Biffy Clyro are back.
Three years after the release of double album 'Opposites', the band released their seventh (yes - seventh!) studio album 'Ellipsis' on Thursday 8th July.
The album artwork features the three band members (Simon, Ben and James) individually curled up in a line, forming an ellipsis. They re not clothed - providing a powerful, bold sense of imagery. In an interview with the band, I heard them describe this as representing a 'rebirth' of the band, almost as if they were starting again after their while away.
Now, blog posts are arguably meant to be quite short...so I'm not going to talk in depth about every song on the album - I'd really encourage you to sit down, take an hour out fo your day and listen to the album from start to finish. There are a few curve ball songs and Biffy have clearly thought about the positioning of each track in order to keep the listener interested. Therefore, I have picked out some of my favourite songs to summarise 'Ellipsis'.
I feel like I have to mention 'Wolves of Winter', the opening track.
It starts with some laughter and a distant vocal which I think introduces the album really well.
Then - crash, the drums and guitars we are familiar with burst onto the scene and throw the track into a heavy, unapologetic rock anthem.
In short, the mentality behind the song is that there are a pack of wolves and if someone comes onto their land - they'll come to get you. Ben describes this as 'the clan Biffy Clyro getting back together' due to the fact that they haven't been in the public eye as much for the past year. In an interview with Radio X, the band described this song as their believe in yourself message with a hidden prog rock template masked by hopefully a catchy pop exterior.
The second song on the album is 'Friends and Enemies'.
I found this interesting as it is a prime example of Biffy using the studio as a sort of fourth band member this time round as drum machines and other technology has been used.
Inspired by a 'Tears for Fears vibe' (Simon interviewed on Radio X), the song features more hip hop like rhythms than I believe the band have used before.
Moving on, 'Re-arrange' is slowly becoming my favourite song on the album. After the first three, much more rocky, songs that introduce the album, 'Re-arrange' slows things right down. It sounds much more like a pop record due to the repetition of a clean guitar part and claps with hip hop inspired drum beats.
The first line of the chorus really struck a chord with me (pun slightly intended...) 'I would never break your heart, I would only re-arrange, all the other working parts would stay the same'.
I think this is a beautifully written lyric.
A similar song in terms of slowing things down is 'Medicine'.
There are no drums!!
But there is a beautiful acoustic guitar and gentle strings that make the track sound very atmospheric.
'Medicine' is about living your life addicted to someone or something and trying to live without relying on that thing to be who you are. A lyric that sums this up perfectly in my opinion is 'so swallow your problems, we belong to a new dawn'.
In complete contrast, the shortest song on the album may very well be the most intense.
I am talking about 'On a Bang'.
The only way I can describe this is in your face anger represented sonically.
It is about people who misrepresent themselves or ignore bad things in order to survive and features stacked synths and a distorted bass. The track is said to be inspired by Peaches.
It seems as though Biffy have embraced the use of other genres on this record. This is particularly true for the next two songs I am going to talk about - 'Small Wishes' and 'People'.
Biffy go country? Was my initial reaction to 'Small Wishes'.
Featuring great harmonies in the chorus, a fantastic guitar part, catchy drums and ragtime piano, I'd argue that this track isn't what typically springs to mind when you hear the words 'Biffy Clyro'. Although it is a slightly different direction it is written with the same lyrical integrity and I really like that Biffy have embraced their country side.
There's even some whistling!
'People' has a jazz feel during the introduction and is very mellow, allowing for an almost nostalgic feel. It is about how, sometimes, sad moments can bring us closer than happier moments. I believe this would sound great in a live atmosphere due to the emotion in the song.
All in all, 'Ellipsis' is a joyful album with colourful guitar tones that uses a lot of animal imagery (and of course we can't forget the amazing Scottish accent associated with Biffy!).
I really enjoyed listening to the album and hope you will to (if you haven't already!).
Until next time...
@wewantgoodmusic
Monday, 11 July 2016
Sunday, 10 July 2016
VILLAGE GREEN FESTIVAL 2016 IN PICTURES
Some of these images are a bit blurry but you know how it is, in a crowd trying to keep a phone stable enough to take a decent shot just doesn't happen very easily!
Check back on Tuesday for an interview with Village Green artists Asylums where we discuss puppets, bipolar manic distortion and bicycle horns.
A.C.I.D
ASYLUMS
THE SCARLETTS
BILLY BRAGG
DANIEL MCDERMOTT
LONGY
RAG 'N' BONE MAN
VILLAGE GREEN FESTIVAL 2016
* No copyright infringement intended.
