Single Review - Samantha Durnan / I Was Wrong

Written by Anna McMillan

The North East’s very own Samantha Durnan has released her latest single ‘I Was Wrong,’ and I can confirm there is definitely nothing wrong with this track.

The young singer songwriter is talented beyond her years, with her newest release expressing her old school styling. The countryesque piece is about falling in love and the twists and turns life takes when being in love, having to admit true feelings.

The melodic chorus makes for a catchy sound which I know I won’t be able to get out of my head for a while. It looks like the future is only going to get brighter for the young star and with her sweet, soulful vocals it is no wonder she has already played alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran.

To buy on Itunes go to: https://itun.es/gb/et8xab

Single Review - The Hunna / We Could Be

Written by Sal Wilcox

Dressed in an uniform of skinny jeans tight enough to cut off circulation, combined with happy-go-lucky vibes, it won't be long until The Hunna have an army of fourteen year old proto-indie girls worshipping them on Instagram. I can envisage them taking over The 1975's role of bridging the next generation to alternative music, breaking free from the restrictive currents of the mainstream.

Their latest track 'We Could Be' is the stereotypical indie rock-pop song. Is it revolutionary? Not in the slightest. Is it catchy? Very much so.

The song is mainly driven by the sing-along vocals that conform to the indie trope (and arguably cop out) of reciting "ohhh ho ohhhh ho" in the chorus and pre-chorus, making the song very light-hearted and guaranteed to be stuck in your head for days. The looped, almost synth-esque, guitar loops is very delicate and reserved, whilst the percussion is incredibly cymbal orientated, heightening the easy going vibe of the song. All the musical components blend well together, but even in the big guitar solo, the sound is a little lacklustre. The lyric 'if it weren't for shit like you' gives the impression that the band are desperately trying to give the song a market-widening edge. Unfortunately it doesn't really work and just comes across a little clumsy and immature. It's like the musical equivalent of wearing navy blue trainers to school when you're only aloud plain black.

The track itself is a decent pop track, just lacks the wow factor. That being said, I'm sure it'll be adored by a slightly younger audience.

Single Review - The Sherlocks / Last Night

Written by Nathan Douthwaite
The Sherlocks’s have just released their track “Last Night”– now they’re kicking off a massive UK tour and it is the perfect excuse to review this song.

The band receive mixed reviews all over the place, with some people hating on them and some claiming their the UK’s next best thing, it’s hard to form your own opinion when everyone else overshares theirs.

However “Last Night” is an interesting track, it opens with this massive drum beat that helps to create the massive dance-floor-filler this song aims to create.

The vocals, which have a certain tone that is now associated with the group, are a massive focus point of the song as they overlay the thrashy guitars in the background.

The song talks about “Last night, can you remember?” symbolising a drunk night out and the problems that arise when you’ve drank too much.

It’s a song that you expect The Sherlock’s to produce and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as you can tell the band are trying to set their sound in stone before moving onto releasing an album.

Even if you aren’t a fan of the band it is hard not to admit that this song is well wrote, well performed and well produced.

Of course if you do love The Sherlocks then it’s the perfect release! The band are now on a UK tour, you can catch them here: http://thesherlocksmusic.co.uk/our-gigs/

'Last Night'

Single Review - Lisbon / Vice

Written by Sal Wilcox

I first heard Lisbon during my middle school end of term music concert. Even back in the day of strict school uniforms, they were still the headliners (our Head of Music insisted). I've seen them progress as a band from playing the North Shields YMCA (free or £1 entry lads) to supporting Eliza and the Bear to having their own UK Tour. It's weird seeing your mum's friend's nephew become "THE So-and-So from Lisbon". Unfortunately, their sound hasn't really matured or changed since 2013, when they decided to rip off Foals' album 'Holy Fire' within an inch of its life. I've called Lisbon "lyrically limited" and "predictable" more times than I will ever admit. I lost all interest in the band as they'd become repetitive and a bit boring.

