General Fiasco - Waves (EP Review)

Masters of the catchy chorus, General Fiasco are back to embed their likeable music in our minds once again. The Bellaghy boys, with new guitarist Stuart Bell, aim to have you humming their tunes all day, with the release of their 4 track E.P ‘Waves.’

Now label-buddies with Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Little Comets, a change in sound from the indie-pop four piece is expected, even if not entirely necessary. Following the mixed reception of their debut album Buildings, the young band are pushing for success after forging with Dirty Hit Records Label.

A slight change is seen in ‘Waves’ but it does not lose the distinctive General Fiasco anthemic sound. Still packed with catchy choruses and Owen’s inimitable voice, ‘Waves’ is filled with the same happy, upbeat ditties we all grew used to after the release of their debut album ‘Buildings’. 

The opening two tracks, ‘Waves’ and ‘The Age That You Start’, feed us with the simplistic, cheerfully airy melody we are used to from the band, but it seems to pack more of a musical punch.

 The band’s more rugged feel is attracting some influential names to their fan base. Radio 1 DJ’s Huw Stephens and Zane Lowe labelled ‘The Age That You Start’ as their hottest record of the month for August ; A worthy opportunity for the band and a great help  in extending their catalogue of fans outside of Northern Ireland.

With up tempo drumming, ringing guitars and snappy vocals throughout, nothing is unusual about General Fiasco’s recent musical venture; until the final two tracks. ‘German Roads’ and ‘I Wanna Eat Her’ have a bit more grunt and show that the boys have attitude… when needed. 

The final tracks show a bit of a different side to the lads, with crashing drum fills, bass walks and distorted guitars, comparisons can be drawn, in some aspects, to The Strokes but the E.P is still packed with Fiasco’s stand-alone sound.

Currently recording their new album, Waves gives us an insight into what is set to come from the indie-pop quartet. The label change looks to be a good one and, providing their new attitude sticks, we should be set for an easy listening album with a kick.

7.5/10

Chris Graham

Available of itunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/waves-ep/id468394514

Snow Patrol - Fallen Empires (Album review)

Snow Patrol’s long awaited sixth studio album and follow up to the mediocre ‘A Hundred Million Suns’ is released just as the world watched the band’s exciting MTV EMA performance in Belfast.

Although a little predictable, “Fallen Empires” incorporates everything you've come to expect from a Snow Patrol album; radio friendly, unadorned, anthemic indie pop balladry, with only a few subtle alterations.

This record retains all that is to be celebrated about the band, honing their penchant for a surging, nostalgia driven chorus, encumbered only by synth laden tracks such as opener “I’ll Never Let Go” and single “Called out in the Dark” as the band briefly threaten to enter the uncharted waters of four to the floor pop electronica.

Album highlight “This Isn’t Everything You Are”, which is to be the second single released, is Snow Patrol at their finest - epic, vibrant and  bracing all at the same time. It follows suit of the likes of ‘Open Your Eyes‘, ‘Signal Fire’ and even ‘Run‘, leaving you actually questioning whether you might have heard this song on one of their previous albums.

Listen to all fourteen tracks though and you can’t help but feel the album should have been shorter; songs like “The Garden Rules” and “The President” would have been best relegated to the B Sides.

“Fallen Empires” is no world beater, it is in no way an album that will define a generation, nor is it as good as their first two major label releases. But it’s another consistent offering from the band, a body of work that clings to an all too familiar formula, yet still manages to captivate the listener. There’s no major shift in ethos by Gary Lightbody and co. but if it’s not broke, why fix it?

And as the band claim that a seventh album is already written, I wonder whether Snow Patrol can deliver an album that could still yet define their career, propelling them to the heights of the likes of U2 or Coldplay.
For now though, “Fallen Empires” is a solid reminder that the Bangor band are the best at what they do; fourteen simple pop songs that are sure to stir euphoric emotion as they soar in UK arenas and beyond, even if you are left believing that Snow Patrol are still missing something.

Highlights: I’ll Never Let go, This Isn’t Everything You Are, Called Out in The Dark. 


