrell
~ Lager or bitter?
Lager for me and Charlie
Dan is a Bitter man lol
~ Glastonbury or Reading?
Glastonbury, there is no festival like it.
Skaters – Miss Teen Massachusetts
Johnny Panic & the Fever – Dark of Night
Placebo – Loud Like Love
Howler – 14 Days
Port Isla – Steamroller
Doves – Pounding
Slydigs – Stiff Upper Lip
Kings of Leon – Don’t Matter
Temples – Keep In The Dark
The Hosts – Give Your Love To Her
The Specials – Rat Race
The Wedding Present – Kennedy
Emil Friis – No More Workmans Blues
Electronic – Get the Message
Future Islands – Like The Moon
As always, this latest Emerging artists entry is an eclectic mix and covers a number of musical bases… but what have hangovers, leaves on the line, and a bit of Scandi noir got to do with it? Listen and enjoy!
Rory Wynne – Post Party Confusion
I’m quite certain most of us have suffered from a nasty post party hangover before, but I’m glad to hear that this indie punk track with a killer chorus isn’t written about himself, as the talented Rory Wynne, who has already featured before in Emerging #25, is only 14 years old! One to watch.
Website | Soundcloud
Emil Friis – No More Workmans Blues
This haunting but outstanding track from Danish musician Emil Friis brings vocals reminiscent of Lou Reed, and excellent musicianship throughout. It all adds up to a ‘Scandi noir’ track that grows on you with every listen.
Website | Soundcloud
[Sorry – track removed from soundcloud]
Lost Winter – Footsteps in the Sand
From their new EP, and featuring the heart warming vocals of Charlotte Francis, I’m not sure whether to describe this as a catchy piece of electro, indie, or pop. Maybe it’s a mix of all three though. You decide?
Website | Bandcamp
The Slow Revolt – Never Get Close
This soulful electronica track from London based The Slow Revolt is a real grower, and despite its more mellow pace, it will surely have you struggling to maintain your non-dancing composure. If you’re worried about your reputation, maybe avoid listening to it on public transport!
Website
Akira the Don – Rain In England
Sadly the artist known as Akira the Don is moving on to musical pastures new, and while his final album A.K.D.R.I.P. is full of his usual rap and pop excellence, it also contains this wonderfully quirky ballad with poetic lyrics that demand your attention! Leaves on the line eh?
Website
Similar to my Emerging artists entries here, I’ve recently started a new music feature on Fresh on the Net… Jim’s Pick ‘n’ Mix.
Each of the first two posts features ten tracks, some of which I’ve come across while wandering the musical interweb, while others are artists who I’ve heard while moderating for FOTN.
In all cases though, they feature new or lesser known artists, and they cover a multitude of genres, so there’s bound to be something there that’ll appeal to you. Also, have a peek at the written reviews, which will hopefully help you choose which tracks to listen to first.
So, forget fizzy cola bottles, flying saucers, and fruit salads, and find out what beards, avocados, Scandi noir, and soggy leaves on the line have to do with a pick ‘n’ mix… enjoy the music!!
Pick ‘n’ Mix #1 Pick ‘n’ Mix #2
Here are five more new music gems, which include some outstanding indie, perfect pop, and superb folk rock. I think all five are exceptional, but which will be your favourite?
Lonely Tourist – Another Statistic
The slightly distorted vocals of Lonely Tourist frontman Paul Tierney may be the first thing to grab you in this brilliant two minutes of garage influenced alternative pop, but with fellow musician Jim Lang alongside him, the melody soon competes for your attention!
Bandcamp | Soundcloud
Port Isla – Steamroller
Port Isla first featured here in Emerging #8 in 2012, and have since made further appearances such is the quality of their music. Steamroller continues their trend for excellent folk rock with strong melodies and sing-along choruses, and if you get the chance to see them live then I recommend you do as I’m confident they’ll have you hooked.
Website | Soundcloud
Shy Nature – Lie Back
Another band who have appeared here before, in Emerging #19, are London band Shy Nature, and Lie Back proves again that they have the ability to produce wonderfully catchy indie tunes. Also if you like animal based music videos then check out the official video here.
Website | Soundcloud
Johnny Panic & the Fever – Car on Fire
The supremely catchy art-rock track from 7-piece Liverpool band Johnny Panic & the Fever comes from their excellent debut EP Sleep the Sleep of Fever, so if this appeals to you as much as me then you should definitely investigate further.
Bandcamp | Soundcloud
[Sorry – track removed from soundcloud]
Grace Sarah – Generics
This Cambridge teenager is set for a huge career if Generics is anything to go by, as it is a charming piece of dance based pop. Her quintessentially English vocals combine just perfectly with the drum based instrumentation. It certainly is a song that belies her years.
Website | Soundcloud
[Sorry – track removed from soundcloud]
Shy Nature – Lie Back
The King Blues – Everything Happens for a Reason
The Courteeners – Are You In Love with a Notion
Mourning Birds – Eve of the Isle
The Vex – Martyr
Electric Guest – Waves
John Newman – Love Me Again
Hard-Fi – Tied Up Too Tight
Bleech – Not Like You
The VirginMarys – Just a Ride
The Pipettes – Tell Me What You Want
Akira The Don – Baby Doll
Lonely Tourist – Another Statistic
Bastille – Laura Palmer
Selecter – On My Radio
Bob Marley & Wailers – Three Little Birds
Race Horses – Sisters
Future Islands – Seasons (Waiting on You)
The Stranglers – Walk on By
Let’s Wrestle – My Arms Don’t Bend That Way, Damn It!
Cage the Elephant – Come a Little Closer
Skint & Demoralised – All the Rest is Propaganda
Smith & Burrows – Funny Looking Angels
Jarvis Cocker – I Will Kill Again
Republica – Ready to Go
Phoenix – Entertainment
The Soft Pack – Answer To Yourself
Catfish & the Bottlemen – Kathleen
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Sacrilege
Metric – Breathing Underwater
Jack Penate – Run for your Life
The Enemy – Gimme the Sign
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Albert Goes West
Temples – Test of Time
New Order – 1963
Johnny Panic & the Fever – Car on Fire
British Sea Power – Waving Flags
Pulp – Babies
Mark Ronson – Valerie
The Busters – Don’t Worry be Happy
The Motors – Airport
Tripwires – Shimmer
Gogol Bordello – Start Wearing Purple
Cloud Control – There’s Nothing in the Water We can’t Fight
The Church – Under the Milky Way
Tom Hickox – The Pretty Pride of Russia
This week I wrote the Fresh Faves review for Tom Robinson’s Fresh on the Net site.
They were the songs that received the most votes from the 25 tracks on the Listening Post at the weekend.
You can listen to the tracks and read the reviews here.
Alternative Friday 