Released at the end of last week, Alessandro’s (Alex) new single is an instant indie smooth wave banger. We caught up with Alex about his new song and all things music
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where are you from and where did music start for you?
Hello! I’m a singer-songwriter, I’m from Italy but I lived in London for almost 9 years! I can’t dance, I suck at football, so I write songs. Music started in my room, when I was a teenager suffering anxiety. My guitar was my safe place.
If you were to sum yourself up in three words, what would you say?
CEO of sad songs (it’s actually 4 lol)
You released your new single today – Feels Like Heaven. What does this song mean to you?
I wrote this song during lockdown, I know you hear this a lot from artists these days but with everything that was going on I felt the urge of wanting to tell people that this lockdown(s) can also bring to positive things and is not that bad overall. For example, during this time, I had the chance to look inside myself like I never did before. I’ve asked my girlfriend to marry me, I finally found myself as an artist, for the first time ever I think I know who Alessandro Ciminata is.
Did you have any help with the writing, recording and producing process?
I wrote the song in my bedroom, with a midi keyboard, a mic and a laptop. Then, my partner in crime Jack Gourlay, did his magic on the production.
Is this a hint at more new music on the way?
Mate, you’re gonna have enough of me dropping music this year!
What advice would you give to those looking to make music?
Go for it! Stop worrying about the industry, focus on yourself and be true to yourself. Make music that resonates with you in the first place.
What is one challenge you didn’t think you would encounter while making music? Was it difficult to overcome this?
The music industry and all the rejections! It’s hard. To make music in 2021 you got to learn to let go a lot of things. However, I believe there’s always a right time for everything, all the challenges artists encounter whilst trying to make it, at the end of the day will just make them stronger and ready when opportunities arise!
Are there plans to play live, when it is safe to do so?
Yes! I’m playing a headline show in London, at The Grace on October 26th . It’s gonna be one to remember you have my word! Tickets here: bit.ly/329rUPM
How have you been keeping yourself busy during lockdown?
Indeed! I started doing tiktoks, live streams, wrote songs, watched every possible Netflix series!!
Although this was released back in December last year, Like A Hawk reached out to me on twitter, so we thought we would have a chat with lead singer/guitarist archie:
Can you tell us a bit about the band? Where are you from and how did you all meet?
We started in the small Northern Irish town of Limavady in Northern Ireland. There’s a population of only around 12,000-13,000 people there, but there are a lot of cool musicians in the area. I’d been in various bands for years including a punk rock band called where I was the drummer and a few rock bands playing guitar/singing. My younger brother Ryan, who plays drums in Like A Hawk, actually started out as a guitar player and I was the drummer, and someways along the line we swapped. We each played in different bands and never together for a few years, and then we started jamming one day in our house and thought, “Why aren’t we doing something together.” So we wrote a few songs and played a few gigs with various bass players as a 3-piece and the show was on the road. A few years later we moved to Belfast for work/university and our old mate from Limavady, Johnny (aka Cheddar) joined us on 2nd guitar. We then met Ciaran (bass) through an online ad and we all clicked immediately and got straight to playing gigs at open mic nights and battle of the band competitions, and eventually we were supporting some amazing bands in and around Northern Ireland.
How did you decide on the name Like A Hawk?
The name was actually a phrase that I remember from school. I wasn’t the best or most well-behaved student, and I remember distinctly my primary 4 teacher saying, “I need to watch you like a hawk!” God knows what I was up to, but when Ryan and I were thinking about names it just popped into my head. It’s a pretty cool name I think, it’s rock and roll and evokes the imagination.
If you had to use one word to sum up each band member, what would you say?
This is a difficult one! I would say: Archie (Lead Vox/Guitar): Pessimist Ryan (Drums): Solid Ciaran (Bass): Vagabond Johnny (Guitar): Sarcastic
Back in December last year, you released your debut EP, Release The Hawk. What does this EP mean to you, as a band?
This E.P was such hard work to put together, and it’s our first ever proper release, so it means a whole lot to us! We did the entire thing ourselves, and had very little experience or knowledge of how it all worked, so putting it together was a challenge, but also incredibly rewarding. Most of the songs on Release The Hawk have been rolling around for a few years at gigs/practice/demos, but we never had the money to go to a studio, or the equipment to do it ourselves. We finally felt we had the proper kit to put something together ourselves and it turned out not half bad! The songs are fun, hopefully catchy and just good-time rock music, and that’s really what we’re all about. It felt so good to finally get a proper release out, and now we’ve done it we’re hopefully on the right track!
