THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART
By Alexandra McLoughlin
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are an indie rock band originally from New York. They consist of members: Kip – Guitar/Vocals, Alex – Bass, Kurt – Drums and Peggy – Keyboard/Vocals.
Despite having been together since 2007, the first time I heard of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart was in February 2009 when Toby Kidd (Lead Singer of Hatcham Social) came as guest on my radio show and recommended I should check them out. Since listening to them I am now addicted to the band.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart last toured the UK in May and June 2009 when they performed at many venues around the country and not only that but they were also one of the few bands invited by the legendary Tim Burgess (The Charlatans) to play at the Isle Of Weight Festival.
Following their success in Europe, they are returning to London in August 2009 for the UK release of their self-titled album on Fortuna POP Records which has been said to be one of the most anticipated releases of the year. The same album has already been released in the US by Slumberland Records on 3 Feb 2009.
The album features enduring melodic tunes like the ones that stay in your head no matter what. Your imagination goes far from beyond the past and you are once again that young teenager who is left home alone by the parents and all you want to do is party with your friends dancing the night away. The album is undoubtedly perfect to share with people you love and has become very popular with DJs playing their tunes at clubs around the US.
The harmonious drumming and shoegaze guitar pop combined with Kip and Peggy’s vocals that are wonderfully soft and somewhat loose, leave you craving for more. As for the album itself, it’s an amazing collection of songs that are overloaded with joyous and impeccable choruses and yet tender upbeat tunes followed by touching and heartfelt lyrics that make The Pains of Being Pure at Heat unquestionably a band to watch out for.
THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART
TRACKS:
1 – Contender
2 – Come Saturday
3 – Young Adult Friction
4 – This Love Is Fucking Right!
5 – The Tenure Itch
6 – Stay Alive
7 – Everything With You
8 – A Teenager in Love
9 – Hey Paul
10 – Gentle Sons
Check out their Myspace and website for details on tour dates and how to purchase the album on:
http://www.myspace.com/thepainsofbeingpureatheart
http://www.thepainsofbeingpureatheart.com
An Introduction to Artery
by Alexandra McLoughlin
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back into the past and re-live the excitement of the 80s? With so many bands reforming recently there is certainly no need for time-machines. One of these bands are “Artery” which were originally formed in 1979.
The band have undoubtedly written some astonishing songs, however despite being appreciated by many personalities including the late John Peel, unfortunately back in the 80s Artery didn’t get much recognition by the press and they consequently split up in 1985.
Two decades later Artery are one of Sheffield’s most influential bands of the new generation. One of their biggest fan is Jarvis Cocker who in August 1980 saw Artery were headlining a festival at Leadmill Sheffield whilst “Pulp” were second from the bottom on the bill. Jarvis went to described Artery as “great unsung bands of the post punk era” and following this statement, in 2007 he invited them to reunite and play an one-off show at Meltdown Festival. The band have been together ever since.
Although having been compared to bands such as Joy Division, Artery are quite unique with their own infectious style which make them such a damn good band! Their songs are lovingly crafted masterpieces with inspiring, upbeat tunes and real life lyrics. This can be heard on their new EP titled “Standing Still” released by Phantom Power Records and launched at the 02 Academy, Sheffield on Saturday February 21st 2009. This EP contains four incredible tracks that seem endearing to our ears. They are: Standing Still, A song for all the lonely people, The seeds of youth and the final track “Who’s afraid of David Lynch?”
In June 2009, enthusiastic fans gathered at the Dice Club in Hoxton Bar and Kitchen to watch Artery’s come back London show which was delivered with a powerful rendition resulting in great entertainment for the fans whilst for Artery, the unexpected success was visible.
Artery’s energetic live performances are something that has to be witnessed. With Murray’s guitar hypnotic riffs and dynamic-sounds, combined with Mark‘s “Savage” vocals followed by talented John on the bass, David on the keys and Garry on Drums creating a feel good atmosphere. It all sums up ultimate proof that good music can captivate and bring together a crowd.
