singles
january
minuteman - big boy
reissue of top track off the bands debut album, luckily for the fans the new tracks are superb and worth purchase again. this seems to be getting some airtime and exposure - lets hope the guys get the dues this time round as this stuff is far superior to many better known guitar based bands. last track 'thespian x' proves that matt jones really is a great songwriter, pulling in a variety of string sections and piano riffs for an emotional whirlwind of a track.
simian - never be alone
spread over 2 cd singles the six tracks all hold together well as a whole mini-lp. never being a fan of their previous stuff (bit to whimsy for my likening) the new style is far more solid. catchy chorus's/melodies interact with fairly cheap-n-cheerful old school electro backing. not completely electroclash - but very close - especially on the simian mobile disco mix of the lead track. i have read disparaging comments on the bands new style, but i have to say its actually very entertaining stuff.
the eighties matchbox b-line disaster - psychosis safari
barking mad riffs with gothic stylings. coming over like a homage to the fuzztones/cramps in collision with "jesus built my hotrod" by ministry - these 7 tracks all have a strange attraction, there is a mixture of live and demo versions - but its not that easy to tell any difference as they all have the bands trademark gloom rifferama strapped onto the pummeling basslines. watch this lot get some massive coverage this year as they are indeed a smidgen of originality and have crafted a sound that no-one else seems to even want to go near. oh, and the cover is excellent.
melaton - still water ep
4 track promo/freebie. nicely packaged, nice music.
nothing too demanding, highly melodic tuneful guitars. coldplay meets david gray down the pub. that kinda vibe, wether the masses fall under the spell is debateable but i'll be putting this on from time to time and enjoying it. standout track 'flow' is worthy of investigation for anyone who like their soaring guitars/vocals.
the veils - death and co.
3 track promo on blanco y negro. a classic label in the 80's responsible for the jesus and mary chain to name but one. this is not going to cause riots like the reid bros once did but could set many a heart a flutter. passionate angst driven guitar songs with a fire in the belly. very reminiscent of classic era echo and bunnymen, this is not a criticsm.
a nerdy fact. the band features finn andrews, son of barry, a key figure in the history of shriekback.
easyworld - junkies.
this is definitely out in jan'03. this is a new version of a track off their lp. as i have never heard any of the bands stuff i had no idea what to expect. unfortunately it didn't move me greatly. in fact it brought back memories of quieter moments of cranberries tracks. i think i should revisit it !
the release package also includes a cover of a 'enjoy the silence' once again as i like the darkness of the original this version is just too polite and doesn't add anything original.
feeder - just the way i'm feeling.
great track from a band that are like a fine wine and maturing well.
they have a firm grasp on crafting great songs, who couldn't resist, this is superb. the added strings add a depth to the sonic palette that matches the intensity of the bands recent emotional rollercoaster.
if the rest of the lp is as good as this then it must be very special.
goldrush - wide open sky
3 tracks. no real knowledge about the band but had heard that the virgin/truck licencing deal for the goldrush stuff was no more and so shops are now getting rid of this ep. pick it up now. its lovely. yes there is a plethora of this type of nice songs/guitars (songs your parents will like) but hey - when they are as good as the title track off 3 tracker (plus video) this why on earth should i complain.