TBT: 'Zero Gravity' by Echoman

Do you know this song?

Some of you may recognise it when you hear it due to the fact that 'Zero Gravity' and its insane bass line has been used in a well known car advert in the UK.

I thought I'd talk about it today as it's something a little bit different from the typically more rock orientated tracks we talk about here. 

Released in 2013, 'Zero Gravity' is a dance-pop track with an infectious hook.

'When I'm with you - zero gravity.'

TBT: Mayday Parade 'Save Your Heart'

Mayday Parade are a pop/punk/rock band from the USA. Today I thought I'd talk a bit about one of the first Mayday Parade songs I heard - 'Save Your Heart', released in 2010 on their album 'Anywhere But Here'.

The track uses typical pop punk instrumentation, electric guitars with catchy riffs and an explosive drum kit to create an emotion charged anthem.

Starting off with a wall of sound composed of the previously mentioned catchy guitar riffs and strong drums, the track settles down slightly when the gritty vocal enters.  

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.

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.

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.

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:

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

TBT: Brother And Bones 'For All We Know'

Released in 2012, 'For All We Know' is the title track of one of Brother And Bones' first EPs.

We'll get the obvious sound comparison out of the way - Brother And Bones could be compared to Mumford And Sons due to the style of music they produce so well. However, Brother And Bones put their own stamp on everything to make it unique.

'For All We Know' is a really interesting song. 

Starting off quietly with just a beautiful acoustic guitar and deep vocal softly singing 'For All We Know', this track could be described as acoustic with a rock influence.

A pulsing kick drum enters with more intricate guitar patterns to build up into the chorus.

Containing a cheeky tambourine and powerful drums, making a bold statement, the chorus is emotional and simplistic.

Lyrically, the song tells a story really well. You would assume it is a sad song based on the lyrics. Take the first verse for example:

'I still feel the lonely mornings,

Yea the same ones you left behind.

Now loneliness the only thorn in,

The only thorn left in my side.'

This said, the vocal delivery somehow uplifts the lyrics. I really like the tone of the vocals and I think the ability to move effortlessly from the soft tones featured in the beginning of the track to the stronger, more emotive vocal of the chorus, back to the soft tone makes the song really interesting and compliments the acoustic style.

Towards the middle of the song, there is a really nice build up into the final chorus. This includes the repetition of the phrase 'for all we know' with the addition of backing vocals singing 'where are we now' - haunting. This is accompanied by a crescendo of electric guitar and drums, culminating into an explosive end that would get any crowd waving their palms in the air.

However, the track effortlessly slips back to return to its acoustic state with a simple acoustic guitar and vocal, showcasing the depth and emotion of the vocal. 

I can imagine this song and band being absolutely captivating live.

Until next time...

@wewantgoodmusic

To find out more about Brother And Bones please click here: www.brotherandbones.com/music/

'

TBT: Chase Atlantic 'Dalliance EP'

For those who are unaware, Chase Atlantic are a three piece pop punk type band hailing from Australia.

Today we're going to be casting our minds back to 2014 when Clinton, Mitchel and Christian released the 'Dalliance' EP.

The EP features five tracks, one of which is a remix that I won't really be commenting on.

Starting off with pretty sparkly synthy type sounds being interrupted by punchy drums and urgent vocals, the first track on the EP is 'Anchor Tattoo'.

Listening back, I find that Chase Atlantic remind me of a mix between 5 Seconds Of Summer and The 1975 (a comparison that I'm sure many people have already made). This combination means that they incorporate crazy guitar riffs with catchy melodic choruses to create a pop punk vibe to many of their songs.

The guitar driven anthem 'Anchor Tattoo' quietens down towards the end, exposing the simple sparkly synthy sounds that initiated the track. This transitions into the second song 'Gravity' really well.

'Gravity' slows things right down.

Using a softer palette of sounds and simple drum beat creates a feeling of emptiness/floating which is in keeping with the title of the track.

In addition, this showcases the vocal really well. The vocal itself is arguably quite polished but still holds emotion and I really like the fact that the Australian accent comes through.

Towards the end of the track there is a bit of a build up where the drum kit enters playing a strong beat, accompanied by an electric guitar defining the beat for an instrumental ending.

Keeping things slow, next up we have 'Hold Your Breath'.

Starting off with not much more than a bass, guitar and vocal, the beginning to 'Hold Your Breath' is relatively mellow in nature.

The chill vibes are kept up until a running drum beat is thrown into the equation.

This explodes into a chorus where the track is layered up with guitar riffs and interesting drum patterns to create an almost typical pop punk sound.

As such, there is a bit of contrast in this song - the verses being relatively quiet compared to the intense urgency of the chorus, driven by the drum beat previously mentioned.

