Thursday 29 September 2016

TBT: 'Perfect World' by Kodaline

Kodaline are an indie rock band from Ireland.

Today we'll be talking about one of Kodaline's early songs 'Perfect World'.

'Perfect World' was released in 2012 on the Kodaline EP and also on the band's debut album 'In A Perfect World' in 2013.

Some of you may already be familiar with this song as it has been featured on well known TV programmes as background music.

Starting with a vocal straight away, accompanied by an acoustic guitar that lays the foundation for the piece and a cheeky shaker, the track is built up by the addition of a pulsing drum beat (although this is not overpowering). Different guitar parts and patterns are added, along with a strong bass that cements everything together, to create an even stronger wall of sound.

Monday 26 September 2016

New Music Monday: Rival State 'Impulses'

Rival State are a five piece rock band based in London, UK.

Two weeks ago, they released a new single called 'Impulses' that we are going to talk about today.

My first impression of this track was that it is a catchy rock song with a distinctive groove, defined by roaring guitars and thunderous drums.

After only hearing the track twice I can safely say that I know all the words to the chorus and can't stop humming the tune.

'I'm the animal, I'm the animal, acting on my animal impulses.'

(If you know the song, I can guarantee you hummed them words)

Starting off with the scratchy guitar pattern that forms the foundation of the track, strong vocals creep into 'Impulses' and the track starts to build. Gradually drums and counter guitar parts are brought in, increasing in intensity each time.

Thursday 22 September 2016

TBT: 'Getaway' by Mallory Knox

Today we look back to 2014 when British band Mallory Knox released the single 'Getaway'.

As any typical rock song would be, 'Getaway' is packed with soaring guitar riffs, intricate thundering drums and an emotive vocal performance.

Starting relatively softly with an arguably more subtle guitar part allows the vocal tone to be showcased right from the very start before things get a little bit more intense.

The crash of drums really gets the song going.

Throughout the first verse it's just the initial guitar, vocal, backing vocal and drums but then suddenly all instrumentation is taken away for one line portrayed with the tone of frustration, despair and longing.

'Cause you're dying just to tell me you're not.'

With a roar, everything comes back but ten times harder for the chorus.

Monday 19 September 2016

New Music Monday: 'Blank Canvas' by The Brookes


The Brookes are a four piece band hailing from Grimsby, UK.


Today, we will be talking about The Brookes' track 'Blank Canvas', released on 9th September 2016.

The track is introduced with shattered guitar tones and a beat punctuated by the odd cymbal crash as momentum is enhanced with the addition of a throbbing bass line.


First impression: Reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys type vibes.


The song really gets going when the vocal enters.

Raw - Gritty - Laid Back


Having listened to 'Blank Canvas' a few times now, I would definitely say this is a song that I can imagine doing that slightly odd head bobbing thing to live.


Thursday 15 September 2016

TBT: Orla Gartland 'Roots'

Orla Gartland is an Irish singer/songwriter from Dublin who manages to combine folk and pop to make a unique sound.

This week I put my music library on shuffle and Orla's song 'Roots' popped up. It was a refreshing sound that I hadn't heard in a while so thought I would share it with you today.

'Roots' was released as the title track of Gartland's 'Roots' EP in 2013.

The track starts with a simple drum machine-esque beat layered with a classic guitar pattern - the folk pop fusion is already evident.

Orla's vocal enters in providing a really pretty, soft tone. I particularly like the fact that Orla's Irish accent comes through when she is singing, providing a sort of authentic feeling.

The song itself, in my interpretation, is about new beginnings, not being afraid to chase your dreams and having faith in yourself.

Monday 12 September 2016

New Music Monday: Art Block - 'Borderline EP'


Today, we'll be talking about the 'Borderline EP' by London based alternative folk singer songwriter Art Block.

The four track EP kicks off with the relatively slow title track 'Borderline'.

This is a really nice introduction to the EP as a simple acoustic guitar part starts, allowing the vocal to be showcased.

A bass and other guitar parts are slowly added to build up the texture of the track. I particularly like the section after the initial verse and chorus where a drum kit is added, defining the beat, along with a mellow electric guitar solo.

Although there is a build up to the chorus, at no point does this becoming overpowering.

Art Block's vocal tone is suited to this type of music and makes you feel as though you are listening to someone just singing to themselves - it's natural is what I am trying to say.

Thursday 8 September 2016

TBT: 'Believe' by The Bravery

The Bravery were a band formed in New York in 2003 who made three main studio albums and were active up until around 2009.

One of the most recognisable Bravery tracks is the indie rock anthem 'Believe', released in 2007. This is what we are talking about today.

For some, 'Believe' is a bit like Marmite - you either love it or hate it.

Although it may not be the most complex song in terms of lyrics, the staple line of the song being 'give me something to believe', I feel the track is easy to listen to and enjoy.

I particularly like the intro, a heavy bass line that sets the tone of the song.

The vocals are dropped in with almost no effort. This provides a sense of 'relaxed-ness' - it's almost like 'Believe' is the narrator having a conversation with you.

In my opinion, 'Believe' is about having no goal, no aspiration for life and striving to find something fulfilling in the world.

Lyrics that describe this well are:

Monday 5 September 2016

New Music Monday: Ryan Follese Self Titled EP

American singer/songwriter Ryan Follese, of Hot Chelle Rae fame, has recently released his debut solo self titled EP. Although there are hints of the pop punk days of HCR, the EP is more country orientated overall which is really refreshing.

The country influences start right from the first up tempo track - 'Put A Label On It' where a banjo is prominently featured, playing a catchy pattern throughout the song.

Essentially the song is about putting the 'girlfriend/boyfriend' label on a relationship. Lyrically, all the songs on the EP have a really good storytelling quality to them. I've picked out some lyrics from 'Put A Label On It' that show this:

'I think I know where this is going and it's gonna be a big change. I can read you like a book girl and we're on the same page.'

'I think it's time we defined the relationship.'

Thursday 1 September 2016

TBT: Hot Chelle Rae 'Bleed'

Hot Chelle Rae were, at the time of the release of 'Bleed', a four piece pop/rock band from Nashville. Since, they have taken a little break and are now a three piece.

Today's throwback will focus on 'Bleed' which is featured on Hot Chelle Rae's debut album 'Lovesick Electric' (2009).

I picked 'Bleed' to showcase from the album because it is almost the anomaly in that it is a relatively slow, stripped back track full of emotion.

Starting with soft synth type sounds that are typically used in films to signify someone waking up blurry eyed really sets the tone of the song.

A simple, kind of rough sounding acoustic guitar enters in before Ryan's soft, emotive vocal comes in.

'I bleed my heart out on this pavement for you, so you can see what I can't say.'

'Bleed' is about, in my interpretation, laying your feelings down for someone in a song because sometimes the right words to express how much someone means to you just don't exist. This is referenced in the lyrics above.

As an emotionally charged song, at some points 'Bleed' gets rather intense. For example, the addition of backing vocals in the majority of choruses and big electric guitar parts, combined with the occasional heavy roar of drums emphasises the urgency and emotion behind the lyrics.

I particularly like the way that, after the build up and louder instrument additions, 'Bleed' goes back to the simple guitar parts heard at the beginning to end the track. It's almost a 'calm after the storm' effect and reflects, to me, the relief potentially of having got all these feelings off of your chest.

Overall, 'Bleed' is a really nice, slower break in the album with well written metaphorical lyrics.


Until next time...

@wewantgoodmusic