The Wombats Live Review

On Sunday, whilst streaming music and absentmindedly checking all social media outlets, I came across an absolute gem:

@thewombats "London! We’re playing an intimate guest list only show Wednesday night. RSVP here: http://jukely.com/thewombats "

Of course as someone who saw The Wombats live at the O2 Academy Birmingham over seven years ago I couldn't help but feel this free gig was well worth going to.

So, with my friend in toe, we darted North to Nambucca on Holloway Road to ensure we could get entry. In hindsight there was absolutely no need to rush, but hey you never know what to expect when things are offered for free!!

As a very brief bio, The Wombats are an indie rock band from Liverpool. First hitting the music scene in 2003, the Wombats have released a number of great tracks, including the popular "Let's Dance to Joy Division" and "Moving To New York." To date they have released three albums, the most recent being "Glitterbug" which came out in April of this year. For more info on them, check out their website http://www.thewombats.co.uk/

Similar bands/styles to the Wombats are The Pigeon Detectives, The Kooks and Two Door Cinema Club.

Arriving on stage at 9.45 the crowd were well and truly fueled up on beer and ready to be entertained. And entertained we were. Playing a mixture of songs from their old and new albums, lead vocalist Matthew Murphy had the crowd well and truly pumped. In the hope of not coming across too 'old' it has certainly been a while since I have been on the cusp of such a wild/frantic mosh pit.

It is no surprise the crowds biggest reaction and cheers came when The Wombats played their two biggest (and most recognised) tracks, as mentioned above, Lets Dance for Joy Division and Moving to New York.

Overall for a last minute free gig I had an absolutely brilliant time. I would certainly pay to see them live...again! Despite it being over seven years between the two gigs I attended by the Wombats, both times I was treated to an excellent night of live music. Currently touring around Europe and then Australia, the Wombats will be back in the UK for Summer festivals (T In The Park, Reading & Leeds). I would certainly recommend seeing them live - their upbeat tracks and energetic set are the perfect mix for a fun night out.

Tour dates: 
July 4th. Godiva Festival - Coventry, UK
July 10th. T in the Park - UK
August 28th. Bramham Park - Leeds, UK
August 29th. Reading Festival - Reading, UK
August 30th. Leeds Festival - Leeds, UK
September 15th. Terminal 4 - NYC
September 28th. Rock City - Nottingham, UK
September 30th. Guildhall - Southampton, UK
October 1st. Alexandra Palace - London, UK
October 2nd. Cardiff University - Cardiff, UK
October 21st. Apollo - Manchester, UK
October 23rd. Mountford Hall - Liverpool, UK

For more information on tour dates please check out: http://www.thewombats.co.uk/tour/

Sofar Sounds (Secret Gig number 2)

Back in November you may remember me posting about a secret gig I attended courtesy of Sofar Sounds. If not, here is a reminder: Review

This week I was fortunate enough to get my hands on another set of tickets to another secret gig at another secret location in London.

On Tuesday, with my friend in toe, we headed to Swiss Cottage to see three local/talented acts, and boy were we in for a treat. Not only were the three acts completely different from each other but they were all awesome!

First off was Miss Baby Sol. What can say? Sassy, fun and uber cool, this girl sure can sing. With orange hair, impressive heal boots and a black jumpsuit, Baby was the perfect pick to start the night off. Baby, along with her guitarist, soon had the whole crowd swaying and clicking along to her soulful tunes.

Baby sang a number of her own singles including She Cries, Always and No No. Although bashful between songs, this girl oozed confidence as she sang her way through her set.

Miss Baby Sol (picture from @marina111288) 

With the support of Paloma Faith behind her, it is clear the Sofar crowd are not the only ones who think she has talent. To hear more from Baby check out her website: http://www.missbabysol.com/

Upcoming gigs: 
Sat 7th Feb. Passing Clouds - London

Next up, were the Irish foursome, The Riptide Movement .

Riptide Movement 

Riptide Movement, made up of lead singer Malachy Tuohy, drummer Gar Byrne and guitarists John Dalton & Gerald McGarry, are an irish rock band from Dublin. Having never heard of them before I was impressed to hear their album "Getting Through" went to number 1 in the Irish Charts last year.

I must say, as a huge fan of folk rock music, this band were right up my street. Having already supported The Rolling Stones at Hyde Park, it comes as no surprise these boys looked relaxed and comfortable performing to a living room full of 50 strangers.

When they played, I was reminded a great deal of a more upbeat and cheery version of Kodaline and The Coronas. Their set included singles "You & 1," "Glor" and "Skins & Bones." They are due to release their debut UK single "All Works Out" on March 9th, and I for one will be definitely downloading it.

Malachy Tuohy - Riptide Movement (picture from @marina111288)

Although Riptide Movement have no upcoming gigs, they have just played a sold out three day tour at the Islington. Watch out for these boys, I'm confident this is not the last we have seen of them. 