Thursday, 7 July 2016
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
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
Monday, 4 July 2016
New Music Monday
Welcome to the first (#) New Music Monday post!
For this first post, I'm going to keep things short and focus on new (or newish) releases from artists that are dominating radio play at the moment - in the coming weeks this will change to new, perhaps unsigned bands as well.
If you have a track and would like it to be featured on the blog, please don't hesitate to contact me via Twitter @wewantgoodmusic.
Now, onto the new songs...
NEW SONG NUMBER 1
Bastille are back! With single 'Good Grief' from their upcoming album 'Wild World' that is available for pre order now. I realise that this track was released quite a few weeks ago now but thought it was notable to include anyway.
The song contains all the characteristics you would associate with Bastille. from a piano accompaniment driving the song forward to a rhythmic bass part and a hook that sticks in your head for days.
'I miss you. I miss you. I miss you more' has been spinning around in my mind ever since I first heard 'Good Grief'.
Bit of analysis:
'Watching through my fingers' is repeated at the beginning of the song, signifying that the narrator is witnessing something hard to watch , painful yet enthralling.
I've heard a couple of different theories as to what the song is about but the main consensus (seemingly backed up by the video for 'Good Grief' released last week) is that it is about a relationship that has had a bit of a messy/heartbreaking ending that the narrator is finding hard to come to terms with.
This is reflected in the lyrics that refer to being caught off guard by 'your favourite song'. Hearing your ex-loved one's favourite song conjures up sometimes unexpected feelings of sadness or perhaps regret or just remembering the person in general - grief.
Whatever the meaning behind it, 'Good Grief', in my opinion. is a great comeback for Bastille and I look forward to hearing the new album later on this year.
NEW SONG NUMBER 2
On the verge of releasing their new album (Ellipsis), Biffy Clyro have released a couple of new songs and given exclusives to stations such as Radio 1. I will be doing a full album review after its release on Thursday so won't go into too much detail.
The songs I've heard so far are 'Flammable', 'Medicine', 'Animal Style' and of course 'Wolves Of Winter'. From these, I can tell that Biffy are back with the classic style we all love as well as a few new twists.
Particularly, 'Medicine' is a more acoustic song than I believe we are used to, arguably much more atmospheric - effortlessly beautiful.
'Animal Style' on the other hand....is the complete opposite. 'Running at 100 miles an hour' it is an unapologetic rock anthem.
Personally, at the moment, 'Wolves Of Winter' is my favourite track from the upcoming Biffy album.
I can't describe why. I just love it. I feel like it would thrive in a live setting with crowds jumping up and down shouting the lyrics back to the stage.
There's a really good video on the band's YouTube channel describing the thoughts behind Wolves OF Winter (I will tweet the link). In short, the mentality behind the song is that there are a pack of wolves and if someone comes onto their land - they'll come to get you. Ben describes this as 'the clan Biffy Clyro getting back together' due to the fact that they haven't been in the public eye as much for the past year.
More on this after the full album release on Thursday.
NEW SONG NUMBER 3
Next up is a song that not many of you may have heard of...
'Float Your Boat' by Ryan Follese (of Hot Chelle Rae fame).
I, much like many others, have been waiting in anticipation, longing for HCR to release new material but instead we are getting solo material from Ryan (and Nash I believe) - which I am totally okay with.
I can only describe this as a catchy, typically summer song.
'Float Your Boat' is quite different from the other songs I've written about above in that it is more of a pop song. As such, the chorus is incredibly addictive in the sense that you can't stop humming it once you've heard it. The song also features a hefty bass line and Ryan's vocal performance just makes you want to dance (or at least tap your foot in time).
Overall, just good vibes from this song, perfect for lounging about in the sun with an ice cool drink.
Check out the music above, I hope you enjoy it.
If you have any recommendations for bands/songs for me to listen to and write about please contact me via Twitter!
Until next time....
@wewantgoodmusic
For this first post, I'm going to keep things short and focus on new (or newish) releases from artists that are dominating radio play at the moment - in the coming weeks this will change to new, perhaps unsigned bands as well.
If you have a track and would like it to be featured on the blog, please don't hesitate to contact me via Twitter @wewantgoodmusic.
Now, onto the new songs...
NEW SONG NUMBER 1
Bastille are back! With single 'Good Grief' from their upcoming album 'Wild World' that is available for pre order now. I realise that this track was released quite a few weeks ago now but thought it was notable to include anyway.
The song contains all the characteristics you would associate with Bastille. from a piano accompaniment driving the song forward to a rhythmic bass part and a hook that sticks in your head for days.
'I miss you. I miss you. I miss you more' has been spinning around in my mind ever since I first heard 'Good Grief'.
