Immersion by Pendulum (album review)

Description: Pendulum made one of the biggest breakthroughs of the 2000s with their hit album In Silico. Having sold over one million records worldwide, the band completed a sell out Academy tour in 2008 and went on to smash the international festival circuit in summer 2009 with killer appearances at Glastonbury, Download, V and Global Gathering to name a few. Both Pendulum studio albums to date-–In Silico and the band’s debut Hold Your Colour-–have gone Platinum.

Immersion's lead single "Watercolour" heralds a glorious evolution in the Pendulum sound. Now utilising a richer sonic tapestry than ever before, "Watercolour" finds Rob Swire's vocals alternating between eerie distortion and full-blooded energy amidst flourishes of horns and an atmospheric, tension building breakdown. The track's progressive structure highlight's Pendulum's continuing development in constructing contrasting dynamics.



My review: My main reaction to this album is: Its high octane for the ears!! Plenty of dance energy, drum ‘n’ bass and a touch of rock/metal. I sat listening to it not really thinking much, just flowing from one track to the next while browsing the internet and, generally, enjoying the tracks. If you have heard Pendulum’s work on the radio, then you know what sort of music they produce, good thumping tracks with energy aplenty.

A few tracks were reminiscent of Prodigy. Personally, I wasn’t so keen on the track ‘Self vs Self’ maybe a bit OTT on the raspy/death growl intervention of ‘In Flames’ (featured on the track), I don’t mind a bit of metal, but I don’t know that this vocal was too complimentary to the track, I guess I’m just not into Death Metal. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of fans out there who will love the track though.

I quite liked the album, don’t know that it will be a regular on my mp3 player, but if I fancy some D&B/rock sounds then it may be one I’ll head to before some others

Strike by The Baseballs (album review)

Description: The Baseballs are three certified rock 'n' roll singers who bring back the essence of the 50's with a modern twist. To quote the band "we take good songs and lead them to their true calling".

Basti, Digger and Sam have achieved enormous success across Europe with their rock 'n' roll versions of hits by Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Robbie Williams and Beyonce.



My review: This album intrigued me from the moment I saw the promo on the TV. Some recent songs that have been hits in the charts, by the relevant artists, covered and sung by the three piece German band, The Baseballs, in a ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ 50’s style. Hmm, I thought, that sounds interesting, this could be good, or not!?

Well, my intrigue has turned into, somewhat, surprised delight! The songs are the ones you’ve, probably, sung along to on the radio, so you already know the words, but they have this wonderful 50’s style twist on them that really works. It does make me wonder what the original artists might make of the covers. All in all, though, I think it’s a great album for those who like the more recent songs, on the album, but with the twist ‘The Baseballs’ give them.

Riceboy sleeps by Jonsi and Alex (album review)

Description: This debut album from Jon Thor "Jonsi" Birgisson, the voice of Icelandic post-rockers Sigur Ros, was written and recorded with his partner Alex Somers, with whom he has also produced an acclaimed body of visual art. With strings performed by long-term Sigur Ros collaborators Amiina and a contribution by the Kopavogsdaetur choir, the album is a lush, blissful ambient experience, sounding much like Sigur Ros but shornof the rock instrumentation, huge build-ups and epic crescendos.

My review: After discovering, and loving, Jonsi’s album, Go, I had to find out if his collaboration with his partner, Alex Somers, was just as good. And it is, but it’s also very different from Jonsi’s solo project. This album is not solely Jonsi’s work, you don’t get the soaring falsetto voice soothing you and there’s no energizing drum beats.

The album is as good as any classical symphony I’ve ever heard, truly beautiful and very well orchestrated and produced. Not just ‘traditional’ instruments, you hear things in the music that are more ‘natural’, more organic, sounds of water, voices (human and animal), air and more. Some of the tracks have an, almost, hypnotic calmness about them, beautifully haunting.

The innocent young, fresh, choral work on Boy 1904 gave me chills and goosebumps. Truly angelic voices and beautiful uplifting sounds to raise them to new heights.

With a sound of pure ambient blissfulness that can transport you to a calm zone away from the everyday struggles of the day. I haven’t done Yoga in a number of years, but I could quite imagine this would be amazing for meditating to. The natural sounds within the tracks make you conjure visions of rippling water, wind-chimes, tall swaying grass in the calm breeze and more.