However, their latest single 'Vice', is bloody good. As much as it pains me to say so - hats off to you lads.

The track opens with a quirky percussion sound, it is similar to glass bottles, resembling a makeshift version of the intro to 'Walk this way'. It's then elevated by beefy bass and an infectiously catchy guitar hook. Front man and vocalist Varty shows a new tone to his usually unpolished vocals, channeling a more soulful and higher pitched side to his voice. He's much more controlled, allowing the track to adopt a really suave funk-pop vibe. Throughout the verses snippets of synth and guitar riffs are subtly woven in, giving the song a contrapuntal texture that is really pleasing and interesting to listen to. The track has this really full and rich sound and it's clear that it's been well produced.

In brief: it's just a really solid pop song and without a doubt, Lisbon's best work so far.

To listen to the full track, click the link below -

https://soundcloud.com/wearelisbon/vice-2

TOTW / WEEK 8

TRACK OF THE WEEK
Written by Jodie Lynn

This weeks track comes from none other than Catfish and The Bottlemen. The band are sort of like marmite. You have to get their vision to truly appreciate their music. They've said themselves that they rip off a lot of great artists and bands they like. They don't claim to be extravagant, in fact they revel in simplicity. 

The Balcony, their debut album, was a smash. Pretty much every track was a hit and the buzz from each one still hasn't worn off. Nevertheless it was definitely time for more from Catfish. Luckily enough, this week they released 'Soundcheck', the first taste of album two. (Excluding '7' which they debuted on tour earlier this year.)

When Van's voice echoed through on first listen I wasn't completely sold, I won't lie. It didn't feel any different to any other Catfish tune.* Then suddenly it kicked in and a slight regret came over me for ever doubting them. After about three listens I was grooving about whilst making a brew. On the tenth listen 'Soundcheck' was already a classic. The song is everything we love about Catfish and The Bottlemen and then some. And then maybe some more. Best of all, I can already tell it'll be a live favourite. 

All hail Catfish and the Bottlemen! Have a listen, or a few, below.  

http://youtu.be/ACLnXD-lxuw

*Why would we ever want anything different? They're all smashes anyway! 

TOTW / WEEK 7

TRACK OF THE WEEK 
Written by Anna McMillan

My track of the week this week is a bit of a throwback of a throwback as over the past few days I have been looking back over old covers I used to be obsessed with. After searching through Youtube for a couple of days I finally came across The Mend’s cover of Dock Of The Bay.

I first heard this cover back in 2012 when the band formerly known as The Mend preformed the Otis Redding track at their audition for Britains Got Talent.

Hearing four snapback wearing guys in duffel coats belt out lyrics to one of the most melodic hits of the 60s was stunning to witness. The raspy voice of the two main singers Craig and Dean transported me back to the soulful 60s where black soul singers dominated the charts with their bluesy melodies.
The four piece recreated the soulful blues track by incorporating a rap into the mix, adding a youthful twist to the classic. Mixing the old school stylings of Otis Redding and the fresh, youthful sound just shows the beauty of the evolution of music.

From me listening to the original track on my record player, hearing the stripped back vocals of one of the most prestigious black American singers of the 60s along with the added wave sound effects to emphasis his surroundings, to witnessing the reincarnation of the track on modern TV.

My obsession for the track was rekindled this week as the Mend weren’t frightened to take the classics and turn them on their heads. They embraced the authenticity of the tracks and incorporated their own stylings into their music.

TOTW / WEEK 6

TRACK OF THE WEEK
Written by Nathan Douthwaite

For this week I have chosen Kurt Vile. The long haired, guitar baring, rambler that has released endless amounts of music and doesn’t seem to care about how it does commercially.

I have chosen his song “Pretty Pimpin’” off of the album “Be’lieve I’m Going Down” Vile’s sixth studio album released last year.