Bit of analysis:
'Watching through my fingers' is repeated at the beginning of the song, signifying that the narrator is witnessing something hard to watch , painful yet enthralling.
I've heard a couple of different theories as to what the song is about but the main consensus (seemingly backed up by the video for 'Good Grief' released last week) is that it is about a relationship that has had a bit of a messy/heartbreaking ending that the narrator is finding hard to come to terms with.
This is reflected in the lyrics that refer to being caught off guard by 'your favourite song'. Hearing your ex-loved one's favourite song conjures up sometimes unexpected feelings of sadness or perhaps regret or just remembering the person in general - grief.
Whatever the meaning behind it, 'Good Grief', in my opinion. is a great comeback for Bastille and I look forward to hearing the new album later on this year.
NEW SONG NUMBER 2
On the verge of releasing their new album (Ellipsis), Biffy Clyro have released a couple of new songs and given exclusives to stations such as Radio 1. I will be doing a full album review after its release on Thursday so won't go into too much detail.
The songs I've heard so far are 'Flammable', 'Medicine', 'Animal Style' and of course 'Wolves Of Winter'. From these, I can tell that Biffy are back with the classic style we all love as well as a few new twists.
Particularly, 'Medicine' is a more acoustic song than I believe we are used to, arguably much more atmospheric - effortlessly beautiful.
'Animal Style' on the other hand....is the complete opposite. 'Running at 100 miles an hour' it is an unapologetic rock anthem.
Personally, at the moment, 'Wolves Of Winter' is my favourite track from the upcoming Biffy album.
I can't describe why. I just love it. I feel like it would thrive in a live setting with crowds jumping up and down shouting the lyrics back to the stage.
There's a really good video on the band's YouTube channel describing the thoughts behind Wolves OF Winter (I will tweet the link). In short, the mentality behind the song is that there are a pack of wolves and if someone comes onto their land - they'll come to get you. Ben describes this as 'the clan Biffy Clyro getting back together' due to the fact that they haven't been in the public eye as much for the past year.
More on this after the full album release on Thursday.
NEW SONG NUMBER 3
Next up is a song that not many of you may have heard of...
'Float Your Boat' by Ryan Follese (of Hot Chelle Rae fame).
I, much like many others, have been waiting in anticipation, longing for HCR to release new material but instead we are getting solo material from Ryan (and Nash I believe) - which I am totally okay with.
I can only describe this as a catchy, typically summer song.
'Float Your Boat' is quite different from the other songs I've written about above in that it is more of a pop song. As such, the chorus is incredibly addictive in the sense that you can't stop humming it once you've heard it. The song also features a hefty bass line and Ryan's vocal performance just makes you want to dance (or at least tap your foot in time).
Overall, just good vibes from this song, perfect for lounging about in the sun with an ice cool drink.
Check out the music above, I hope you enjoy it.
If you have any recommendations for bands/songs for me to listen to and write about please contact me via Twitter!
Until next time....
@wewantgoodmusic
Thursday, 30 June 2016
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...
Feel free to leave a comment and follow @wewantgoodmusic.
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...
Feel free to leave a comment and follow @wewantgoodmusic.
Hey, Hi, Hello
Welcome to We Want Good Music, a music blog (you guessed it) about hopefully good music.
Now, everyone's definition of 'good music' will be different and that's fine. I am hoping to showcase some new upcoming talent from across the globe as well as remind you of a few classic gems that may have been forgotten. Keep coming back each week and you might discover something completely new to fall in love with.
Initially, I will be posting on Mondays and Thursdays:
New Music Mondays: Showcasing new (or relatively recent) music.
Throw Back Thursday Archive (I know - original)
I'm always open to having a listen to anything of any genre so feel free to tweet me @wewantgoodmusic with some suggestions for bands/songs!
This is going to be a really informal blog that celebrates music - I hope you can come along for the journey.
Until next time...
*I try my best to portray accurate information on this blog and keep opinions positive.
Now, everyone's definition of 'good music' will be different and that's fine. I am hoping to showcase some new upcoming talent from across the globe as well as remind you of a few classic gems that may have been forgotten. Keep coming back each week and you might discover something completely new to fall in love with.
Initially, I will be posting on Mondays and Thursdays:
New Music Mondays: Showcasing new (or relatively recent) music.
Throw Back Thursday Archive (I know - original)
I'm always open to having a listen to anything of any genre so feel free to tweet me @wewantgoodmusic with some suggestions for bands/songs!
This is going to be a really informal blog that celebrates music - I hope you can come along for the journey.
Until next time...
*I try my best to portray accurate information on this blog and keep opinions positive.
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