Towards the end, there is a real surprise when the vocal becomes distant and slightly distorted for a split moment. This keeps things interesting.

Finally (excluding the remix track) we have my personal favourite track on the EP, the one that introduced me to Chase Atlantic - 'Run Away'.

Starting with a really chill (I apologise for the over use of chill) click beat that bass and guitar riffs lock into, 'Run Away' has a very summery vibe.

This is taken to a completely new level when the drums enter and the insanely catchy chorus starts.

What makes this song even better is the beautiful saxophone solo half way through.

Returning to the original minimalist clicking and guitar, the song is left to drift away to finish - almost like watching someone run away potentially.

Overall, the 'Dalliance EP' is a great feel good listen.


Until next time...

@wewantgoodmusic

TBTA: Oh Wonder 'Livewire'

I believe that I first heard 'Livewire' on Connor Franta's compilation album 'Common Culture' (volume three I think).

After some research, I found that Oh Wonder are a duo from London that are causing quite a storm in the indie world.

But we're here to talk about 'Livewire', released in 2015.

The song has a beautiful piano part with complimentary bass lines and effortless vocals.

Using the term for an exposed electrical cable, 'Livewire' is a metaphor for a relationship. The narrator shows feelings of self doubt and longing for this person to become their 'livewire' (partner).

This is shown in the standout lyric of the song:

'Won't you be my livewire, make me feel like I'm set on fire. Your love will take me higher and higher.'

The duo's timid, yet emotive, vocals draped over a foundation of strong, yet not overpowering, beats and minimalist piano creates a fragile, sort of vulnerable atmosphere to the song.

Staying quite subdued throughout, there are small build ups to each chorus.

However, before the final chorus, a different guitar part is added which provides a contrasting tone to the song. Everything then returns to a subtle, vocal orientated state, only to be launched into the final chorus with full instrumentation.

The track ends with a final piano melody and the vocal is left to drift, almost hauntingly.

I can only imagine how captivating this track is performed live.


Until next time...

@wewantgoodmusic

TBTA: The Maine 'Black & White' Album

I was quite late in discovering The Maine so this was the first of their albums that I encountered.

More specifically, the first song I ever heard by The Maine was 'Every Road'. I was listening to this the other day and got inspired to write this post.

Released in 2010, 'Black & White' is a pop rock, feel good record packed with catchy hooks and guitar riffs that leave you with no choice but to dance around, not to mention the beautifully crafted lyrics and infectious choruses.

The album opens with a striking electric guitar, followed by a tambourine-esque shimmering sound and a steady drum beat punctuated with the odd cymbal crash. This, I would say, is quite typical of the album's instrumentation make up.

It was hard to pick out my favourite songs to sum up the album but I managed to narrow it down to three; 'Book Of Me And You', 'Every Road' and 'Listen To Your Heart' all of which mean something different to me.

That's what I love about The Maine - their songs have a narrative or message but can also be interpreted to fit your personal situation.

We'll start with 'Book Of Me And You'.

The song is introduced with long electric guitar notes and drums but quickly settles down to focus on John's raw vocal, accompanied by some backing vocals to emphasise key phrases.

I personally really like the vocal on this album. I can't really place why, I just think it sounds inviting and real.

During the verses of  'Book Of Me And You' the vibe is pretty laid back. This builds slowly into more guitar driven choruses with added guitar melodies in the following verses.

However, the track ends really nicely with simple electric guitar strumming (that's probably not the right term - I apologise to guitarists reading this) that's left to drift.

Lyrically, the song (in my opinion) is about a relationship being tested.

'I turn the page, thinking I can turn this around'.

''Every wall that's up must come down'.

'I keep thinking, time will make us strong enough'.

'Find another window, with a different point of view'.

'This is just another chapter, in the book of me and you'.

These are just some of the lyrics pulled from various verses and the chorus that illustrate the relationship.

Moving on, 'Every Road' had to be mentioned as it was the song that brought me to The Maine.

This is arguably one of the most pop punk songs on the album.

It starts much like the other tracks with a drum beat and smooth guitar.

I think what attracted me to this song is the chorus - it's just so catchy.

Catchy is an overused word (especially on this blog!) but it truly is - give it a listen and you'll understand.

In addition, this was the first time I had heard The Maine's storytelling capabilities that weave into every song on the album.

There's also a killer guitar solo in the middle of 'Every Road' (perfect for a bit of air guitar if you ask me).

Finally, 'Listen To Your Heart'.

'Listen To Your Heart' is initiated with a pulsing drum pattern that plays in time with a pulse like guitar, creating a sense of urgency.

'We're too young, this is never gonna work. That's what they say - you're gonna get hurt' is the opening lyric of the song.

This track is another great example of the storytelling I was talking about.

'Don't listen to the voices in your head, listen to your heart'.