This isn’t just music, this is musical art, it’s beautiful, uplifting, calming. It gives you inner peace that life can swipe out from under your feet with the everyday grind of living. I shall definitely listen to this again, when I need to relax, and preferably when the children are not around, maybe after they’ve gone to bed or are at school. Highly recommend for anyone looking to zone out and chillax. Run a big hot bubble bath, put candles around the bathroom, play this while you sip a nice glass of wine or a bottle of beer (if that’s your preference) and feel the tranquility wash over you.


Jonsi and Alex's website can be found here.

Only revolutions by Biffy Clyro (album review)

Description: Fifth album, following 2007's 'Puzzle', from the Scots progressive indie rockers. Here they forgo the overt commercialism of 'Puzzle' in favour of a return to their classic style welding emo-style structures to technically complex math- and jazzcore elements. Named for the novel by Mark Danielewski, produced once again by Garth Richardson (Gallows) and withstriking cover artwork shot by the legendary Storm Thorgerson, the album includes the singles 'Mountains', 'The Captain' and 'That Golden Rule'.

My review: I found out about Biffy Clyro only in the last year or so through listening to Radio One. I have to admit I do quite like the Scottish Indie Rockers! Their music is full of energy, loads of guitar riffs and brilliant beats. The album has a good mix of pounding songs that you can’t help moving to and some great power ballads, like Many of Horrors. I have to admit a slight love of the Scots lilt in the singers accent, it doesn’t come through very strongly, but there’s the odd word that it comes through, that I love.

After listening to the whole album I don’t believe there is one song that I was repulsed by, always a good sign, I didn’t want to fast forward to the next track, it’s a good album with plenty to offer. After reading a few online reviews I see that some of the old school Biffy fans don’t all love the sound of this album, saying they’ve got a bit soft. Well, it sounds fine to me, but then I’m a Biffy ‘newbie’.

I would definitely listen to this album again, it’s a great rock album to listen to, can imagine it would be good to do a workout to (or do a rigorous bit of housework to).

Biffy Clyro's website can be found here.

Travelling like the light by V V Brown

Description: V V Brown is a singer, a songwriter, a performer, multi-instrumentalist and a producer, who first came to attention after landing an upfront slot on Later With Jools Holland. Her performance on the show won her a lot of admirers, including Damon Albarn, who invited her to perform on his Africa Exprez adventure in Lagos. Though music has always been a big part of V Vs life, with early influences including Ruth Brown, Elvis Presley and, just as importantly, the music from Super Marioland.

Travelling Like The Light, is a perfect introduction to the 25-year old’s sound. In this young lady’s world, love sounds like the perfect melody. Both are difficult to define she says, but both pour out of the songs on her debut album. This is music which sounds like performance: dramatic, charismatic and, frequently, as mad as a box of frogs. This is high definition, high concept pop with scuffed edges and laddered tights. V V describes her music as "musical mashed potatoes", which must, therefore, make her songs "smash hits"--but there’s nothing instant or synthetic about these pop tunes. Her songs are instantly addictive and unmistakably honest, with lyrics asking "what the bloody point is" answered by melodies full of life and reasons to be cheerful. The contradiction works, throwing the listener from happy to sad and back again in the space of three minutes.

My review: I shall be VERY honest here and say I knew nothing about VV Brown until my eldest son took part in the Young Voices Concert at the O2 Arena in December 2009 and she was named as one of the artists to star at it (after seeing the DVD from that I cannot believe the legs on this girl!! She has SERIOUSLY long legs, yes, I’m jealous). THEN at Christmas I found the BBC running a ‘preview’ of their viewing with a REALLY catchy song that had been tweaked from the original, and it was one of VV Brown’s (the track called: L.O.V.E) . So, on the basis of this I got me the album.

I have to admit, she has a lovely voice, very smooth and easy to listen to. There is a host of upbeat tracks to dance and sing along to, along with a few slower tempo tunes too, the kind to smooch with your beloved or just chill out with a glass of wine in your hand. It’s a nicely produced album with a nice mix of tracks to show off her voice and style. My personal favourite tracks are: L.O.V.E, Everybody, Crazy Amazing (has a sound of ‘Heart and Soul’ by Hoagy Carmicheal) and Shark in the water.

