Tuesday, 27 July 2010

26/07/10:

With this week being a tad quiet on the new releases front, following last week's single review of M.I.A's 'XXXO' I thought it was about time I had a listen to the album it features on - 'MAYA'. With the release date being put back to the 13th July, it's not long reached the shelves, eagerly anticipated by fans of M.I.A's hard hitting urban style. Also this week I take a look at Australia's drum and bass band Pendulum's latest single 'Witchcraft' released last week and still remaining at the forefront of my iTunes most played.

So, without further ado, (you guessed it)...


M.I.A - MAYA:

Being renowned for her political ongoings and protests, it's no surprise when M.I.A jumps straight in with opening ditty 'The Message', a clever and altogether genius take on the childhood rhyme 'Dry Bones'. Exclaiming that the '... hand bone is connected to the computer, the computer is connected to the google, connected to the Government' gives those willing to pay attention to the lyrics food for thought. For those with less of an interest in the goings on in the world, the onslaught of computer keys tapping and sirens ringing out are more than enough to persuade you to sit up and listen.

Second track 'Steppin' Up', (the third single to be released from the album), pays homage to M.I.A's tough, no nonsense character, with the grinding whirring of power tools accentuating her self assured lyrics; 'You know, you know who I am...'. With more bass than most tracks on the album, this is most definitely one, given the chance, to be played at full blast.

Previous releases 'Tell Me Why' and 'Teqkilla' follow the same pattern, heavy bass and unusual yet intriguing sounds which could only be associated with M.I.A's distinctive take on music. Although 'Tell Me Why' appears to be that little more mellow from the start, there are still hints of the urban sounds M.I.A's fans crave.

Tenth track 'Meds and Feds' comes as a slight surprise, favouring a rock approach in the place of metal grinding and keys tapping. After a few listens it's a risk that has clearly paid off, remaining catchy and brimming with bass - staying faithful to M.I.A's roots.

Of course, latest release 'XXXO' is a strong track on the album, hence it's success in the UK charts as it continues to climb. However, M.I.A certainly has a lot to offer with the aforementioned tracks on a collection that does her justice as the political urban mistress she is famed to be. She may not have found her next 'Paper Planes', but that somewhat adds to the charm. Finally, someone brave enough to continue rebelling against music trends and deciding instead to do as she wants, how she wants to.

Here is 'Meds and Feds', enjoy.



Pendulum - Witchcraft:

Aussie chart toppers Pendulum cause yet another storm with latest single 'Witchcraft' from their third studio album 'Immersion'. Oozing with the dramatic introduction we have all come to expect from Pendulum, 'Witchcraft' doesn't let us down. Reminiscent of previous track 'Propane Nightmares', perhaps it'd be interesting to hear something a little different from the drum and bass band; but would we still be able to recognize the tracks we know and love?

A tale of escape, 'Witchcraft' is a constant build up of energy, exclaiming that 'You gotta get out'. Breaking after just under a minute, the rest of the track is a delight, I imagine both live and turned up to full volume on your iPod. Overall, it looks as though they've cracked it again.

Have a listen for yourselves.



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