The track is emotional, sometimes upbeat and guitar driven throughout. He’s a solo artist who can give you the full effect of music like any good band.

The track hears Vile sing about not recognising the man in the mirror, yet “continuing to brush some stranger’s teeth.”

It’s a song about losing yourself and not knowing who you are anymore.

It’s a deep track and explores Vile’s darker side. Although a lot of his music has great meaning, his latest album stepped away from the often jolly guitar music to a richer and more emotion side.
As an artist he has been around since the 90’s, but I feel he hasn’t really had any kind of limelight. This track shows just how good he is and it’s also very sonically pleasing.

Kurt Vile will show you a new way to enjoy music.

Listen to it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=659pppwniXA

TOTW / WEEK 5

TRACK OF THE WEEK
Written by Adam Gallagher

Justin Bieber, loved by females since 2008 and hated by males up until 2015 when Justin decided to change his sound, to which it would seem for everyone to fully enjoy his music. Gone are the days of singing about being 14 year old and falling in love with someone at a bowling alley, the growing up process has finally caught up with his music. Which resulted in him producing possibly the album of 2015.

After making the move to the dark side and actually enjoying Bieber's music. I have picked a track from his newest album 'Purpose' that truly does highlight how far Justin has come in developing his sound.


"Love Yourself', was written by JB himself but also by another massive star in the shape of Ed Sheeran and American rapper, Benny Blanco. The song in Justin's words is "definitely about someone in my past, someone who I don't want to put on blast".

After the great response the track had, it was inevitable that it was only going one place and that was straight to the top of the charts. As I previously mentioned, it was different for Justin this time round, it was males as much as females creating the hype this time round for the Canadians fourth album.

With the new sound Justin is creating, include the all new fan base that he has gained, who knows what 2016 will bring for Justin Bieber, one thing is for sure, it will be a different crowd this time round when he comes to perform in the United Kingdom later this year.

TOTW / WEEK 4

TRACK OF THE WEEK
Written by Jodie Lynn

This week has been Gorillaz central for me. Rumours have been rife lately about a fourth phase to Gorillaz and what better excuse do I need to go back over their catalogue?

I could have went for the obvious Clint Eastwood or Feel Good Inc but let’s be honest, who doesn’t love those ones? So my chosen track this week is Rhinestone Eyes. It may not be the most prominent of theirs but there’s a reason why it always sticks out for me.

A while ago through a long YouTube binge I came across a live version of Rhinestone Eyes for an Australian radio station. It blew my mind. Gorillaz at the time was what, like 60 people together? This radio performance was down to just four of them and it sounded excellent. Weird, but excellent.  

I’ve had great enjoyment going back over Gorillaz’s work and I can’t help but think that 2016 is the perfect time for another album from those epic animated genius’. The concept for Gorillaz always seemed to be about bringing people together who may not necessarily have the chance to unite. 2016 needs more of that.

Rumour has it that there might even be a Bowie collab somewhere in the mix. Even so, with or without the wonderful Bowie, a Gorillaz album in 2016 is definitely what the world needs. 

Have a listen and get yourself excited. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYDmaexVHic

TOTW / WEEK 3

TRACK OF THE WEEK
Written by Anna McMillan

Ever listened to a song that holds so many fond memories and when it comes on you are transported back in time? Well my track of the week does just that and it is one of my favourite rock songs of the 2000s - Mr Brightside by The Killers.

Long story short, this song is one of my closest friend’s favourite song. Sadly she had to move away for 3rd year of university but whenever this song comes on when we’re out we are reminded of her. You will often find us in the middle of Independent in Sunderland on a Friday night singing our hearts out (badly).

This week she came back to see us and on the nights we went out, all of a sudden you hear ‘Coming out of my cage and I’ve been doing just fine.’ Yes, you can probably guess the screeching and group hugs that occurred when we heard it.