The band have recently been invited to headline a few shows so make sure to check out their MYSPACE for a list of forthcoming events and details on how to purchase their EP at:
http://www.myspace.com/arterysheffield
Check out Artery on FACEBOOK at:
http://www.facebook.com/srch.php?nm=artery#/pages/ARTERY/96186409004?ref=search
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Having previously played keys in the band ”Sad Season” featuring Abi Fry (Bat for lashes/British Sea Power) Julia ruzicka (Million dead) and Mikee Goodman (sikth), Chris Willsher is currently the Lead guitarist in the indie Band “The Firm” which is signed to Whimsical Records.
Comparing the style of music from Temper Temper and The Firm, they are both very different however Chris’s passion, enthusiasm and professionalism are undoubtedly the same.
When I first listened to Chris’s solo project (Temper Temper) I was unprepared for the beauty of his songs. Whilst I continued listening, I felt the need to sit still as I didn’t want to miss out anything and immediately I was in a trance, something divine and wonderful was happening to me as if a light-hearted feeling had finally reached my soul.
There is serenity to his music with a slightly mysterious energy generating a gentle and warm and loving mood. His music is definitely unique with a beautiful voice which is so natural and inviting. Probably some of the best compositions that I have heard so far.
The man himself is the one the most genuine person I have ever known so check out his myspace and ADD TEMPER TEMPER!!!!!
http://www.myspace.com/themusicoftempertemper
HATCHAM SOCIAL: You Dig The Tunnel, I’ll Hide The Soil -
Album Review by Alexandra McLoughlin
Despite being released back in March 2009 after nearly 2 years of preparation, Hatcham Social’s debut album ‘You Dig the Tunnel, I’ll Hide the Soil’ is a mandatory inclusion on any list of greatest albums for the summer of 2009.
The album which was produced by the experienced musican Tim Burgess (from The Charlatans), overflows with sunny feelgood tone and flawless melodies yet featuring melancholic vocals by frontman Toby Kidd.
Previously a trio (please see my last post/introcudion on the band) and now a four-piece after the addition of multi-talented Jerome Watson, Hatcham Social are an 8O’s influenced indie band from South London and although still “babies” their success is predicted to last for a long time mostly because of their enthusiastic and energetic live performances.
As for the album I can best describe it as an EXUBERANT MASTERPIECE.
Check out Hatcham Social Myspace on:
http://www.myspace.com/hatchamsocial
AND
My Introduction on Htacham Social on:
http://alexandramcloughlin.wordpress.com
BAND MEMBERS: Toby Kidd, Finn Kidd, Dave Fineberg, Jerome Watson
RECORD LABEL: TBD Records (USA), Fierce Panda (UK & Europe)
TRACKLIST:
01 Crocodile
02 Sidewalk
03 Murder in the Dark
04 Hypnotise Terrible Eyes
05 So So Happy Making
06 Superman
07 I Cannot Cure My Pure Evil
08 Jabberwocky
09 In My Opinion
10 Penelope (Under My Hat)
11 Give Me the Gift
My Slipknot Gig Review
Are they monsters? Are they explosive metal machines? Or are they just masquerade mutants in limbo? They are everything that has been mentioned and more… we are of course talking about the 9 piece metal band from Iowa, Slipknot that have been busy entertaining huge crowds at the Hammersmith Apollo in London.
Corey Taylor and Joey Jordinson by Alexandra McLoughlin
Every time that the Grammy Award winning band Slipknot, produce an album each member makes a distinctive change to their mask and as this tour was based on the new album All Hope Is Gone the fans were very excited and looking forward to seeing what masks they would be revealing this time.
Slipknot On Fire - Pic by Alexandra McLoughlin
- Shawn Crahan – Picture by Alexandra McLoughlin
During the violent performance of “Duality” Shawn Crahan attemped to break an empty barrel with a baseball bat and at that point the crowed became even more insane that empty bottles were thrown on the stage.
