Friday, 23 May 2025

 So, it rolls round again and yet this year’s Eurovision was one of the safest, and most forgettable shows in years. The lunacy was stripped backed and no one seemed to want to take a risk. It might be all the fun was voted out in the semi-finals, but I didn’t watch them.

At least the UK entry this year wasn’t a complete stinker but there was still something odd about it. The singing was excellent, but the tune just seemed the wrong way round – It sped up in the verses and slowed down for the chorus which is where you need the big hook. Actually deserved a lot better in the scores.

As for the rest     

Sweden – Infuriatingly catchy (my daughter is still singing it) and the brown suits had a Public Service Broadcasting feel.

Finland – As subtle as a brick to the face. A buxom blonde in studded leather bodysuit and stockings straddling various microphone stands and singing about having an orgasm was the most Eurovision song of the night.

Lithuania – Bonus points to the band who really looked as if he would rather be anywhere rather than on that stage. Even in the green room, they were the most uninterested contestants ever.

Albania – Clearly someone watched too many YouTube videos of Toyah and Robert Fripp in their kitchen.

Latvia – Six women dressed as axolotl’s sang the best harmonies I think I’ve heard at Eurovision unfortunately the song dragged a bit.

Israel – A forgettable ballad which just highlighted the public vote manipulation to the maximum.

Italy – Had the feel of Bowie/ Ronson doing Starman on TOTP with the singer’s greasepaint makeup and the way he draped an arm around the guitarist. Bonus points for the live harmonica solo.    

Highlight of the whole night was the face-off between previous contestants Baby Lasagna (Rim Tim Tagi Dim) and Kaarja (Cha Cha Cha) in the interval showing that it is possible to go hugely OTT and still have an absolute earworm of a hit.   


Friday, 16 May 2025

 There is a new live New Model Army out called Live SO36. It’s a companion album to last year’s Sinfonia and was recorded around the same time. The two albums contrast perfectly with Sinfonia being recorded in an opulent music theatre with a full orchestra, while Live SO36 was a stripped back, raw recording in a small sweaty club.

There’s little need to review the album… It’s the New Model Army bristling with righteous indignation and unashamed passion communing with their family of fans.

What I did decide to do is pick my favourite tracks from their various live albums that I own:

Raw Melody Men Get Me Out

  • Honestly, I could choose any song from this album but right from Justin’s intro “So you wanna dance, yeah? Dance to this…” it’s impossible not to get swept along

And Nobody ElseNo Sense

  • Nelson puts down his bass and starts on a second drum kit to make this a special rendition. 
Fuck Texas, Sing For UsVagabonds

  • Marshall Gill replaces that oh so familiar violin intro with a fantastic new guitar version

Sinfonia Winter

  • A song that turned out to be a perfect fit for the orchestral setting so. It soars magnificently 

Live SO36Lust For Power

  • You can almost smell the sweat from the crowd reaction. A perfect encapsulation of that special bond between this band and their devoted following. 


Wednesday, 12 March 2025

 We come to another band that even on their seventh album can still astonish you.

A Pathway To The Moon by Ureqvited has seen the man behind the band name utilises a lot more clean vocals and even lyrics as a counterpoint to the wordless screams of older releases.

Its epic, maudlin, uplifting and all consuming. Genres blur and become obsolete as the music twists it way into something darkly beautiful.

Standout track for me is The Starforger – 8 minutes featuring some amazing guitar soloing, growled black metal vocals, symphonic keyboards and possibly a kitchen sink. Honestly you can listen to the song multiple times and still hear something new each time.

Whatever music you enjoy, I would recommend you give this your full attention.


Sunday, 16 February 2025

 First review of 2025 and it’s for an album full of raucous aural chaos, profanity and joyful absurdity – as well as a lot of squelchy Casio keyboard noises.

I first discovered Hens Bens on a local radio show (Last Transmission on Phonic FM) and backed their Kickstarter appeal for the debut album, World’s Strongest Band.

For the most part, the songs are frenetic short bursts of energy topped with cleverly silly lyrics.

The satirical Your Favourite Band Is On The Drugs Again takes a pop of those 90’s britpop acts out for a quick reunion buck (you all know who they mean)

Fuck Off Philip and Wanker are just slightly childish shout-alongs but both damn catchy tunes.

Unlike a novelty humorous act like Weird Al Yankovic these aren’t songs that will age badly due the references. Though maybe Arguing With The Guy From Sleaford Mods On Social Media might not make sense in a few years!

You feel they would be enormous fun to see live but as they hail from Scotland we are unlikely to see them anytime soon.

If you feel music is occasionally too serious, treat yourself to a listen to this  and find yourself with a big grin on your face



Friday, 27 December 2024

And so, we come to the obligatory end of year round up of the best new albums

Scarily this is now the 13th such round up and to follow protocol here are six of the best in alphabetical order:

  • Charm of FinchesMarlinchen in the Snow
  • Iress Sleep Now, In Reverse
  • JJ Lovegrove Unraveled: The Elegies
  • Midas FallCold Waves Divide Us
  • Public Service BroadcastingThe Last Flight
  • Regan & Bricheno - Apparitions

Wednesday, 25 December 2024

 It’s the end of the year to time to look back at the best live gigs of 2024

Back in April it was off to the Exeter Cavern to see Vazum. A band I was unfamiliar with but the description of their music as ‘deathcore’ sold it. Great fun. 

Charm of Finches flew all the way from Australia in June to play the Exeter Phoenix.

Glorious harmonies and rather surreal to hear the band and my daughter discussing Moomin tattoos afterwards

The Exeter Cavern was a popular destination this year and in August we caught the stunning Iress on top form. Best vocal performance of the year by a mile. 

October and my first trip abroad to catch a gig. Fish at the Tivoli, Utrecht was very special – Not only as it’s the farewell tour but the Dutch fans are just amazing as was the venue. Gig of the year.  

Finally rounding out the top 5 is another return to the Cavern in November to see Winterfylleth. It seems extraordinary to catch a band of that stature in the extreme metal world to be playing such a small venue. Absolutely rammed but a blast in more ways than one. 


Monday, 2 December 2024

 Time for a mini album review – JJ Lovegrove has put together Unravelled: The Elegies in just 5 weeks but it sounds like it been thought about for much longer.

The stories behind the songs were told through the Halloween calendar that JJ lovingly crafted, and it gives you such a deep engagement with music.

Of the six tracks, five are mainly vocals and piano with just Foolish Things adding additional instruments to drive a change of pace. (there is a bonus synth demo of the last track)

It’s raw, emotional and almost unbearably personal at times.

 Lyrically, it can be heartbreaking but there is also defiance in that voice – From Unraveled for example:

So hit me harder, I could use the attention
As I unravel all the things I shouldn’t mention
Don’t call me daughter by obligation

If this is the last new album I buy this year, then what a beautiful way to end it.