What song stands out as a favorite?
For me, the opener My Disgrace would be a personal favourite. I wrote that song a few years ago about when I started going bald. It’s a worrying time for a man, but when you finally get the courage to bite the bullet and shave the head, it’s so liberating! The song’s really about the initial anxiety and embarrassment some men face when the hair starts to go south, but it’s essentially an anthem to all the baldy’s out there that it’s ok, and some people even find it sexy (or so I’m told). We always dedicate that one live to any chrome dome’s in the audience. I’m not sure about the other guys but I imagine we probably all have different favourites. We’ve all definitely got very differing and eclectic tastes! Ciaran’s more a funk kinda guy, Ryan more modern/alternative rock, Cheddar’s a straight metalhead, and I’m a blues/classic rock chap!
Did you have any help with the writing and producing process for the EP?
No, the whole thing was recorded literally in Ryan’s living room, and the songs were written by Ryan and myself. He lives with his girlfriend in a small flat in Belfast, so her head was absolutely tortured! We recorded drums, guitars, bass, vocals and did all the mixing/mastering right there in his living room. It was hard work at times, and me and Ryan nearly had a few bust ups (brotherly love…) but in the end we were happy with the finished product. I wouldn’t even dare attempt to count how many cans of beer were consumed during the whole process. It would be in the hundreds.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced making your new music? How did you overcome them?
The gear we had was the biggest challenge. I’m not too bad at using digital audio software like Logic Pro or Pro-Tools, so that was pretty smooth most of the time, but we really were on a tight budget. One of the audio interfaces we were using at the start is so old, I think I might have had it for 10-12 years. We used mostly cheap microphones and often found some strange noises in the background when we were listening back to the drum tracks and had to do the entire thing again. Those were the times when Ryan wanted to throw me out the window. Eventually we got into a kind of rhythm (pardon the pun…) and things started going smoother and smoother. We learned mic placement, noise suppression techniques and tricks along the way that helped us get there in the end.
Are there any plans to play live, when it is safe to do so?
We’re definitely a live band. We’d been playing gigs for years before we put anything out, so that’s really where we cut our teeth. As soon as possible, we’ll be out there playing as often and as loud as we can! I’m literally itching to get back on stage again and I know the boys are the same! That first chord will be an all encompassing joy!
What is next for the band?
When the restrictions eased a bit last year before Christmas, we actually managed to get drums recorded for 5 brand new songs, so we were very lucky! So that will be a new E.P that we’ll put out this year! How we’re gonna record it is reliant on the Northern Irish restrictions as we can’t get together, but hopefully we’ll find a work around and get it out sooner rather than later. The songs sounded awesome when we played them in rehearsal last year and Ryan’s drumming has stepped up a level. It should be a good’n!
How have you all been keeping busy during lockdown?
I’ve been studying for an undergraduate degree in Belfast, and musically just writing and putting down demos to work on with the lads as soon as we can get together. The other lads work full-time and play games. Ryan’s been writing a lot of great material too that we’ll work on in the near future. Apart from that there hasn’t been much to get up to apart from drink beer and listen to rock and roll for me.
Where can we find out more about you?
You can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and you can hear the full E.P on Spotify, Apple Music and most other streaming platforms worldwide! We’d really appreciate if folks would check it out and give us a like or follow!
Anything else you would like to tell us?
Thank you Ted for taking the time to listen to us, and I hope you enjoyed our stuff! We really appreciate the support from you guys! Keep an eye on our socials everyone for news about our upcoming E.P. It’s gonna be a beast! See you at a gig soon!
We hope to see you at a gigs soon as well. In the meantime, why not check out Like A Hawk on your preferred music service. I’d like to thank Archie for taking the time to chat to us and wish him all the best for the next EP, when it is released.
With the new single released yesterday across all streaming platforms, we took the opportunity to chat to Tim (AKA Morning Crush) about his musical adventure
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where are you from and where did music start for you?
My names Tim, I write songs and talk about mental health alot. I’m from Kingston Upon Thames and I started playing music after being obsessed with The Libertines and Oasis when I was 12. My music sounds nothing like them now though.
If you had to sum yourself up in three words, what would you say?
I don’t think I could!
You released today your new single Peaceful Mind. What does this song mean to you, as an artist?
