Single Review: InnerPartySystem - American Trash

I’d heard a lot about Innerpartysystem without actually hearing any songs, so I was quite excited to be able to give my opinions on their new single ‘American Trash’. A quick bit of research shows they are a bigger band than I initially thought, and they have a large and loyal fan base.

However, after a couple of listens to their new single, I think it’s safe to say that this fan base won’t be gaining an extra member. I wouldn’t go as far as to say they are a bad band, not by any stretch, and their large fan base only further proves this. They are evidently great at what they do, and have got to where they are through a lot of hard work.

Single Review: Brother - Darling Buds of May

Hyped up by NME as "the brightest guitar hopes of 2011", Slough's Brother have been making themselves known here and there since last summer. With a cocky and confident attitude, the four-piece seem to have the gift of the gab but ultimately the question is do they have the songs?

With the obvious 90's "Britpop" influence in both sound and image, 'Darling Buds of May' proves to be favourable introduction to the band. Its simple style and lyrics bring about a guilty attraction to the band, especially when you realise they're musically trying to be classic Oasis; just listen to the guitar part 1 minute into it and tell not it dosen't remind you of the latter's 'Acquiesce'.

Single Review: Yellowcard - For You, and Your Denial

Yellowcard make their long awaited return with 'For You and Your Denial'; a chorus driven anthem that will provide you with three and a half minutes of mindless nostalgia.

From the moment you hear the initial riff of Sean Mackin's violin, you’re sold. The verses don’t hold back and the chorus is an instant hit. There is literally nothing bad about this song.

Single Review Round-Up: Mojo Fury and Pendulum

Mojo Fury - Colour Of The Bear
'Colour Of The Bear' is released as a digital download on February 13th.

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I pretty much find this song awful, pro tip, getting a singer that can sing is a great start, as is writing lyrics that aren’t absolutely terrible, I guess the only redeeming part of the song is the chorus, if you can block out the lyrics and appreciate the music then it’s pretty decent.
I haven’t check out Mojo Fury before, and judging on this effort I’ll probably try my best not to again.

1/5

Single Review: Darko - Never Coming Home/Chewbacca Defence

Darkos brand of Melodic Skate Punk takes two distinctive turns in this digital 7” single, first song, 'Never Coming Home', to put it quite simply is annoying, for all the good work the catchy chorus does, the ridiculous bridge and repetitive outro completely undo it, why this was chosen as the proper single from this is beyond me, especially when 'Chewbacca Defence' is clearly the better song by a country mile.

'Chewbacca Defence' starts with a bang, the gruff vocals actually work and don’t stink of desperation like in the previous song. 'Chewbacca Defence' has a clear influence from the likes of Rise Against, the verses are fast paced, the chorus huge and the bridge gives the song a hint of atmosphere, the kind of one that even sitting alone in your bedroom you’re more than likely to go absolutely mental to.

Single Review: The Cape Race - They're Young, They're In Love

Tipped for big things in 2011, The Cape Race make a exuberant blast with introductory single, 'They're Young, They're In Love'. The first of six singles (from their forthcoming 'Now, Voyager' record) sees the Manchester five-piece showcasing a bright, well-defined pop-rock style that is radiant.

With David Moloney's soothing, confident vocals melting over the slick, airy guitars that brings about a solid backbone and slightly summery vibe; in a similar fashion to The Dangerous Summer. Add to that a steady, accessible tempo and you're on to a winner.

Single Review: Kyoto Drive - So Much Alive/Chapters

Kyoto Drive are an Alter The Press! Pick for 2011 and this two song single shows exactly why, filled with catchy hooks and even catchier vocals, this Birmingham pop rock lot, look set to make next year their own.

'Chapters' does take a little while to get going, but once it does it’s worth the wait, as soon as the chorus kicks in you’ll find the melody embedded in your head, and you’ll soon be singing along. From there on in, there is a constant motion to the song that just doesn’t let up and before you know it you’re finished and looking for more.

Single Review Round-Up: Stevie & The Moon, Crazy Arm and Dive Dive

Stevie & The Moon - Rainbows/Wolves

Described as one of Scotlands most exciting new acts, Stevie & The Moon have a sound that oozes potential but doesn't quite act upon it in this split single.

'Rainbows' is led by a repetative riff with echoing vocals, an effect that while can be atmospheric can also become increasingly annoying the more it's used, certain parts of this song are obvious in their resemblance to Arcade Fire and that's by no means a bad thing.

Single Review Round-Up: We Are Enfant Terrible, Vessels and Little Fish

We Are Enfant Terrible - Wild Child/Flesh 'n' Blood Kids
Released on December 6th through Last Gang Records.

I'll admit French electro-pop isn't something we mention much of on this site, if at all. We Are Enfant Terrible are the kinda act that some "hipsters" would be raving about and be labelling as the one of the underground acts of 2010. Thankfully that's not us.

Whilst this double a-side does have some appeal; 'Wild Child' is a buzzy synth electro number that is passable and has a scrappy undertone, courtesy of vocalist Clo Floret. Whereas 'Flesh 'n' Blood Kids' is dominated by 8-bit beeps and the occasional indie guitar stroke, but ultimately the trio create a sound that is scarce and quickly becomes dull.

2/5

Single Review Round-Up: Vietwow, Scholars, Stagecoach/Johnny Foreigner, Enter Shikari, Avenge Vulture Attack, My Pet Dragon and The Prospect

Vietwow – If You Ever Leave Me/Hole In The Head
'Available for download and on floppy disc from November 22nd via Idle Hands Records.

