23/08/10:

This week signals the return of reckless new-ravers Klaxons, with their much anticipated second studio album, 'Surfing the Void'. With Reynolds and Co's first attempt being rejected by record label Polydor for being '...too experimental', the final product makes for an interesting listen. Also, although not released this week, I take a look at the critically acclaimed Dawn Kinnard's latest single 'Favourite Ghost', set to be released from her second album 'Wrong Side of the Dream', (due out on September 13th this year).

To as not break tradition; without further ado...

Klaxons - Surfing the Void:

Klaxons have and always will be a band who thrive on noise; noise which is best played ridiculously loud and, (preferably), whilst intoxicated. The lyrics hardly ever make sense, with the majority of their tracks being pure bedlam. However, gone are the days of brandishing glow sticks at every opportunity, dodgy slogan tee's and day-glow leg warmers. Along with their fans, Klaxons have matured somewhat with opening track 'Echoes' paying homage to the fact.

Although strangely reminiscent of fellow electro rockers Delphic's 'Doubt', 'Echoes' blows Delphic out of the water, making it crystal clear that Klaxons are the deserving parents of a genre which is coming back with force. Respective of their roots, 'Echoes' has an experimental edge running throughout whilst remaining to be a tune that sticks firmly in your head, much like previous single 'Golden Skans' but without the 'oohing' and 'aaahing' it was so fondly renowned for.

Like all albums, 'Surfing the Void' has it's average moments, with one unfortunately being the title track. Although lively and drawing attention to the excitable concept of letting go, it still remains fairly drab in comparison to other offerings. 'The Same Space', 'Extra Astronomical' and 'Cypherspeed' also fall short when stood next to the remainder of the album.

A track that has been long in the pipeline for the band is 'Valley of the Calm Trees', one of which has been subject to various name changes since Reynolds began working his magic on the song back in 2008. The hard work has clearly paid off, with the track being what I would consider to be the strongest on the album. Despite calm being the one word I wouldn't associate with Klaxons, the overall more relaxed feel to the track works well with Reynold's vocals, with the odd eerie undertones throughout still managing to respect their individuality.

Both 'Flashover' and 'Future Memories' towards the end of the album are also front runners for best track, with 'Flashover' being Klaxons all over; in the sense that it wouldn't have been out of place on previous album 'Myths of the Near Future'. 'Future Memories' on the other hand is one of interest to those who pay attention to more than just the mesmerizing melodies the Klaxons do so well. With lyrics such as 'The future is in our memories, the past is just a guess.', it bends our minds as well as our ears.

Overall, 'Surfing the Void' is a successful second album and rather than being an attempt to boost their existing reputation as most bands second albums tend to be, Klaxons have appealed to both their loyal fans and new. A charming mix between their 'old' style and with hints of a more refined and mature edge, it's well worth more than a listen.

Here is track 'Echoes', which has already been gracing the airwaves since it's digital release on the 15th August.

Dawn Kinnard - Favourite Ghost:

To shine as a female singer songwriter is hardly a walk in the park this year, with feisty Florence Welch and reputable Laura Marling seeming to outshine them all. However, since first album ‘The Courtesy Call’, Dawn Kinnard has began to climb her way to the top, attracting critical acclaim and appearing on countless festival bills such as Wireless and Hard Rock Calling.

Being a fan of artists like Welch and Marling, I had my expectations; perhaps rather small minded of me, but there nonetheless. However, single ‘Favourite Ghost’ excelled them, making for a pleasant surprise. Kinnard’s voice oozes with potential energy which explodes at every chorus, working to abandon the risk of sounding ‘samey’. Each sudden change in tempo adds to the overall charm of the track, its intrigue reflecting Kinnard’s character perfectly as she lures you to ‘...dance all around’.

As a growing artist, Kinnard has ridiculous amounts of potential, and although perhaps not a track that fully lives up to this, it’s a pleasant homage to both her inspirations and Kinnard herself. Uplifting yet magnificently simple, it’s well worth a listen.

Although there is no video yet on YouTube, check out www.dawnkinnard.com and www.myspace.com/dawnkinnard for more info.

09/08/2010:

This week sees Gym Class Hero's front man Travis McCoy release his debut solo album 'Lazarus' , under the similar name of Travie McCoy. Having already reached number 25 in the U.S album chart, (and still currently climbing since it's June release), it has been eagerly anticipated in the U.K. Having recently confessed to wanting to work with chart topper Professor Green, it looks as though he is a face that will be gracing the U.K charts for a while. Also this week, with single releases being a tad on the quiet side, I've decided to jump forward a few weeks and look at The Count & Sinden's 'After Dark', featuring the Mystery Jets.

Without further ado...

Travie McCoy - Lazarus:

First track 'Dr Feel Good' featuring Cee Lo Green sets the bar high, kicking off with a playful giggle and soulful vocals. Reminiscent of Gnarls Barkley, the track does exactly what it's supposed to, instantly making you 'feel good'. For those who aren't huge fans of rap, (myself included), there is the perfect balance between McCoy's rapping and Green's vocals, making for a refreshing vibe that I defy you to not tap your toes too!