Peaceful Mind is a song I wrote about my experience with depression and anxiety. I wanted to be honest and to the point and not try to glamourise it at all.
Musically it’s heavily inspired by Neil Young’s rockier tracks.
Where did the inspiration for this song come from?
I’ve spent years trying to get to the bottom of my illness, the inspiration came from the overwhelming frustration I feel with myself for feeling the way I do.
Did you have any help with the writing or producing process? How did you find this process, do you think it was successful?
I wrote all the chords and words by myself. The musical arrangement was done with Myself, Chris Hope (producer), Thom Worth (Guitar and bvs), Tom Buxton (bass) and Ivan Montesano(drums) They’re amazing to work with. Thom’s guitar really makes this track in a lot of ways, I never would have had the guts to approach it in the way he did.
Is this a hint at more new music on the way?
I tend to release a new single every month, so yes.
Pre – world-gone-mad, did you get a chance to play many gigs? Are there plans to play any, when it is safe to do so?
Yes, and no. Back in the day I toured the UK and EU fairly regularly in a very DIY fashion, under a different name, but I stopped for a few years and got a job at banquet records in Kingston. This project has only technically been public for a few months so there isn’t much to talk about in the way of past gigs. My last gig was supporting Chris Farren at the fighting cocks, right before Covid started to kick in. Yes I plan to gig as much as humanly possible when I can. I can’t wait.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to make music?
Give everything. Expect nothing. Love what you do.
How have you been keeping busy during lockdown?
Nothing too interesting to be honest. I work, I write, I eat, I sleep.
Where can we find out more information about you?
I’m very active on Tik Tok (@morningcrushmusic). I talk about mental health a lot there, and post “work in progress” songs.
I’m also in all the other normal places. Facebook, Insta, twitter. Though I barely tweet because I hate twitter.
Anything else you would like to tell us?
Thanks for having me Ted, glad you enjoyed the single!
And with that, I would like to wish Tim the best of luck with his new music and I hope to catch him at a show, as soon as it is safe to do so!
Released today across all streaming platforms and their debut song for vinyl, Shader’s new track Runaway absolutely bangs.
Talking about the new single, lead singer Stu said:
“Runaway is about the anxiety of everyday life, real vs. fake, the upsurge of talentless TV celebrity culture becoming a legitimate career move and the overwhelming desire to runaway to somewhere with some soul.
“It was written in a flat in Didsbury, Manchester and I was working at Blockbuster Video, spending all my spare time watching classic films (perks of the job), daytime TV and becoming obsessed with 80’s post-punk band The Sound.
“The guitar intro & feel are my nod to the genius of Adrian Borland of The Sound”
Credit A Supreme Shot
We chatted to Stu about all things music back when they released True To Life, last year. You can check that out here.
The band are also planning on going on tour later this year, more information to come soon…
Released today across all streaming platforms, we thought it would be a good opportunity to chat to Lou about all things music
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where are you from and where did music start for you?
I’m a singer-songwriter based in Edinburgh, Scotland.I’d always loved to sing as a kid, and my mum was a big music fan. I used to pull out all her old Elton John & Blondie records and pored over the artwork and lyrics. I’d always been an enthusiastic performer with my hairbrush mic, but I had stage fright so I never performed outside of my bedroom. It wasn’t until my mid 20s that I picked up a guitar and started learning to play and write songs. I attended Edinburgh Girl’s Rock School in 2015 and they gave me the encouragement that I needed to start performing. I recorded my first EP ‘September to December’ in 2016, then followed up with ‘Good Morning Easter Road’ in 2017. Music and songwriting are so important to me for expressing my emotions. Being creative and making music keeps me happy and reasonably sane, and nothing gives me more joy than belting it out.
If you had to sum yourself up in three words, what would you say?
curious, creative, daft.
You released today your new EP Locked Down In Leith. What does this mean to you?
The EP is a collection of 5 songs written over the past year. I spent lockdown in my little flat in Leith, which is a neighbourhood east of edinburgh. I live alone (with my parrot, Pepper) so for someone who loves company it was a challenge to be alone so much. It’s a deeply personal record, from the content of the lyrics to the fact I recorded it in my flat. I made the artwork, designed the liner notes, so it was a fun project. It’s definitely an expression of self so it means a lot to me.
Any tracks that stand out as favourites?
‘The World is on Fire’ was lyrically so personal, and I worked at it for months until I was happy. When I recorded it initially I had a few layers to the song, but it didn’t feel right. I stripped it back and recorded it straight through on one mic in my bedroom in the middle of the night, and that’s the version on the EP.