Mr Brightside has become one of the classics since its release in 2004 with the American rock band racking up 12 million plays of the single since its launch, becoming one of the most downloaded tracks ever in the UK.
Lead singer Brandon Flowers takes control of lead vocals on the track, after all the song is about his ex-girlfriend and the paranoia of cheating. His monotonous sound adds to the numbness behind the meaning of the song.

However, mixture of indie rock and pop created a feel good anthem you can’t help but belt out at the top of your lungs. 

TOTW / WEEK 2

TRACK OF THE WEEK
Written by Nathan Douthwaite

Track of the week: Blaenavon “Hell Is My Head”

This week I have chosen a track from a band who will no doubt gain popularity and recognition throughout 2016. 

Blaenavon came onto the music scene in 2013 when they released their EP “Koso.”

It wasn’t long before fans were calling for more music and a tour. However Blaenavon, consisting of Ben Gregory, Frank Wright and Harris McMillan, decided that they would finish their education before branching out into the music world.

Then in late 2015 Blaenavon released their follow up EP “Miss World” which proved how evolved the band were becoming.

The EP’s opener “Hell Is My Head” is my track of the week.

Opening with a tight drum beat the track launches into an indie ballad, with big guitar riffs bellowing into your ears.

The music levels lower and Ben Gregory’s vocals punch through with an emotional tone.

It opens the song up and when the guitar solo breaks in you are taken inside the world of Blaenavon. 
Ben Gregory’s powerful vocals turn into a wailing frenzy of “oh and ah’s.”

The song comes to a close with singular strained guitar notes ringing in your ears.

I chose this track as it shows the evolution that Blaenavon have gone under over two years. Even though “Koso” and “Miss World” both reflect what Blaenavon are about. “Miss World” is a mature EP, with strong production value and an attraction like no other.

Listen to “Hell Is My Head” below:

TOTW / WEEK 1

TRACK OF THE WEEK
Written by Adam Gallagher

As we roll into 2016, I chose this song basically because they have finally reunited! They are hitting the road later this year and I am finally getting to see them live, that's right my track of the week features Busted, and it would only be fitting if it was possibly the most well known song, Year 3000.

It was written by all three members of Busted, James, Charlie and Matt along with the help of Steve Robson and Graham Jay. Year 3000, was a song based around what the trio thought the future would look like. Living under water, boy bands left right and centre and something about triple breasted women but let's leave that there. If you had to describe to someone what a british, guitar playing boy band sounded like; surely this band and track would be in the top 3 examples, it also highlights the music which was produced in the early noughties.

This single is a massive part of the foundation of Busted's success, it reached number two in the UK charts back in 2003 and it became the 34th biggest selling single of that year.
The reunion of the trio will surely encourage people to fall back in love with the band and also the music which they produced.

The single is so good, american trio 'The Jonas Brothers' decided to revamp the track and put a twist on it, but I'll leave that for you to decide to listen to, I'll apologise now if you ever do.

EP Review - Shoot The Poet / Debut EP

Written by Adam Gallagher

Come the 1st of April, the five piece from Hartlepool that go by the name of 'Shoot The Poet' will have released their debut EP. I have to say, it's possibly the best four tracks I've heard from a local band in quiet a while.

The first track to be played is 'Feel For You'. The opening of the song has some very catchy guitar chords, a high tempo and with the introduction of a steady drum beat, they certainly have created the sounds of a fantastic single. Overall it is a well structured song, with a solid chorus that anyone can sing along to.

'Little By Little' is the second song on the EP, following on from 'Feel For You', the tempo is carried on through to this song. The repetitiveness of the lyrics "little by little" are the main talking point of this song. Many bands and singers sometimes get it wrong with over use of the word, but Shoot The Poet have managed to keep that balance just right,  to the point where you end up loving the song as a whole.