The tracks that follow what is an honourable start, all come equipped with their own charm. Second track 'Superbad [11.34]' oozes with a harder, rockier influence whilst 'AKidAgain' features a charming, (although sometimes slightly out of sync), chorus sung by a group of children. And let's face it, if it works on cheesy Christmas carols and charity singles, it's no doubt going to work just as well for McCoy.

A track that stands out from the ten on the album is 'The Manual' which features T-Pain and Young Cash. Although I expected a more lively track from this collaboration, 'The Manual' sits comfortably in the middle of what would have been dull and upbeat. A tale of responsibility and determination, the track is inspiring, showing a depth to McCoy and Co that previous tracks failed to highlight. Not to forget the latest single from the album, 'Billionaire' featuring Bruno Mars, which is already gracing the radio waves. An acoustic track which pays homage to reggae, it's a simple summer song, pleasing although sometimes slightly repetitive.

On a rather more negative side, despite nine out of ten albums usually having a few weak tracks, 'Lazarus' features one of the worst I have heard yet. 'We'll Be Alright' is McCoy's own spin on Supergrass's anthem 'Alright'. For McCoy to sample such a classic dose of retro nostalgia came as quite a shock - a particularly bad one at that. Although an avid fan of Supergrass, (so perhaps biased), the track does not do itself justice at all. Perhaps without the misplaced sampling 'We'll Be Alright' would have been classed as a mediocre track on the album, as opposed to the worst.

Despite this, overall the album is a distinguished effort for a solo album, from an artist who is used to performing as a group rather than by himself. With a few well though collaborations and a handful of name drops and inspirations, McCoy's personality comes through at several points, something I find doesn't happen easily with many artists. With a song for everyone's style, it'll be a shame to see 'Lazarus' bomb in the U.K.

Here's single 'Billionaire':

The Count & Sinden Featuring Mystery Jets - After Dark:

Dance outfit The Count & Sinden have enlisted the help of Indie band Mystery Jets, (Will and Kai), in their latest single, which is due to hit the charts in just over a weeks time on the 16th August. I may be jumping slightly ahead of myself, but this is a song I've not been able to get out of my head since it was played on Zane Lowe's radio show at the beginning of the month.

A playful tale of lust, the 80's inspired style of The Count & Sinden teamed with the Mystery Jet's vocals compliment eachother perfectly, resulting in what will undoubtedly be successful when it hits the shelves. Although repetitive, the lyrics - 'We never had a heart to heart, but you still call me up after dark', strike a chord with the best of us in one way or another.

For those who haven't heard it yet, here is 'After Dark':

02/08/10:

This week sees the much anticipated release of Montreal's finest, Arcade Fire's third studio album 'The Suburbs'. With the 16 track offering being in the pipeline since 2008, the husband and wife duo have clearly used their time wisely, offering what is acclaimed to be their most mature and progressive album yet. Also, for those looking for a sultry summer tune, Corinne Bailey Rae releases 'Closer', the third track to be released from her latest album, signalling her return onto the music scene since the tragic suicide of partner Jason Rae.

But on a rather more cheerful note, without further ado...

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs:

Renowned for their dramatic and atmospheric style, Arcade Fire hardly disappoint with title track 'The Suburbs'. Despite Butler's sombre vocals, the track has a certain liveliness to it. Being the opening track, it successfully sets the scene, acting as the first chapter in what is a tale of escape and the yearning for a perfect life. Being one of the singles released on June 1st, (the other being 'Month of May'), it's ear pleasing melodies are a clear recipe for success.

Among the stronger tracks on the album are those that reassure us of the band's individuality and style that most artist's wouldn't attempt. Pairing together melancholy lyrics whilst remaining upbeat appears to come naturally to Arcade Fire, a skill that is showcased in the majority of the album. Amongst my favourites are 'Empty Room' and 'Sprawl 2, (Mountains Beyond Mountains)', both of which heavily feature Chassagne's delicate voice; making for a refreshing change. The latter mentioned track is reminiscent of Debbie Harry, with the odd retro inspired electro surge pulsing throughout, something that will act as a pleasant surprise to the band's more loyal fans.

However, like any album 'Suburbs' comes with it's flaws, however slight. Of the mammoth sixteen tracks on the album only two fall below par to the rest, (in my opinion of course), these being 'City With No Children' and 'Suburban War'. Although both powerful and in keeping with the band's style, they are both that little too melancholy and in comparison to the rest of the album, would be more suited as background music.

Overall I believe 'Suburbs' to be Arcade Fire's best album yet, not only paying homage to their unusual charm, but also showing where their inspirations lie. Perhaps the only criticism I have is the sheer length of each track, which sometimes wears a little thin, although not often. So, with this gem already flying off of the shelves, I'd recommend you to get your ears around it as soon as possible, avid fans and new found ones alike.

And here is title track 'Suburbs'.

Corinne Bailey Rae - Closer:

Having seen her at the Glastonbury festival, it's hard to ignore Corinne's natural beauty, something that oozes into her music effortlessly. After finding commercial success with number one single 'Put Your Records On', in new single 'Closer', she abandons the 'pop princess' she once was and instead embraces a new subtle yet sexy style - complimenting her soulful vocals perfectly.

Some may find Corinne's new style slightly off putting, however I find it refreshing and easy to listen to. With the rest of her album 'The Sea' following the same style, her return to the music scene looks to be a memorable one. Refreshing and slightly different, here is 'Closer', enjoy.