‘Glambam’ makes me so proud as I wanted to write a happy song, and it was so fun to write and perform. I think you can hear how much fun I’m having on the recording. Honestly I’m really proud of the EP as a whole.
Did you have any help with the writing and recording process? How was it, trying to collaborate during lockdown?
I have always written solo, so lockdown actually helped in the sense that I didn’t have much else to do other than write and practice. This was my first attempt at DIY recording and mixing so that was a definite learning curve, but I am much more confident with the process now. I also had the opportunity to work with Brian Shiba, a producer who works out of LA on ‘Goodbye’ and Glambam’, and he introduced some layers to the songs that I hadn’t thought of (the keys on ‘Goodbye’ in particular). Lockdown made it easier to collaborate in a way, as I wasn’t limited to who was local. It got me thinking globally.
How does this release compare to your previous EP, Good Morning Easter Road?
GMER was a real celebration, the energy in those songs was so positive. It captured a big period of change in my life. I really felt excited about everything and that was infectious. It was mostly about my relationship with others, and I was sort of singing to other people.Locked down in Leith is a lot more sober. And it’s about the relationship I have with myself. I was also in therapy during the time I wrote some of the songs, so there’s a level of introspection there which I hope people can connect with. I wrote the songs to understand what the hell was going on with me!I also have a lot more experience and knowledge about what kind of music I want to make now, I spent a bit more time crafting what I wanted to say this time, where the last record was a bit of an explosion for me creatively!
What is something you didn’t think you would encounter while trying to make music?
Well, I caught COVID during the recording process, so that was unexpected! Thankfully I wasn’t hospitalised but it was horrible for 2 weeks and that really gave me a sense of perspective, like… ‘I really want to make music and that’s what I’m going to do as soon as I can get out of this bed’. It’s so easy to take your health (physical and mental) for granted and procrastinate. But I definitely learned some hard lessons through writing and making this EP. So I think music has given me a more honest relationship with myself, I didn’t expect that
Other than making music, how else have you been keeping busy during lockdown?
I’ve been going on lots of walks, dyeing my hair, and watching RuPaul’s Drag Race on repeat to increase my serotonin levels! I’m really missing going to local drag shows, so getting to see Lawrence Chaney & Ellie Diamond on TV is so good. I’m also teaching myself to play the piano. I guess that counts as making music, although I’m not sure my neighbours would agree just yet!
Where can we find out more about you?
You can buy my music on bandcamp and help me raise funds for my next release 🙂 and if you can’t afford that then give me a follow on all my social media/spotify/apple music etc.
Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to a friend.
And with that, we would like to thank Lou for taking the time to chat to us and wish her the best of luck with the new EP. We hope to be able to catch her on the road at some point, when it is safe to do so!
Released back at the end of last month, Tom Auton’s new song Victim Of The Groove is starting to pick up traction over on his Spotify. We chatted to Tom about all things music:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where are you from and where did music start for you?
I’m a 22 year old Rock & Blues artist from Cardiff, Wales. I first decided I wanted to become a musician after going to watch one of my favourite bands as a kid, Green Day. I saw them play a show in the NEC, Birmingham when I was 12. It was when the frontman, Billie Joe, played “Time Of Your Life”, I realised that I wanted to be just like him. I started playing gigs at the age of 14, performing at any open mic night that would let me play. I’ve more recently started producing my on music as well as other artist around the UK & US. The addiction started in 2016 when I received a less than pleasing mix of my new single. The control freak within me spiralled out of control and started aggressively buying microphones, mixing plug ins and a laptop. Fast forward 5 years to the present day and I am producing mt own Rock and Blues records at the age of 22 from my own studio ‘The Syncopation Station’ (myparent’s living room in Cardiff).
If I were to use the phrase “for fans of”, who would you compare yourself to?
I’d say you could draw fair comparisons with:
Royal Blood Jack White Nothing But Thieves
You recently released your new single Victim Of The Groove. What does this song mean to you?
Victim of The Groove is a personal song, I explore the hatred I aim towards myself when I get ‘writers block’ (for whatever reason; a creative block happens every now and then).
I find this sums up the song pretty well: As a chef, you’d feel incredibly useless if you couldn’t cook anything. The same applies to songwriters when they can’t write songs. Victim of The Groove ironically explores the hatred I have towards myself, when I can’t write a new song. I explore this hatred… by writing a new song.
