Single Review - Lisbon / Khaleesi

Written by Sally Wilcox

I have two vices in world - indie music and Game of Thrones. When I heard that 'Native' Whitley Bay group Lisbon had combined both of these things in their latest track 'Khaleesi', my inner hipster was ready to be utterly sated. (and for those of you who aren't fully caught up with the series, don't worry - this review is 100% spoiler free!)

The track opens with a crescendo of cheeky synth, teasing you with catchy riffs before hitting you with bold bass lines, ebullient drums and booming vocals. The song's witty lyrics give it a quirky edge, providing the song with plenty of character and attitude. Although they're far from the brilliant words of George RR Martin, the lads have done a good job of paying homage to such an epic series. The song is the heightened by the funky bass lines and intricate guitar riffs, creating an uber-indie sound, that'll undoubtedly get crowds moving.

However, the one thing about Lisbon that hinders their credibility as a 'proper' band, is that all their songs sound the same. That being said, this doesn't stop their individual tracks from being really catchy. They're peppy dance tracks from the boys next door. The bold bass lines will please the 18-25 market, whilst the clean lyrics will keep the band in the good books of parent's across the country.

Instead of fifty millions songs about "Being born in the Bay" thrown in bait of teenage angst into the mix and spice your set a little. If they just rant a bit about a nasty break up and invest in a thesaurus, Lisbon could easily obtain a grittier edge that'll prevent their music from becoming too repetitive.

Album Review - Slaves / Are You Satisfied Review

Written by Nathan Douthwaite

In 2012 Slaves released their first material on an extra-long EP titled “Sugar Coated Bitter Truth”. 

However no one seemed to pick up on the duo from Kent until the release of the single “Hey” giving an impressive performance on The Jools Holland Show. 

Popularity started to increase for the boys from there. Releasing tracks like “The Hunter” & “Feed the Mantaray”. 

They then released “Cheer Up London” which had more pop elements to it than what was previously heard by the band.  

“Live Like an Animal” was released just weeks before the expected release date of new album “Are You Satisfied?” 

So what about the album itself? Was it worth the wait? Did it live up to the hype surrounding its release?  

Here is my verdict.  

Opening with fan favourite “The Hunter” and leading straight into the more pop punk track “Cheer Up London” it satisfies the listener immediately by hearing these likeable tracks.  

It’s good to see a mix of previously unheard tracks and ones that were now familiar with the Slaves’ fan base.  

Tracks like “Sockets” and “She Wants Me Now” are both fast paced punk soaked tracks. Both tracks have the sing along element that pretty much all Slaves tracks have. “Sockets” especially amplifies this element, fast paced drums accompanied by heavy quickly played chords create an easy to dance to tracks.  

“Despair and Traffic” is an interesting track, both Isaac Holman and Laurie Vincent sing splitting sentences between one another which bursts into a “This is life” chorus sang in unison.  

The guitars in the verse also help to build towards the iconic chorus. The riff breaks out into a small guitar lick which is pleasing to the ears. 

“Do Something” has that stereotypical Slaves sound, we hear the return of Isaac Holman’s “The Hunter” style lyrics. What’s good about this song is the groove. It has that bop you head feel to it. The genre of the track could easily fall into the Grime category.  

Tonally the album is consistent, the fuzzy, distorted guitars power through every track. The vocals are consistent too. The stand outs are like on tracks like “Despair and Traffic” and “Wow! 7am” when we can hear Holman and Vincent sing together it adds that special something.  

That isn’t to say that the album doesn’t have diversity. In fact through songs like title track “Are You Satisfied?” “Ninety Nine” and “Sugar Coated Bitter Truth” the album show great diversity.  

“Ninety Nine” has lyrics that spin your head round and round with an electronic drum beat to match. Even the riff is different to what is stereotypical to Slaves. It moves from punk to a more rock and roll feel. 

“Are You Satisfied?” is probably the slowest track on the album. It’s acoustic guitar and piano combination is like a breath of fresh air on the already punk covered album. The nice “ah, ah’s” from Laurie Vincent give a softer side to the heavy Slaves. 

“Sugar Coated Bitter Truth” has a slow picking guitar that isn’t familiar with the Slaves stereotypical sound. Tonally diverse and heavy in political lyrics “Sugar Coated Bitter Truth” is one of the highlights of this well created album. 

Big riffs, tight drums beats and powerful vocals, creates this long anticipated album. 

Gig Review - Casual Threats, Idle Violets, Forever Cult / TS1

Written by Adam Gallagher

We headed to Whirling Dervish based at TS1 in Middlesbrough. where we were welcomed with the wait of three fantastic bands from Stockton on Tees (Idle Violets), Newcastle (Casual Threats) and Leeds (Forever Cult).

First up to get us in the mood for what truly was a underrated night, was Casual Threats, introduced by Joel Clayton, lead singer of Idle Violets 'They make Ebola look like man flu', Joel certainly wasn't wrong there. Casual Threats had been added to the bill a few days before hand. They opened with 'Sovereign Gore', the guitar riff opening to the song was truly mesmerising by itself, add the vocals of lead singer Oliver to the mix and you have got a fantastic way of opening the night up. As the night proceeded, I began to hear a mix of the Smith meets the Slaves throughout the set, yet somehow they were capable of making their songs stand out away from both bands.

A speical treat for the audience was the moment when Steven Bardgett (lead singer of Mouses) stepped on stage and became the fourth member of Casual Threats, even if it was for just one song. The audience were in for a treat, with Steven dueting with the band on the track 'Suarez'. Casual Threats ended on one of their more well known tracks 'Extra Maritime Affair', which certainly was the cherry on top of the musical cake that they had made all by themselves.