This is the main point of the song.

My interpretation is that the lyrics are about a young couple who's friends and family are disapproving of the relationship.

'Your mother, she thinks that this is just a phase - I think that we should run away'.

'Listen To Your Heart' is an anthem for a forbidden love story.

Overall, 'Black & White' is a really great album that I encourage you to have a listen to. Since, The Maine have released another album entitled 'American Candy' which is equally as good, if not better.

I also feel that The Maine would be a fantastic band to see live and can't wait to hear more from them.


Until next time...

@wewantgoodmusic

TBTA: Stereophonics 'Mr Writer'

Throwback Thursday Archive: Stereophonics 'Mr Writer'

Released in 2001, our throwback this week is the anthem that is 'Mr Writer' by Welsh band Stereophonics.

It may sound silly...but I didn't actually know the meaning behind this song until I began to research it.

It's obvious from the title now that the track is about journalism.

This is also reflected in the lyrics of the song, such as:

'You don't even know me but you'd like to stone me.'

'Mr Writer, why don't you tell it like it really is?'

Introduced with drums that almost creep into your ears, 'Mr Writer' is a fantastically catchy rock song.

I feel that the true 'groove' of the song is hidden in the guitar riffs and an almost whaling lead guitar. This is particularly evident in the chorus.

A pretty piano part is played half way through which is a nice surprise and breaks up the distorted guitar, typical rock sound.

Vocalist Kelly Jones' voice is often described as throaty or raspy and is really suited, obviously, to this style of music. I feel like this adds to the rawness of the song and allows the listener to feel the emotion behind the lyrics.

The song builds and builds, adding and then taking away different guitar parts until the very end where everything is stripped back to leave an almost buzzing drifting electric guitar.

Overall, Mr Writer is a grunge filled foot tapper of a song driven by a strong drum beat, honest vocal and interesting layered electric guitar parts.

I am very much enjoying re-listening to Stereophonics hits, 'Mr Writer' being one of my current favourites.

Until next time...

@wewantgoodmusic

TBTA: Matt Cardle 'Amazing'

Throwback Thursday Archive: Matt Cardle 'Amazing'

I recently went to see Matt Cardle live, four years after I saw his debut UK tour.

He hasn't changed a bit.

The vocals, the jokes and the love for what he does is still highly evident in his live show.

But we're not here to talk about the gig.

Today I'm going to draw your attention back to 2012 when Matt released his debut album 'Letters' after winning TV talent show X-Factor a couple of years before.

I re-listened to the album in full before the gig and felt the same love for it as I had the first time round. One song in particular stood out this time though and that's the one I'm going to talk about today...

'Amazing'.

I've heard some describe this track as soft rock, I'm inclined to agree.

Lyrically you could say that 'Amazing' is a typical pop love song. But hey, who doesn't love a bit of pulling on the heart strings!

I love the way it starts.

'I had to look inside this fragile heart of mine to find exactly what it was you saw' is the opening lyric of the song.

Initially you hear just Matt's crisp, vulnerable vocal until a soft acoustic guitar enters on the words 'look inside'.

The song stays pretty mellow until the chorus hits. Even then, the build up is gradual and done really well in my opinion. 

A clean guitar slips in to slowly build the texture with what sound like strings or soft synths of some description. Add an electric guitar (albeit a relatively chilled out one) striking chords and this is about how built up the chorus gets instrumentation wise. This is really great as it keeps the song feeling quite personal.

It's only in the next verse that the drum kit fully enters and the guitar part takes more of an 'upfront' role. This helps to keep the song moving and interesting. 

All the while Matt's vocal remains great - the perfect mix of vulnerability and power.

The second chorus is where it all gets a little bit more intense with the addition of backing vocals, really emphasising lyrics such as 'it's kind of amazing how you found me, through all the strangers somehow.' 

This can be quite emotional if you're in the right setting. 

You know when you're in a car as a passenger, driving at night...a song comes on and you just stare out of the window imagining you're in a music video - I feel like this song is perfect for that. 

Half way through, the song strips back to shadow the beginning - just a vocal and the odd guitar chord on a soft background layer of sound. This provides really good contrast after the build up of the chorus that precedes it. 

Overall, 'Amazing' is a great song to sway to and really showcases Matt's vocals in a beautiful way.

Years later, Mr Cardle is set to release his 4th album some time soon and I am personally very excited about it.

Until next time...

@wewantgoodmusic 

TBTA: Nothing But Thieves 'Last Orders'

Throw Back Thursday Archive: Nothing But Thieves 'Last Orders'


This week's throwback is 'Last Orders' by Essex rock band Nothing But Thieves.

I'm guessing that this is a song that you may not be quite so familiar with as it is featured on the band's Graveyard Whistling EP (2014), as opposed to their debut self titled album.