Throughout the verses I frivolously wallow in a pool of self pity, tearing myself down at every line. Then get to the pre chorus, I explain that self doubt is part and parcel of being a musician.
I invite people into the world of being an independent artist, cycling between two main emotions; thinking you’re god’s gift, when you write a good song, and feeling worthless, when you can’t. I sum up the song with the title – “I’m a Victim of The Groove”.
How does this compare to your previous release, Blues Train? How do you feel about this new direction?
All my previous releases have been gearing up to head towards the sound on ‘Victim of The Groove’. Blues train has some pretty heavy guitars & drums, and is executed with blues overtones. VOTG, although it explores some disco/groove tones in the song, I don’t think it’s that far from Blues Train. They both come from a place of frustration, this is shown in the lyrics and also in the huge, aggressive, guitar sounds that are found in both records. As far as this new direction is concerned, I loved making VOTG and I’ve already started writing a few more songs in a similar style. A lot of fans have said it’s the best song from me, so far, and I want to explore this branch of rock music a little more.
Did you have any help with the writing and recording process? How has it compared to making music pre-pandemic?
I almost always take my lyrics to a good friend of mine, John Adams. He’s a very talented singer songwriter with a great ear for lyrics. I’ll write what is normally considered as a finished first draft of the lyrics then I take them to John and he will tweaks things or improves certain lines in the song. His help is very much the icing on the cake in terms of the songwriting process, very grateful to have him as a friend.
The recording process was carried out entirely by myself and my band, The Bottle Breakers. The drums were recorded at Longwave Studios, Cardiff. Bass & Electric guitar were recorded by the band in their own bedrooms then emailed over to me. It’s been a slow process writing and recording over the pandemic, mainly due to the fact no one can just meet up and record. It almost feels like you need to slowly fit to gather this puzzle over a few weeks whilst people are recoding their parts then stick it all together once the parts make their way over to me.I really miss being able to write and record all in one room.
Pre pandemic, did you get the chance to play many live shows?
We were playing 3/4 shows a week in some parts of pre – pandemic life. We actually were meant to be supporting the Plain White T’s this time last year but it got cancelled due to this strange, unheard of virus, COVID 19.
Are there any plans to play some, when it is safe to do so?
We’re definitely going to pick our moment as to when we play a 1st, post – pandemic, live show, once it’s safe to do so. I think there will be an over saturation of gigs as soon as the government gives the go ahead. So much so that I feel like people will have too many gigs to go to and then you run the risk of having no one turn up to your show because every band and their nan are putting on a gig.
Saying that, I’m hoping to organise a triple Cardiff band headliner at Clwb Ifor Bach towards the end of this year.
How have you been keeping busy during lockdown?
I’ve been producing music for 30 artists in the UK & The US. Since everyone’s been locked up in their homes, I’ve never seen more music written than in the last 12 months! Artists definitely have a lot to get off their chests and rightly so!
Where can we find out more about you?
Everything you’ll need to know is on my website: www.tomauton.com All my socials, lyrics, gigs & merch.
So what are you waiting for, go and check out Tom’s new single (and all his other stuff while you are there). In the meantime, I would like to thank Tom for taking the time to answer my questions and wish him the best of luck for the future. We hope to catch him at a show as soon as it is safe to do so!
After playing with a bunch of bands around Scotland, Calum is now out there making music under his own name, and in his own way. This is what we thought of his debut song, out yesterday.
The song opens up with a piano solo, almost ballad like, before dropping into a classic Scottish indie sound – think Fatherson, Frightened Rabbit, etc.
Calum’s powerful voice manages to show its way through the heavier instrumental, and accompanied by the couple of silent spaces, make this a track that I think would work well both as an acoustic solo arrangement or a full band set.
At the minute marker, the track seems to go into an almost jazzy style, with that piano from earlier really coming through, but still with that heavy, overdriven guitar to keep the track going.
Never one to stick to one style, this song then goes into a full acoustic sound at the 1:30 point, just under halfway. But don’t worry, it soon goes back into the indie rock sound that is making me want to dance round the kitchen. And then back into another acoustic section. And then one final heavier section to finish it off.
As a track, it seems to dart around a few different ideas, but there is an overall sense of attempted forgiveness and trying to make the world a more acceptable and tolerable place. Something we all need right now.