Corey Taylor - Pic by Alexandra McLoughlin
It wasn’t until Corey screamed these words “F..k it all, f..k this world, F..K EVERYTHING YOU STAND FOR!” than loud gunshot noises came out from Mick Thomson, Jim Root and Paul Gray’s guitars and the crowd became even more uncontrollable.
The fans seemed to enjoy their performance of “Wait and Bleed”.
But what everyone was looking forward to the controversial performance of “Spit It Out” which is also referred as the “Zero Bullshit”. Near the end of the song there was a pause with a coda where the music builds up to a highly energetic section and Corey Taylor screamed very loud to the crowed:
“Get the f**k down on the ground”
So all the fans obeyed as if they were in a concentration camp.
Then he said: “when I say jump the f**k up, what are you gonna do?!”
There was a silence.
Then Corey shouted again: “I asked you a f**king question, when I say jump the f**k up, what are you gonna do?!”
Crowd answered: “JUMP DA F**K UP!!!
To make things even more exciting Shawn Crahan’s elevating drum kit ended up in the air as it slowly spun and Sid Wilson decided to dangle off it and start swinging. When he wasn’t attached to Shawn’s drums, Sid Wilson continuously ran around the stage and even jumped onto Chris Fehn’s drum as it tilted backwards and forwards.
- Shawn Crahans Elevating Drums by Aleaxandra McLoughlin
Craig Jones (Picture by Alexandra McLoughlin)
Joey Jordinson pic by Alexandra McLoughlin
Review by Alexandra McLoughlin
- Hatcham Social with Alexandra McLoughlin
HATCHAM SOCIAL are a trio formed in New Cross, London. They are composed of brothers Toby and Finnigan and their friend Dave.
Although they were formed in 2006, their influences are from indie pop bands from the 80s and 60s such as The Pastels, Orange Juice, and Josef K, as well as post-punk and shoegaze bands such as The Jesus & Mary Chain and The Fall .
Most fans of Indie music however will find that these guys sound quite different from any band out there as their music has a certain consistency on the beat which produces a nostalgic happy vibe. Not surprisingly the band have been welcomed by various music critics with some great reviews, The Guardian for example described them as ‘irresistible’ whilst Alan McGee (founder of Creation Records who also signed Oasis and managed the Libertines) once described them as ‘a wonderful pop group with the world’s coolest Drummer‘.
There is something special in the way Finnigan hits those drums, he actually manages to hit them pretty close to dead centre with a sharp rap. In the music business this is something that only the genius can do.
- Finnigan Kidd – Pic By Alexandra Mc
As for the vocals, the charismatic Lead Singer, Toby, has an unusual melodic tone to his voice which gives an incredible smooth sound to their music and yet uplifting.
Toby Kidd - Pic by Alexandra Mc
Dave - Pic by Alexandra Mc
All in all, the three band members work as a unit so they all share the same energy that rev up the crowd. They are obsessed with getting the crowd to go mad and yet they have the ability of keeping everyone in calm mood however hyper they might be. It is like being in “limbo” and yet thoroughly fun to watch.
The guys have been very busy since playing at the London Calling Festival in Amsterdam and the La Fleche D’Or Club in paris and headline a show at The Borderline in London last month. They have also been recording some taster tracks which is available as a FREE download EP to members of their forum at http://www.aclearinginthewoods.co.uk
The download only EP of cover versions includes 5 songs and one of them is “Love Buzz” which was written by Robbie van Leeuwen of Dutch rock band “Shocking Blue” and later the American grunge band “Nirvana” recorded a cover version of the song for their debut single which gained a lot of popularity in the early 90’s. However Hatcham Social’s version is a little different and must be heard…
You can listen Hatcham Social’s amazing version of “Love Buzz” right now on their myspace at: http://www.myspace.com/hatchamsocial
In regards to their debut album which is called “You Dig The Tunnel, I’ll Hide The Soil” produced by Tim Burgess and Jim Spencer will be released soon (possibly in March) through their UK record label Fierce Panda and in the USA through TBD Records.