VIETWOW! feature ex members of Blakfish, Meet Me In St. Louis, Super Tennis, as well as a current Youvves member. Upon hearing this, you’d be forgiven for expecting to know pretty much exactly what to expect. However, you won’t find Big Scary Monsters records dream band on this double A side like you may have expected. What you will find though is two slices of lo-fi pop goodness that isn’t too far off the bands own description of a ‘Frank Turner and Rivers Cumo side project’.

First song ‘If You Ever Leave Me Then I’ll Fucking Kill You’ is reminiscent of an English Arcade Fire if Arcade Fire had a phsycopath writing their lyrics. It is an incredible pop song and I imagine it would be almost impossible to listen to this song without cracking a smile. Second song ‘Hole in the Head’ is more catchy lo-fi sing along pop music and makes this a strong double A side and well worth checking out.

4/5

Single Review Round-Up: Canterbury, Young Guns and Four Year Strong

Canterbury - Calm Down
Available now

Canterbury are one of the many up and coming UK bands that have been receiving much praise in recent months. 'Calm Down' follows on from their free mini-album, 'Thank You'. Starting off with a dance-y beat, before bursting with warm brand of rock. It's a great introduction track, if you're yet to hear Canterbury; a superb, strong chorus and great production shows why they are definitely one to keep an eye on.

4/5

Single Review Round-Up: Deaf Havana, The Last Republic, The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster, Straight Lines, Delta/Alaska and Kill Cassidy

Deaf Havana - Smiles All Round
Released on November 1st through A Wolf At Your Door Records.

After line-up changes which ultimately saw the band ditching the screamo vocals, James Veck-Gilodi takes on main vocal duties on a permanent basis and the resulting material is supeerb, as 'Smiles All Round' is a quick blast of melodic alt-rock brilliance. Storming guitars and pounding drums compliments Veck-Gilodi's clean vocals well, as the bands change in direction is much welcomed and holds a lot of promise.

4/5

Single Review: Football, etc. - Away Game/XXL 7"

Imagine if Sunny Day Real Estate was fronted by a female vocalist, because plain and simple that is exactly what Football, etc. sound like. However this isn't a bad thing, as this 7" shows, 'Away Game' sees Lindsay's vocals melt on top of the bands 90's emo sound, and when mixed with their delicate guitar sounds, it creates a bright, uplifting feel.

Single Review: Orphan Boy - Some Frontier

Manchester's Orphan Boy's latest single, 'Some Frontier' is one of more the better tracks from the bands 'Passion, Pain and Loyalty' album. It's bright, invigorating and upbeat as the swirling guitar provides a base for the bands indie style, that sticks to their city's origins and Rob Cross' passionate vocals add an extra bit of life to the track, which isn't quite as instant as you may think.

Single Review: Burn The Fleet - Black Holes

Following on from their self-titled release from earlier this year, Southampton's Burn The Fleet's latest offering, 'Black Holes' is more subtly darker, atmospheric number with neater production that brings out the best for all those involved, especially vocalist Andrew Convey, who brings an edgy, melodic element to the bands alt-rock sound.

Single Review Round-Up: Mother Mother, Sound of Guns, Foxy Shazam, Dinousaur Pile-Up, Musée Mécanique, Anberlin and Mojo Furry

Mother Mother - Body of Years
Available now on Last Gang Records

Canada's Mother Mother's latest offering, 'Body of Years' is a punchy indie rock number with its steady pace, stabbing guitars and good vocal harmonies. However despite its acceptable structure, I expected the track become more alive during its later stages but failed to do so, although the swirling synth keys added depth to the track. Good but ultimately disappointing.

2.5/5

Single Review: The Xcerts - Young (Belane)

After giving a preview of their new album ('Scatterbarin') earlier this year with the brilliant 'Slackerpop'. The Scottish/Exeter trio are back with 'Young (Belane)', Whilst the former evidently showed the work of producer Mike Sapone, this time the band showcase a British-flavoured alt-rock sound that may throw comparisons towards one or two other trios from Scotland.

Single Review Round-Up: Out Like A Lion, Oberhofer, City Reign, Broken City Skyline and Fiorentina

Out Like A Lion - Back to Front
Released on September 13th through All Aboard Records

Out Like A Lion get you dancing with their jangly guitar soundingsingle "Back to Front." The Bristol band show off their musical craftwith some interesting guitar and bass work. They sound like Bloc Party meets Person L. "I talk back to front. You listen outside out. I know they always say three is a crowd, but you can't help yourself, so can you please leave now?" The song is catchy. Plain and simple, it's a good dance-rock song.

4/5

Single Review: Weezer - Memories

Weezer's first post-Geffen release sees the band continuing their hook-filled alt rock, that they have produced in recent years. A sound that in some ways saw the band abandon their earlier sound, although the subtle pop sensibilities.

Despite 'Memories'' high octane tempo, and fuzzy guitars, for some this is just Weezer being themselves. However if there was ever a 'best of' collection, this would be placed in the middle, in terms of good Weezer singles. Admittedly after a few listens, the simple line of "memories make me want to go back there" will be stuck on your head and demands for the track to be heard again.

Single review Round-Up: Frank Turner and Francesqa/Person L

This edition of the Single Review Round-Up features singles from Frank Turner and the split single from Francesqa and Person L.

Frank Turner - Try This At Home
Available now on Xtra Mile

The latest cut from Turner's 'Poetry Of The Dead' record sees Turner heavily showing his folk punk side. Its fast tempo and socially aware lyrics, quickly brings comparisons to Billy Bragg to mind. However Turner's own passion shines through in his delivery. Although the track falls just before the 2 minute mark, and for those who are unfamiliar with Turner will struggle to grasp a full understanding of his ideas.

3/5