Overall, I really like Calum’s sound. It’s clear that he is experimenting with new ideas and arrangements, and I think this is the start of what will hopefully be an awesome project for him.
Releasing any new music in the midst of a global pandemic is difficult enough, but to release a full studio album has even more challenges, especially considering the band can’t even tour it. But Midwestern rockers Tigers Jaw have managed to smash it out of the park with their new album, I Won’t Care How You Remember Me, out now across all streaming platforms.
This is the band’s first album released on their new label – Hopeless Records, and takes a different approach to song writing, with this being a collaboration between the now four official members of Tigers Jaw, after Colin and Teddy were made a part of the group after their 2018 tour, alongside founders Brianna and Ben.
Now, to start with I have to be honest, this is not the same, first listen type of album review I normally do. This is because I have already been listening to the four tracks already released – Cat’s Cradle, Lemon Mouth, Hesitation and New Detroit. More on these later on.
The album opens with the title track, I Won’t Care How You Remember Me. In a year where death and bad news has been constantly shoved in our faces, the title has an oddly sombre feeling, but also a feeling of defiance, one of not being afraid to be different (if there’s one thing that sums up Midwestern Emo, I think that’s it)
The tracks acoustic sound, reminds me of their 2008 self-titled album, but Ben’s soft vocals takes this into a different direction, keeping up with the sombre mood I mentioned above. Being just the guitar and keyboard/synths, this would make a great track played in the acoustic pairing this band are known so well for. The song itself seems like a big “fuck you” to all those out there who try to instil hate, and ignore the truth for personal gain, but with also a feeling of acceptance that you can’t change what’s going on around you, sometimes things are the way they are.
Tigers Jaw. Photo by Rebecca Lader
Did I say acoustic and piano? Well, actually no. Just after the two minute marker, we get that heavy rock drop that we know well from Tigers Jaw. From here on, the songs goes even more into the angry, defiant, let’s fight the system style that I was really hoping for from this band.
As an opening track, I am very hopeful for this album.
Up next is Cat’s Cradle, the first of the pre-released tracks. Taking on more of a pop sound, with the song being driven by Brianna, both on vocals and synths, this is one I’ve been enjoying for a while now. In an almost classic Brianna style, this track jumps around different themes and meanings, almost confusing, but with an underlying theme around trying to satisfy others (I’m starting to see an album theme coming through…). This is one track I’ve been loving for a while and certainly going to keep rocking out to.
Following on is another pre-release – Hesitation. With a strangely mesmerising music video to go alongside, this is the first song on the album that is clear the band have worked together on it, with both the lyrical and musical elements combining. To me, this song uses the metaphor of driving to signify a fear of something happening, they keep driving so they don’t have to stop and face the reality. It might be a bit of a stretch to find a meaning but I think that pretty much sums this song up. In regards to the music video? I have no idea, I think they just made that as it looked like it was good fun.
New Detroit, the most recent pre-release follows on. I’ll be honest, this is my least favourite of the ones I’ve heard so far. Whether that is because I haven’t listened to it as much, I don’t know, but the slower, more droning sound just doesn’t hit it like the rest of the album so far. By any other bands standards, this is still a good song, but to me, it doesn’t live up to the same sound we have seen so far in this album. The driving acoustic guitar but with a heavier drum and bass line try to hail back to a weird old/new Tigers Jaw hybrid, and sadly it hasn’t quite worked in this case. But that’s enough slating, the song does still have a really good guitar solo, and the shorter, punchy style does help break up the album.
This is followed by Can’t Wait Forever, which goes straight into the heavier style that hits you right in the face. This song is driven by heavy, overdriven guitars, and really makes you want to be in a mosh pit. No wasting time with introductions, this song gets straight into it, continuing to showcase messages shown in earlier songs – angry, defiant, no longer pleasing others. Accompanied by a guitar solo near the end, this would absolutely kill a live show one day.
The last of the pre-releases, Lemon Mouth is another of the more pop-rock style song, with Brianna back at the front for vocals. This is another that really gets right to you, a super catchy tune, with a cool mix of guitars and synths for what is quickly becoming a signature sound for the band. Keeping to a similar vein to Cat’s Cradle, this song seems to dart around different ideas and meanings, but instead has the feelings of self-doubt and over-thought. Accompanied by a trippy music video, directed by Brianna herself, this is another saucy banger!