And finally, from soul, to folk-rock to....beat boxing. The last act, and by no means least, was Reeps One. 

I have one word; Wow! As someone who only ever finds herself listening to dubstep when out on the dance floor on a night out, I was completely mesmerised by the whole thing. Harry Yeff, or otherwise known by his stage name Reeps One, made beatboxing look a breeze. Joking with the crowd, Reeps One showed off his vocals, dubstep sounds and versatile beats. Having played at Glastonbury three times, supported the likes of Chris Brown and won the Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championships two years in a row, I am thrilled to have got the opportunity to see this guy live - it was like nothing I had seen before. 

Reef Ones website is currently under construction but here is the link anyway; http://reepsone.co.uk/

Overall I had an absolutely superb night of live music. Three very different acts, all known for their own style and genre, I was spoilt. I had a cracking night, and couldn't thank the brilliance of the Sofar Sound group enough. Again, if you haven't signed up, you are missing out. Here is the site if you are interested: http://www.sofarsounds.com/

Iron & Wine

Beautiful and pure. I am a huge fan of this artist.

Iron & Wine (Samuel Beam) is an American folk singer and songwriter, who to date has released five albums and several EPs.

In 2002 Iron & Wine released his debut album "The Creek Drank the Cradle." What makes me enjoy the music written, performed, recorded and produced by Samuel Beam is the accompaniment of guitars and banjos that features heavily in his music.

Following the success of his debut album, Iron & Wine released four more albums; "Our Endless Numbered Days," "The Shepherd's Dog," "Kiss Each Other Clean," and "Ghost on Ghost."

As well as five albums, Iron & Wine has released a number of great EPs including "The Sea & The Rhythm," "Woman King," and "In the Reins."

If singers such as Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and Tallest Man On Earth are your thing, than this is a man for you! An insanely talented singer, Samuel Beam is able to seduce the audience with his gut wrenching, softly sung, and highly emotive tracks. Check him out - he is certainly worth the effort.

Tour dates: 
June 21st. Smith Opera House - Geneva, NY

For further details check out: http://www.ironandwine.com/tour

Ben Howard Review

Only securing the tickets a week ago for the gig, I was pumped to be given the chance to see Ben Howard perform again.

Having already seen Ben Howard perform live (in NYC), my expectations of this gig were high - and boy did he deliver!

The set list for the evenings gig was: Everything, Black Flies, Old Pine, I Forgot Where We Were (new single), Only Love, The Wolves, The Burren, Burgh Island, Keep You Head Up, and The Fear. For encore Ben played: Keiko (new single), Oats in the Water, and Promise.

A totally chilled out guy who lets his music do the talking, this gig is solely about the music.

Playing a mix of singles, from crowd favorites (Keep Your Head Up/ Wolves), to my favourites (Black Flies / Burgh Island), to brand spanking new material (I Forgot Where We Were), the crowd were treated to a really great night of live music.

For me the highlight of the evening was his performance of new single "Keiko." This song reminds me a great deal of "Depth over Distance," in terms of harmonies and playing style on his guitar. Just him on stage, accompanied by his guitar, this song was raw and highly emotive.

It is safe to say from hearing the new material, the new album (due out sometime in the winter) is going to be just as good as the hugely popular debut album "Every Kingdom." Another single which is new and definitely worth check out is White Lights.

Something that stands out to me when watching Ben perform live, which I feel plays a huge part to his success, is his genuine appreciation and humble attitude to all the support he gets from his shows. There is no doubt this guy is popular - the packed out crowd at the Hammersmith Apollo cheered from start to finish.

To read my previous review of Ben Howard live in NYC check out: Review NYC

To read my original post about Ben Howard check out: Ben Howard

I am due to see Ben Howard perform in Dublin next month, and just between me and you - I cannot wait!!

Tour Dates
13th June. Isle of Wight Festival - Isle of Wight Festival, UK
26th June. Glastonbury Music Festival - UK
6th July. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - London, UK
14th July. Phoenix Park - Dublin, Ireland
29th July. Central Park - NYC
17th August. Boardmasters Festival 2013 - Cornwall, UK
15th August. Green Man Festival  - Powys, UK
17th August. Custom House Square - Belfast, UK

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/1212276-ben-howard/calendar?page=1

The John Langan Band Review

A fun folk trio.

With elements of Celtic, Balkan and Gypsy in their music, this scottish band are pretty unique. The John Langan Band is made up of John Langan on guitar, vocals and percussion, Dave Tunstall on double bass, and Alastair Caplin on fiddle.

I saw these three guys perform at the very low key "Folk Rising" event held in Camden, London this week. An incredibly upbeat band who evidently love playing together, this trio soon had the seated crowd bobbing their heads, and tapping their feet to the beat.

Although their set only consisted of a handful of songs (including Winter Song, Midgets on Acid), each one was roughly 5 minutes plus and was jam packed with different sounds and styles. What I found most endearing about this band is you were never quite sure what to expect next - what starts out as a pensive and acoustic track can instantly turn into a stomping yet highly rhytmic instrumental piece. I love it!  