And finally, if you still can’t get enough of the boys, tune in for my radio show (Don’t Let Me Get Me Show) at Wired Radio which is the Radio Station for Goldsmiths College part of the University of London this Saturday the 7th February from 1.00 to 2.00 PM (UK time) where Toby will be talking about the band and I will be playing some of their music. The show will be streamed online so everyone shall be able to listen to at: http://www.wiredradio.co.uk and don’t forget to visit the band’s myspace on:
http://www.myspace.com/hatchamsocial
For those of you that are more comfortable speaking and reading Spanish and Portuguese I have tried my best to translate my introduction on the band in both languages on the Spanish and Brazilian Lastfm sites at:
http://www.lastfm.es/music/Hatcham+Social/+wiki
http://www.lastfm.com.br/music/Hatcham+Social/+wiki
Background Information:
Members
Toby
Finnigan
Dave
Band Introduction by Alexandra McLoughlin
Love in a Torn Land
Love in a Torn Land by Jean Sasson
Reviewed by Alexandra McLoughlin
Synopsis:
Best-selling author Jean Sasson tells the dramatic true story of a young woman caught up in Saddam Hussein’s genocide of the Kurdish people of Iraq. One morning Joanna, a young bride living in the Kurdish mountains of Iraq, was surprised to see dead birds drop silently out of the clear sky. They were followed by sinister canisters falling from bombers, bringing fear and death. It was 1987, and Saddam Hussein had ordered his cousin ‘Chemical Ali’ to bombard Joanna’s village, Bergalou, with chemical weapons. Temporarily blinded in the attack, Joanna was rescued by her husband, a Kurdish freedom fighter. After being caught in another bombardment and left for dead in the rubble, they managed to flee over the mountains in a harrowing escape. Now living in the UK and working for British Airways, Joanna has told her story to Jean Sasson, the best-selling chronicler of oppressed women’s lives in the Princess trilogy and Mayada.
My Personal Review: This book
My Personal Review: This book although it is easy to read and understand I must warn you that it can be quite intense due to real facts which occurred at that time and had to be told otherwise it wouldn’t be a “true story”. You will be dragged into a world that you would never have imagined existed and wonder how reality can be so distressful. Reading this book you will be taking your emotions to a certain limit where you will be glued to the story to a point that you will forget to eat, drink and perhaps to breathe.
I felt stuck in a little bubble and refused to put the book down, I had to finish reading it; I had to know what was going to happen next and to understand the reason why all these dramatic events took place somewhere in the world whilst I was living the most “wonderful” life.
“Love in a Torn Land” tells the dramatic life story of Joanna Al-Askary Hussein. From her childhood to adulthood living in Iraq where there was constant war to when she falls in love with a man whom she suffered so much during that time in order to be with him. She also lost many people in her life and yet has still come out stronger then ever. Joanna is a warrior and a survivor with an amazing personality. Her dramatic story makes me appreciate life even more than ever and all those things that I took for granted.
One of the most shocking parts of the story is when Joanna’s uncle was put in a prison under Saddam’s orders, however this wasn’t an ordinary prison; he was put in a hole underground. The hole was only big enough for one person to stand in the upright position; He had to stay standing for many days inside that hole. Can you imagine his pain? I certainly could and even smell the drains in that village made worse due to the extreme heat.
Despite many dramatic events mentioned in this book, the story has a happy ending and that’s why it is so interesting the read.
If you ever feel down and believe that life is not worth living, after reading this book I promise you that you will appreciate life more. I am only 18 years old and this story has already changed my life and my way of thinking about others. How life is heaven compared to those people who live in a place under constant war. I used to complain about things that I thought to be relevant however the reality is those were petty reasons.