Track 7 is titled Body Language, and rips straight into a heavier bassline, a stark contrast to the previous song. This has a similar feel to New Detroit, with Ben’s vocals seemingly going into this new, slower, less rock, more pop direction. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a decent singalong track, and would kill a live show, but I’m just not feeling it 100%. I also have to mention that it sounds like it hasn’t been mixed properly, with the vocals struggling to make themselves known in the song. Another song focusing on relationships now gone, this is one that is not for me, but I’m sure there are others out there who would love it.
Commit goes into a completely different direction, one I don’t think we’ve ever heard from this band. This indie-pop-rock-funk hybrid of a song bangs straight away! Although a relatively short song, this new mix is a proper dance-around-the-kitchen tune (or is it just me?). Keeping on the theme of themes of sleep, the stars and everything in between, this is so far my favourite track of the whole album, and will probably be top of my daily listening for a good few weeks.
Coming along next is Never Wanted To. Without even listening to the track I wonder if this is a reference to one of their biggest songs – Never Saw It Coming? And on first listening, the answer is no. However, we do seem to be going back to the older style of Tigers Jaw here – slower, drawn out vocals from Ben and Brianna together, accompanied by the heavier guitars and a slower drum beat. To join it all is a traditional country style guitar solo, before going into a heavier rock style solo shortly after. This is one that would sound excellent live, both full band and acoustic.
The penultimate track is Heaven Apart. With a longer, more drawn out introduction, this would make a great opening track for a show, before going into Brianna’s vocals. This time, taking on a deeper, more soulful sound, this track still goes into new territory for the band, even having a piano and vocal solo (almost, dare I say it, in Taylor Swift style). This isn’t anything bad, I really love this track. But for those who don’t love it, don’t worry, it doesn’t last long before going back into the rock-soul-pop style I’m really growing to love.
And to top it all off is Anniversary, which starts off like a proper Midwestern emo song. Another song with a mix of Ben and Brianna’s vocals, I can already feel a new hit song in the lines. Well this is another that is also going into my daily listen, and one I think would be a proper crowd pleaser live. The instantly catchy chorus, the amazing guitar riffs and even a washed out vocals section are making me fall in love with a song. Honestly, I cannot express how much I like this song. With one last message of self-defiance and hope, this is a killer ending a genuinely awesome album.
Overall, I really like this album. With the exception of Commit, I think it’s fair to say the band have played it pretty safe with their sound, not really pushing the boundaries of their music. Is this a bad thing? Not really, but it would be nice to see something really out there.
I cannot wait to get to see these guys live, hopefully later this year, if not then next year. But in the meantime, there is a showcase of a (pre-recorded) release show on their YouTube channel tonight at 8pm EST (that’s 1am in the UK), and hopefully I’ll see some of you there!
The track opens with an almost traditional indie style guitar riff, and soon goes into the heavier sounding guitars and drums, a droning, overdriven guitar compared to the heavier riffs to come. This slower guitar, accompanied by the driving drums make up a longer introduction than what is considered traditional, but one that the band have really managed to pull off. At just over a minute before the lyrics start to come in, this would make a really good set opener.
The track has more of a heavier, metal sound compared to Black Tar, bit less pop, bit more punk, and definitely has more of a head-banging-circle-pit-wall-of-death feel to it. This track also isn’t quite as vocal heavy as track 1, but from what I can tell, has mixed feelings. From getting to the end of something stale and broken, to going forward into its own area of positivity and self-efficacy.
The end of the song, with a low, metal style scream, as well as a washed out guitar riff, would also make this song the perfect set ender. One last chance to get moving, before finishing in a way that leaves people wanting more.
I think that Roseblunt is a brace new direction for the band, but I feel they have managed to pull this one off, and I’m sure future tracks to come will continue to grow.
Thomas Berridge Photography
Song 2 – Black Tar
The song opens up with a similar style riff to Roseblunt, but this time settling into the pop-punk sound that this band is known for. Think Green Day meets Artic Monkeys. The heavy, overdriven guitars and driving drums and bassline really keep this song at a high pace. To me, this song explores being on a night out, drunken and sweaty in some dive bar, while a band you’ve never heard of is playing on stage. It talks about the awkwardness of meeting someone, and falling into this nervous, drunken blur. That feeling when you should be looking for more but, in reality, you actually like where you are now. I don’t know if that is what the band were going for, but that’s what I heard from the song.
Black Box Photo Co
At about halfway through the song goes into a rolling guitar riff, and soon after the drums kick back in and we go into a full blown guitar solo. I could imagine this on stage, with lights and smoke flashing everywhere while the lead guitarist shreds away. All this before going into one last, fully packed, final chorus.