'Last Orders' is personally one of my favourite Nothing But Thieves songs, perhaps because I like the fact it describes a scene of a local night out with its lyrics. I find this keeps the song flowing really well in a story like form.

I'd say that this track is much less intense than other, perhaps more well known Nothing But Thieves tracks such as 'Trip Switch' and 'Itch', but still provides the listener with all the characteristics you'd associate with the band.

Lyrics such as 'we left The Cliffs, wandered down the Broadway to The Elms (all local references) for another, a fight broke out - someone took objection to my face with a  bottle' and 'some girls are screaming and my face is streaming blood as well' help to conjure up a vivid picture in your mind of a night out that has taken an unexpected wrong turn.

The song starts out with just guitars, with the odd piano chord and kick drum thrown in, creating a very atmospheric, almost unnerving tone as a backdrop for the storytelling vocal.

Front man Conor Mason's vocal enters with an almost haunting quality (in a good way, obviously). But it is only at the beginning of the chorus that the song really builds in texture, adding different guitar parts and additions to the drum beat. This helps to drive the song forward.

A distant vocal line singing 'don't want any trouble in here' can be heard during the chorus as well, perhaps adding more drama to the story being portrayed of a fight breaking out in a bar.

The second verse helps to tell more of the story of this night out with lyrics such as 'I thought I was dreaming, there were sirens screaming'.

There's a cracking guitar solo half way through the track (did I just use the word cracking...) that keeps things interesting and, in a way, could represent the actual fight itself and the manic feelings of the people involved.

'Take your fight outside' layered with 'don't want any trouble in here' and 'we got this thing under control' are the stand out lyrics for me in this song due to their repetition. I feel as though these three lines perfectly sum up the views of the people involved, or witnessing, this fight.

The song ends with a mix of these vocal lines, representing to me, everyone speaking in the bar after the fight - all at once with no order, a chaotic scene.

The final guitar chord of the song is left to drift...the calm after the storm?

Overall, 'Last Orders' has a beat that will keep your foot tapping, arms swaying and lyrics that paint a really good (or bad as it's a fight!) picture in your mind - like lyrics should.

Until next time...

@wewantgoodmusic

TBTA - Lorde 'Tennis Court'

THROW BACK THURSDAY ARCHIVE : Lorde 'Tennis Court'

Released in 2013 and featured on the album Pure Heroine, 'Tennis Court' was one of the first singles released by New Zealand singer Lorde.

In my opinion, 'Tennis Court' was overshadowed by 'Royals' (failing to enter the UK top 40). But we all know that 'Royals' was the tune of summer 2013 so I suppose we can't complain.

Combining elements of EDM with alternative pop, 'Tennis Court' is a chill (for want of a better adjective) song with lyrics that are said to address the 'high life' and Lorde's rise to fame with words like 'it looked alright in the pictures'.

From the beginning, 'Tennis Court' has a pulsating sensation that you can't help but tap or click along to.

This explodes into the chorus where simple clicks and pulses are met with a heavy bass line and doubled vocal lines that emphasise Lorde's haunting voice, only to be dropped for the second verse.

I think Lorde is truly unique in that her songs aren't like 'typical pop' songs, if you will. They mix alternative with pop with elements of dance and a catchy pulse with choruses that can't escape your mind - worth giving the album another listen.

Until next time...

@wewantgoodmusic

TBTA: The Struts - Could Have Been Me

The first Throw Back Thursday Archive post goes to The Struts' song 'Could Have Been Me'.

Released in 2013, 'Could Have Been Me' was the debut single of British band The Struts.

I first heard the song featured on a Sunday morning breakfast TV show and immediately needed to know what it was and who sung it (this was followed by at least a couple hours of watching countless interviews with the band, you know that sort of black hole you fall into when discovering certain bands - that was me with The Struts). As it happened, this was the only song they had released at the time.

'Could Have Been Me' is nothing short of an anthem in my opinion.

Starting off with pulsing claps to get the crowd pumped, adding the crash of tribe like drums and a guitar part that drives the song forward, the opening line of the song is 'don't wanna live as an untold story, rather go out in a blaze of glory'. This line really resonated with me, along with the main lyric of the song 'I wanna live better days, never look back and say it could have been me'.

For me, this song is about having no regrets and living life to the absolute maximum. I could of course be getting this meaning completely wrong but I like my version of events.

Half way through the song we hear a crowd chanting the chorus whilst a strong beat is continued by the clapping heard throughout the song. This reminded me a lot of football chanting when I first heard it in that you can hear the passion in the voices of the crowd and picture them in a mosh pit somewhere shouting such inspiring lines, willing each other on.

The Struts have since released a full album, a review of which will be posted in the future.

Until next time...


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