Shoot The Poet certainly have created a four track EP that showcases how talented these indie rockers from Hartlepool are and I don't think that is highlighted any brighter than in the song 'Hold'. With the opening woooo's, the beginning the song has a summery feel to it. It is slightly slower than the previous two songs but never the less, it's a different angle of music from the band. As the song develops further, it produces a section that without a doubt when performed live, allows the crowd to sing along with the boys.

The final song on this epic four track EP is 'The Mythical Sea'. It is without a doubt rockier than the other songs and it has a heavier bass feel throughout. There is a part of the song where the tempo is slowed down and allows the power and talent to be shown in lead singer Dom's voice. It is a very different sound that the band have produced but it shows that they can certainly change their style of sound and still come out with a song that undoubtably their fan base will still love.

Overall, the EP is a success in my eyes. You can tell throughout the band have worked hard at producing this and have taken their time when it comes to actually fine tuning each song. The boys will be proud of what they have produced and so they should be, it's an EP that I am certainly excited to get my hands on.

If you want to get your hands on Shoot the Poet's debut EP, head to the Studio in Hartlepool on April the 1st, where the boys will be putting on a gig with support, to celebrate their release date.

Facebook - www.facebook.com/shootthepoet
Twitter - @ShootThePoetUk

Video Review: Fatherson - Lost Little Boys

Written by Hannah Pebbles

2 years after Fatherson released an album, they are back with their second single 'Lost Little Boys', joining their previously released track 'Always' upon their upcoming album 'Open Book' - due for release June 3rd via Easy Life/Sony RED. 

The Kilmarnock (Scotland) boys have been busy since signing to Sony last year with work on their new studio album and supporting Prides on their European tour. 

'Lost Little Boys' bangs into life on the drums, bass and guitar come in all guns blazing before lead singer Ross Leighton calms everything down, sets the mood and then blasts into the catchy hook.

Leighton is a brave rock singer when his voice is fully exposed in the middle-eight, only accompanied by a muted guitar. It's his voice that I feel brings power to the songs and is one of the band's biggest strengths when combined with the musicianship, lyrical content and toe-tapping rhythms. 

The video for this single is one word. Emotional. Let me explain...

The opening scene shows beautiful Scottish landscapes, what I can imagine to be filmed on a drone around the hillside, moving on to a man and female frolicking in the cold Scottish sea. This scene is the first indication of a relationship between them, they look like they are in love and happy and then BOOM. It moves to the same man once kissing his girlfriend to him in his car, pulling up to the side of the road where flowers are left on the ground to mark respects for a girl who had previously been killed there. Yes, you guessed it. His girlfriend. His best friend, looking ... puts his arm around him for comfort as they look down at her picture ... And so it begins...
Continuously changing from flashbacks to present time to paint the scene for the watcher, it quickly hits us how emotional this video is. But things turn sour quickly and we begin to feel a different emotion. We start to see that same man who once put his arm around his best friend in a time of grief looking suspiciously attracted to his best friend's girlfriend in flashback scenes. The plot thickens...

Whilst looking through a box of his girlfriends belongings that she had left behind, he finds her phone. And on her phone he finds messages from his best friend to his girlfriend and it all kicks off. Angrily, he grabs and punches his best friend in the face (rightly so.) He then abandons him and drives off, leaving his best friend to find his own way home through the countryside. Knuckles bleeding and screaming in pain he drives to the hillside and pulls over, stepping out with his urn. Just as he goes to scatter the ashes off the
edge, he stops to remember his girlfriend. Regardless of what he just found out, he still loves her. A powerful moment.

The last scene shows his best friend catching up with him and finding him standing at the edge. He runs up to him, apologises and puts his arm around him. Then, together, now complete in their trio once again, he scatters her ashes over the edge. The symbolism here is stunning; letting go. This scene is arguably the most stunning throughout the video. Shot on a drone overlooking the scattering and passing by, it is nothing short of beautiful. 

The video as a whole is a great accompaniment to the song. It's powerful when it needs to be and slows down when the time is right. Watch it here and see for yourself: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R39qJpRJz-w