Overall, two songs that would equally hold their place in a club or at a gig, and although this is a slightly new direction for the band, it is certainly a good one.
The video dropped yesterday, and the single is now live across all platforms. We chatted to the band about all things music and more!
Tell us a bit about the band, where are you from and how did you all meet?
Originally, we are all dotted around the place, we actually all met at university in Bristol! We were each studying our respective instruments and through some of our classes we got to know each other quite well. There was a live showcase happening in Bristol and we really wanted to audition, so we ended up coming together for that. We auditioned with our version of Play, by Marmozets and we were picked to play the show! I’m pretty sure we all thought it would be one off thing… We’d do the show, have a good time, and continue with our individual lives. But something just felt right during that first performance. It all just seemed to click. In the end we thought, why not give this a go?
If you had to sum up each band member with one word, what would you say?
Let’s try and answer this without causing an argument…Haha!
Josh – Dad Elin – Loud Max – Josh Henry – Moist Zac – Big
You released today your latest single today, Sweepstake. What does this song mean to you, as a band?
As a band, this song represents a new era for us. It marks a solidifying of who we are and what we do. We have hit the ground running with Sweepstake, we’re coming for ya and we do not intend to stop anytime soon.
Is this a hint at more new music on the way?
Pre-COVID we would be shouting YES YES YES OF COURSE. As you can imagine we have been somewhat halted recently. However, being forced to collaborate via zoomyzoom and other online platforms has unleashed more creativity than we realised we were capable of. We’ve developed our recording and techy knowledge, and with the help of the magical music production wizard that is Joe Marsh, you can hope to be hearing a lot from us this year.
Who produced this? Have you worked with them before? How was it working with them?
We mentioned him earlier, but his name is Joe Marsh and we came to hear of him via some friends in the local scene. We heard what he had done with our fellow Bristolian mates Superlove, and we were like WHO IS THIS GUY? We dropped him a message and it turns out he knew who we were too and he was super keen to work with us.
Working with him was honestly so fun and such a good learning experience. Joe isn’t just a producer, he doesn’t just record you and send you on your way, he’s a songwriter. He added melodic ideas, harmonies and other parts to Sweepstake that we didn’t even know we needed.
Are there any music videos planned?
You’re darn right there is. We didn’t spend 9 hours in -4 degrees for nothing! The video for Sweepstake is actually out right now! This video represents the dystopian, technological themes that the song encompasses. We worked with Cineoteric films (they directed, shot and edited the video) and they were amazing. They brought our concept to life!
How about any live shows, when it is safe to do so?
This is a tricky subject. We have been booked and asked to do a few shows and all have either fallen through or we decided not to go ahead for obvious safety reasons. As soon as the sun shines through the corona cloud you bet we’re gonna be out there. We really wanna make our first show back a spectacular show, till then, we’re saving up all that stage energy for you! Mostly from biscuits.
What are some of your favourite memories from playing shows in the past?
Last January, right before the world closed, we had the pleasure of supporting Vukovi in Cheltenham. Apart from the stress of Josh’s guitar breaking, that show was sick. The place was packed and the whole night was a party.
Also headlining a live showcase at the fleece was insane, people went OFF! Amazing crowd.
We’ve had some amazing experiences on our tours as well. However, there was one time in Nottingham we thought it would be a good idea to get Taco Bell right before the show. I’ma just advise to you that you never, ever do that.
Also being from Bristol, what parts of the Bristol scene are you currently missing?
Getting harassed for ciggies outside the crofters rights was a regular occurrence for us, haha. But, in all seriousness, we miss how Bristol used to be so much. We miss the buzz, the culture, the music. It’s as if it’s been stripped down it’s bare bones, but it won’t last. The Bristol scene will be back to life one day, you can’t keep Bristol quiet for long!
Where can we find out more about you?
Head to our Instagram (@kitethiefuk) for your regular ludicrous and amusing updates. You can find us on Facebook (@kitethiefuk) and YouTube (@Kite Thief) as well!… P.s. we may or may not also have tik tok now #downwiththekidz
Anything else you would like to tell us?
Yes – our guitarists are indeed the same person.
I have met with the band over zoom, and can confirm, they are the same person.
I would like to thank Elin and the band for taking the time to answer my questions and this is a band I really hope to be working with in the future.
TrueStyleMusic 