All in all it’s a good fun album with a good mix to suit most moods. I hope she has a bright future in the music industry.


Her official website can be found here

Rocky Horror Show: my review

Rocky Horror Show: Cambridge Corn Exchange Saturday 8th May 2010 5.30pm performance

I was treated to a night out on the town in Cambridge, while we had some willing babysitters looking after the kids. We went into Cambridge to the Corn Exchange to watch ‘The Rocky Horror show’. It was my first time, yes, I shall openly admit, I was a Rocky Horror virgin, until Saturday, at least. Now, I have been changed forever. My mind will never be the same again. My eyes will never look at things the same way and my ears have been forever influenced by the debauched, unadulterated, throbbing fun of that show.

Before I review the show, itself, I do have to point out, the people that go along to the show, some of them ‘die hard’ fans, go in some amazing outfits!! Including men coming in corsets, stockings, heels and g-strings (yes, cover your eyes people, it can get shocking!) and there was even a man dressed up as Janet, full garb, blonde wig, pink dress, full make-up the works, and he looked spectacularly DEVINE!! It’s all in the name of fun and now my Rocky Horror cherry has been plucked, I may partake in a little dress up if I was to go a second time.

I was thrilled to see our narrator for the evening was, none other than, Nigel Planer, ‘Neil’ from The Young Ones’ fame and lots more besides. His wonderful quick thinking and wit made a treat for the ‘fun heckling’ that erupted throughout the performance. I have to admit, other than Nigel, I hadn’t heard of any of the cast members before, however, I’m not likely to forget many of them in a hurry now. David Bedella played the seductively alluring Sweet Transvestite Frank ‘n’ Furter from Transexual Transylvania. My oh my, does that man have a very seductive deep velvet voice, even with the war paint on he definitely has the seductivity down well. Dear Riff Raff was played by Brian McCann and he has a great set of lungs on him and can play the creepy butler to a tee. Our dear naïve heroine and hero, Janet and Brad, were played by Haley Flaherty and Richard Meek, they were fantastic and kept the energy going throughout. And, I cannot forget the rippling Rocky played by Domonic Tribuzio, anybody who likes to look at a nicely ripped male body will definitely welcome him onstage, even in his leopard print speedos (that’s what they looked like from where I was sitting) and his back flips were amazing! Columbia and Magenta are amazing female sidekicks too, amazing voices and with their high kicks and splits while dressed in those costumes, I will say, rather them than me, great job.

Of course the creativity of this production comes from the depths of the mind of Richard O’Brien and this stage production was directed by Christopher Luscombe. I feel these people deserve a mention, all the cast and stage crew did an amazing job and have made me want to do a return visit the next time I can. The musicians were amazing, making the floor shake, the air scream with sound and complimented the songs and voices of the singers, brilliant work.

The whole thing was amazing, full of energy, full of enthusiasm, full of nylon and lace, heavy makeup and high heels. I have to admit, I am feeling the need to get myself a corset, fishnets and heels, slap on some over-the-top make-up and strut around the house and maybe do the Timewarp. Heck, if David Bedella can look that good in the get up, then I’m sure I could give it a go. By the end, pretty much the whole cast is in nylon stockings, suspenders, corsets/basques/waspies (whatever you want to call them) and heels. The story is brilliant, the cast shone, the hecklers added to it, and the cast made brilliant comebacks too. I didn’t quite know what to expect, and in saying that, I had a slight shock once or twice, but it’s all in the fun of the show, don’t go if you don’t like sexual innuendo and the like, you may get offended.

But if you do dare to partake in a bit of Rocky Horror entertainment, I’ll be surprised if you come out not enjoying yourself and buzzing for hours afterwards with the fun filled adrenaline you’ll leave with. The encore of the Timewarp had the whole theatre dancing along and singing. I don’t feel a standing ovation is enough for the dedication these people give to this show, or any show come to that. I have a lot of respect for stage performers, my dad used to do Amateur Dramatics and I know it’s hard work, learning the script and taking on the role of the part you play, be it in a play, musical or as a music group. To come out, night after night doing these performances and entertaining the audience isn’t easy and I doff my hat to them all. It’s a night I shall remember for a long time and relish replaying parts of it in my head. It had me laughing, singing and dancing and I enjoyed every single moment. I can highly recommend going to see the show, when it’s playing near you, but they do have different narrators, so don’t forget to check who’s narrating too, although I’m sure they all do a great job.