After reading Joanna’s story I learnt to value my life. Her story is an inspiration to anyone that thinks life is not worth fighting for. I think so positive now and no longer feel sad when things don’t go the way I wished for, it makes me think twice now and I remember that somewhere in this world there are people dying because of war so I should appreciate all that I have.
Joanna is an inspiration to everyone; she is a fighter and a winner. Fight like Joanna, never give up and believe in yourself. My rate: AAAAA
Reviewed by Alexandra McLoughlin
One Night Only - Gig Review
The Great Escape Festival – Brighton 2008
I arrived at the Brighton Coalition having never been to the venue before or even heard of it. The venue was under the walkway on the seafront where I by no means expected there to be a music venue. It wasn’t very big inside and it smelt damp. I didn’t mind all this though. The archways on the ceiling had purple lights looking up at them so it looked unusual and beautiful and gave the place a vintage feel, which I loved.
The atmosphere was wonderful because the people in the room generally seemed excited to see the band…One Night Only from Helmsley, North Yorkshire.
I had never seen the band before however I was a fan of their music and knew that they are very “in” at the moment so I expected a huge crowd and there certainly was a full house. I was lucky to even get in the venue due to the capacity almost full but thankfully I did….
The band appeared on stage around fifteen minutes late, which disappointed me at first, as I was so eager to see the band live. However George the lead singer and guitarist really blew me away with his voice and guitar playing skills. His voice sounded a bit like Luke from The Kooks. He really knew how to make the crowd move.
The first song performed was ‘It’s about Time” which was a superb song to start with as it was fast, rocky and catchy. It was a blinder! All of their songs were quite “rocky” for an Indie band. They went from one song to another at a reasonable pace, introducing each track before performing it. I am surprised my eardrums are still intact because of all the screaming and cheers from the crowd. The best song they performed was “Just for Tonight” which was the last one. It left me and the rest of the fans craving more.
Sam the drummer was absolutely fantastic! He really played those drums to his hearts content. I am surprised he didn’t break his kit as he hit them so hard. He was drumming like a guy from a “hardcore” rock band not the indie band that they are. His drumming is such a contrast with the bands genre of music. I find that a very exciting aspect. It makes the band stand out and have a very unique sound.
The Keyboardist Jack had a few technical difficulties during the first song however still played really well. He played some very “poppy” melodies and also performed backing vocals. He was great although he could have moved more whilst performing rather then just play, stand, smile and sing.
Bassist Daniel was completely hidden throughout the set. I could not really see him, which was aggravating. He played the bass very well though, despite seeming withdrawn or like he was trying to conceal something.
Mark, the final member of the band showed so much passion whilst performing the guitar and some backing vocals that it added an ‘emo’ element to this indie rock band. He and Sam added two different genres of rock into the performance, not necessarily intending to do that, however it was totally worth it as the show was incredible and I defiantly want to see them live again soon because that show was different, exciting, moving and extremely worth the wait!
Check out One Night Only’s website:
http://www.onenightonlyonline.com/
And their Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/onenightonlyonline
Debut single out 1st September
‘Jesus Wont Dance in My High Heels’
Turn up your speakers and put on your leather jackets because ‘Jesus Wont Dance in My High Heels’ will have you rocking out with your mates! This fantastic Psychedelic Rock anthem will have you craving more rock ‘n’ roll! This is a highly impressive debut from ‘Four Dead in Ohio’ as the song is catchy, has a captivating riff and beautiful hypnotic vocals. Recorded with top producer Mark Wallis (The La’s, U2) it is bound to be a huge hit for the band!
For fans of: Primal Scream, Stereophonics, The Charlatans and Oasis.
Links:-
The Band: http://www.myspace.com/fourdeadinohioband
Label: http://www.myspace.com/yoyoacapulco
Review by Alexandra McLoughlin
By Alexandra McLoughlin