The trio that make up the Casual Threats, Oliver, Bazz on bass and Conor on drums, throughout the set, you could see the positive attitude that all three have on each other. Bringing their own personality to the band, you could see  truly blew me away, I ended up been a massive fan by the end of the set, loving every track and not wanting them to leave the stage any time soon.

Casual Threats Set List

1, Sovereign Gore
2. Suarez
3. Stalking Awareness Month
4. Canonise
5. Extra Maritime Affair

After the slight disappointment of Casual Threats finishing, there was a smile that reappeared on my face soon after, when Joel annouced his own band were going to be playing next. Ladies and gentleman, Idle Violets.

I had seen Idle Violets support Pigeon Detectives at KU Bar last year, they were great then, but this time round, they had certainly progressed as a band. They opened with

Oliver from Casual Threats gave a very unique introduction to the band which set the tone for the next half hour or so. With the Idle Violets, proving to the whole of TS1, why they are still loved by the Teesside music scene.

From the get go, the boys carried on the tempo that Casual Threats had got going. We were blown away with the new tracks from the 'Jizz Rock' trio (that's right it even says it on their Facebook). I was unable to find a song I wasn't impressed with. From the powerful vocals of lead singer, Joel Clayton, to the bass sounds of Richard Federkiel or even the beats of drummer Micky Cuthbertson, each indidvual had wow'ed the audience with their music ability.

They even gave the crowd a taster of what is to come in the future from the band, by playing the unfinished song 'Culprit'. Yet we were liking the name 'Pussyfart' alot more and the rest of the audience certainly were too. They teased TS1 with the soundtrack and the written part of the song.

Overall, Idle Violets have certainly developed within the space of a year. A heavier sound to their tracks, stronger vocals and an all round positive move forward as a band when it comes to developing their own music.

Idle Violets Set List

1. Gunslinger
2. Culprit (Pussyfart)
3. Underground
4. Fever
5. Break Out The Crazies
6. Fuzz

What with my ears already ringing from the sounds of Casual Threats and Idle Violets, was it possible for Forever Cult to carry that tourch over the finish line?

Well they certainly crossed the finish line, but they also carried it even further. From the first yell of 'Yasmin' to the last beat of 'Sinking' the Yorkshire trio certainly wow'ed the crowd.

This was the first time I had seen Forever Cult perform and I certainly wasn't let down. With the very unique vocals of lead singer Kieran Clarke blasting 'Yasmin' out to Aaron Snowdon on drums beating and Alex Greaves on bass strumming the last notes of 'Sinking'. Half way through the set, they performed their newest single 'Winter's Glow'. This was another highlight of the night, everything about this track is truly phenomenal.

They are a band that produce a sound which certainly stands out from the crowd, which is possibly why we enjoyed them so much.

All three of the band, made sure that everyone left talking about Forever Cult. They were able to take a gig which was already in full flow, to that next level. Proving to the crowd, that Clue Records were right in signing this band to their label. It's only a matter of time before you see Forever Cult on the bigger stages.

Forever Cult Set List

1. Yasmin
2. Freak Me Out
3. Tunnel Vision
4. Winter's Glow
5. Something In The Water
6. Is This A Bad Time?
7. Antonio Banderas
8. Distant
9. Sinking

Overall, the night was a success, three fantastic bands who certainly know how to put on a show. Massive thanks to Wherling Dervish who put on bands every Thursday night at TS1.

Album Review - Young Kato / Don't Wait Til Tomorrow

Written by Hannah Peebles

2014 was a great year for Young Kato and since the release of their debut EP back in 2012 they have supported artists such as Bastille, You Me At Six and Peace which has seen them go from strength to strength. They are now celebrating the end of their headline tour with the release of their debut album 'Don't Wait' Till Tomorrow'.

Young Kato are a British six piece indie pop band from Cheltenham, England. Joining forces in 2011 were Tommy Wright, Jack Edwards, Joe Green, Joe Lever, Harry Steele and Sam Henderson. From their debut EP Success, the next release was the Sunshine EP which featured their single, Drink, Dance, Play. This single saw a lot of airplay on the likes of Radio 1 and was featured on hit TV show Made in Chelsea.

Now, Young Kato have released their debut album and it highlights their unique sound, which is likened to that of Don Broco, Bloc Party and Ting Tings and it's the perfect summer album full to the brim of upbeat tracks.

Opening with Sunshine, this sets the mood of the album and lets you know that you are in for some fun. The track is flowing with warm and joyful melodies which compliments the album perfectly. If you have listened to Young Kato before, you will most likely be familiar with Drink, Dance, Play. It is the rack that focused the spotlight on them and got them onto Made in Chelsea to do a guest performance on the show. The albums includes tracks from the past couple of years; Lights and Revolution, which have been revamped and given a fresh sound. Ultraviolet, which was featured on the Sunshine EP, provides one of the biggest choruses on the album,

With tambourines, electro and summer vibes, I can detect 80's influences throughout the album, especially in tracks such as Remedy, Stephanie and Children of the Stars.

The latter half of the album is filled with the sam synth influenced pop music with the additional full on love song with Yes. This track slows down the tempo slight and turns up the theme of love.

I first heard of Young Kato when they did a cover of Waiting for a Star to Fall and at that point, I just knew there was something about them that was special. You can check it out in the video below.

'Waiting for a Star to Fall'