Craig Hannan

A Plastic Rose - The Promise Notes (Album Review)

Self proclaimed “cross-community-cross-border stars of the future”; Belfast based band A Plastic Rose have taken a step away from the bedlam of ‘festival season’ to create their new album, ‘The Promise Notes‘.
The busy Tyrone/Sligo 4 piece have recorded their distinctive live sound into seven tracks that do not fail to impress.

With a list of fans including Edith Bowman, Huw Stephens and Gary Lightbody to name a few, the future looks very promising for A Plastic Rose.

Opening with heavy emotion, the album’s opening track Oceans sets the tone for the album. The use of dual vocal harmonies and almost staccato drumming makes for an intense listening experience, a track that stands out as a definite choice for single release.

As the album continues, it develops a ‘rockier’ feel showing the diversity of the band’s musical ability. The next two tracks, A Metal Man and The Stuttering, use more delays and reverb but the focus is still on the vocals. The singing, certainly not effortless, is massively enticing and with quick turns to a post-hardcore howl you can draw comparisons with an early ‘Biffy Clyro.’

The fourth track, A Tiger Tail, provides a welcome break from the intensity of the previous tracks. With calm beginnings, the track builds up to a crescendo of crashing drums and moody vocals, complimenting each other to make a great track.

An enthusiastic anthem, Louder Than Me puts the diversity of A Plastic Rose into perspective. Catchy guitar riffs piece the song together with impressive Bass Guitar and Drums making the song a real ‘foot-tapper’.
The final two tracks, Two Steps and Last Shining Sound, have a relaxed and emotive feel. A Plastic Rose show similarities to Snow Patrol in this case but still stand alone with their distinctive and likeable sound. Last Shining Sound, is stripped back instrumentally but still packs a musical punch, so to speak; a great way to finish a great album.

Signed to Rory McConnell’s ever growing Di Di Mau label, this album shows great promise for the future of the young band. The Promise Notes shows musical flair, versatility and promise leaving you wanting to hear more. A must-see band to add to the gig calendar.


Available for download from: http://aplasticrose.bandcamp.com/album/the-promise-notes
8/10

Chris Graham

Japanese Popstars - Controlling Your Allegiance (Album Review)

Having signed to Virgin records, much hyped Derry dance act Japanese Popstars return with “Controlling Your Allegiance”, their latest offering and much anticipated second album. Likened to the likes of Underworld and The Chemical Brothers, the JapStars have long threatened to shape and mould the very fabric of electronic pop music.

Returning with a flurry of stellar guest vocalists, an impressive array which includes Robert Smith of The Cure and Editors front man Tom Smith, “Controlling Your Allegiance” is able to shift from blistering digital terrorism to intricate and understated in a matter of minutes.

Songs like opener “Let Go” and “Falcon Punch” are cut from the same cloth as the likes of the ferocious “FaceMelter” on the trio’s debut “We Just Are”, yet still threatens to take a dip in the waters of commercial dance music.

The album removes the Japanese Popstars from their comfort zone and although it incorporates everything good about the troupe, it’s definitely a step in a different direction.

The nostalgic tones of the album’s highlight, “Shells of Silver” features the ghostly vocals of James Vincent McMorrow, who perfectly compliments the mellow piano sounds, thus proving the Japstars have more in their locker than thunderous arena electronica. Mellow being a word I never thought I’d use in a JapStars’ review.

If their debut was a relentless collection of obliterating techno anthems, then Controlling your allegiance is a slightly more diverse production, with much of the same intensity remaining. It’s the slightly less sinister sister of “We Just Are”, less aggressive but in no way less captivating, an album that is not just to be enjoyed on the dance floor.

Continuing to live up to their expectations, the Japanese Popstars are sure to reap the rewards of a successful dreaded second album. Whether it’s the release that delivers the band’s unforgiving electro to ears of the masses, I’m unsure. Mainstream commercial success beckons for the troupe, I’m sure of it, just not yet. “Controlling your allegiance” is without a doubt worth a listen coming from the most exciting dance act in Northern Ireland at the moment.


Highlights: Let Go, Falcon Punch, Shells of Silver

Craig Hannan