It’s hard to end this review I cannot seem to say enough good things about the show, cast and crew, they were amazing, wonderful, brilliant and awe inspiring. Go and lose your Rocky Horror cherry, if you haven’t already, and if you have, then I know you’re probably sitting there with a quirk of a smile on your lips and, probably, have a song or two from the show playing in your head. It’s a seductively engrossing treat not to be missed.


Check out the website: Rocky Horror Show.

Seldom seen kid by Elbow (album review)

Description: Epic post-rock tinged emotional indie stalwarts Elbow release their fourth album 'The Seldom Seen Kid', another staunch and anthemic collection of songs. The tense and emotional sound of previous records remains, but with a distinctly more commercial riff-based template, particularly on lead single'Grounds For Divorce'. The band produced the record themselves, as with previous outings, lending it a homespun quality that would be out of synch with any external influence. Revered by their peers as a reliably independent act, Elbow have created a subtly innovative extension of their sound and scope with 'The Seldom Seen Kid'.

My review: This is not the most upbeat album I’ve ever heard, there are a few nice tracks on it, but I wouldn’t recommend listening to it if you are feeling depressed, it may just drag you deeper. I do find that Guy Garvey’s voice is, somewhat, therapeutic and hypnotic to listen to.

I absolutely love the tracks Grounds for Divorce, its gritty guitar riff and Garvey’s gravely voice is just brilliant, and the string section orchestration serenity of ‘One day like this’ just transports me to a nice place and I’m very guilty of listening to that track on repeat, quite regularly. I do have to say, in my opinion, I think these two tracks save the album, slightly.

Not an album I’m likely to listen to over and over, except for a few tracks.

Jason Derulo by Jason Derulo (album review)

Description: This is the self-titled debut album from American R&B artist Jason Derulo. Produced by J.R. Rotem (Rihanna, Leona Lewis) Derulo delivers an album of slickly produced R&B and euro-trance inspired pop similar in vein to The Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown and Keri Hilson. The Billboard Hot 100 number one single 'Whatcha Say' is included.

My review: I’ve had to listen to this album a couple of times before I could really write a review, I think the first listen was not one that sunk in, for me, on listening to it for a second time it didn’t sound how I’d remembered, it sounded better. It’s quite a nice album, good mix of softer more smoochy songs along with a few boppier songs for good measure (I seem to find time to listen to music while I’m cooking dinner with my mp3 player plugged in, and I found myself bopping to one track while getting my foil out the draw and lining my grillpan – there’s a visual for you!! HAHA)

He does like reminding you who he is, HAHA, on a few tracks you hear “JASON DERULO” being said at some point. Most of it seems to stem along the lines of ‘hormones and dating’, when you read between the lines. Take it as you will, it is written by a man, so I guess to a woman listening to it I can see the younger male hormone surge in the music. The album is quite easy listening, in a respect, and is one I will probably listen to in the future too.

This is war by 30 seconds to Mars (album review)

This is war by 30 seconds to Mars

Great album, lots of gritty songs with energetic drumming and powerful guitar. A lot of the songs start off with a lower key start and really build to a massive crescendo. Jared Leto’s voice goes from whispering to raspy and soaring in an instant and helps bring their individual sound into its own. Personally, I like the choral work that is done on here, sounding like they either use a choir or they use sound bites from a concert audience, either way it adds to the likeability of some of the tracks.

The collaboration with Kanye West on the song Hurricane is well, and respectfully, done. Kanye’s distinct voice, and style, melds well with the track.

For me, my favourite tracks are Kings and Queens and Alibi, a more slower, lower energy ballad, but still with the powerful taste of 30 seconds to Mars personality.

To sum this album up, if I want to have a bit of a ‘rocking out’ session, this will possibly be one I’ll turn to. Oh, and you simply must watch the video they made for Kings and Queens, it’s amazing and almost like a mini film.

Click on here to go watch the video on youtube!