Over the years this band has built up quite the fan base and have recently released their debut self titled album "The John Langan Band." Check them out - this alternative folk band brings a lot more to the table than you could ever imagine.

Tour dates:
19th April. The Cornerhouse - Cambridge
23rd April. Russet Cafe - London
11th May. The Glue Factory - Glasgow
8th Aug. Mandstock Festival 2013 - Arco

For information regarding tour dates and tickets check out: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/177947/The_John_Langan_Band.html

Lauren Aquilina

An upcoming artist sure to break through.

Lauren Aquilina is a seventeen year old singer/songwriter from Berkshire, UK. Half british and half Matlese, this young girl is proving to be very popular. Her debut single Fools, which she self released, has already become a hit in Malta - reaching number 1 in the iTunes charts.

When listening to Lauren Aquilina I am very much reminded of Daughter. Her soft and (at times) haunting voice matches the beauty and emotion that Elena Tonra is able to produce through her music. It is clear from her style and material that the likes of Ellie Goulding, Sara Bareilles and Laura Marling have been strong influences in her own musical development.

I would check this one out - it wont be long before she is a frequent play on the radio.

Tour Dates:
5th September. The Fleece - Bristol
6th September. Sound Control - Manchester
7th September. Beanscene - Glasgow
8th September. University of northumbria - Newcastle Upon Tyne
10th September. The Cockpit - Leeds
11th September. HMV Institute - Birmingham
12th September. The Borderline - London

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/4810868-lauren-aquilina/calendar

Haim

A sister act that is taking the music industry by storm.

Haim is made up of three sisters; Este, Danielle and Alana, from LA, California. Described as a 'nu-folk meets nineties R&B' band, this trio are filling a gap that no one seemed to know needed filling!

2013 has started tremendously for this band. On 9th December Radio One announced that Haim had won "Sound of 2013," a fantastic achievement when you consider the winners from previous years (Adele, Ellie Goulding and The Bravery).

If you are questioning their live performance ability, this would be a huge mistake. Growing up, the three sisters were in a band "Rockinhaim" with their parents - something they believe was 'crucial' to how they are as a band today. Not only have these girls been performing for most of their lives, but they have already supported a number of impressive bands and artists including; Florence and the Machine , Mumford and Sons, Ke$ha, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

After the buzz created by their three single EP, it comes as no surprise there is much anticipation for their debut album, due to be released sometime this year (2013). Check them out - you really will be foolish to ignore these three.

Tour Dates: 
17th February. Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden NJ (supporting Mumford and Sons)

For further information on tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/503872-haim/calendar

Other Lives

I am a HUGE fan of this American indie band from Oklahoma. This band, who originally went by the name Kunek, has to date released two albums; their debut self titled album "Other Lives" and "Tamer Animals."

This band, over the years, has built up quite the strong fan base. Having toured with the likes of Rosebud, Radiohead, and Bon Iver, this band have certainly not gone unnoticed. Although this band has yet to become mainstream, don't be put off, their music is amazing. 

Songs to definitely check out by this band are"Black Tables," "Tamer Animals" and "Desert."

For this gig you should expect acoustic performances, very little interaction and a band that uses an assortment of different instruments. Although the music of the Other Lives is certainly not upbeat or even dance worthy it is both powerful and hypnotic, and will leave you feeling moved and transfixed.

Other lives are currently embarking on their N.America tour and will be heading back to the studio to begin work on their third album, which they hope to release sometime in 2013. 

If the music from the twilight saga is your calling, than this band is for you. Deep, dark and incredibly indie, I urge you to give em a go! They really are very good. 

Tour dates:
28th November. The Bowery Ballroom - NYC
29th November. Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY

For details regarding tickets and the rest of their N.American tour check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/2353203-other-lives/calendar?page=1

Jake Bugg

Definitely one to watch!

Jake Bugg is an English singer/songwriter from Nottingham. He scored his first big break back in 2011 when he was chosen by the BBC to appear on their introducing stage at Glastonbury Music Festival, and was then given a contract with Mercury Records.

Jake's debut self titled album is due to be released on the 15th October.

This 18 year old boy with his mod haircut is certainly one to check out - his distinct and unique voice screams 'forget me not.' In a number of reviews Jake has been likened to Bob Dylan, and listening to him I really couldn't agree with this more. I am a huge fan of this guitar playing country/folk-esq guy and definitely feel he has the talent and potential to match the success of Ben Howard  and Ed Sheeran.

Check him out. It'll be worth it!

Tour Dates: 
16th October. Sub89 - Reading, UK
20th October. O2 Academy - Oxford, UK
12th November. HMV Institute - Birmingham, UK
13th November. Wedgewood Rooms - Southsea, UK
14th Novemer. KOKO - London, UK
15th November. Thekla - Bristol, UK
17th November. Manchester Academy - Manchester, UK
18th November. The Cockpit - Leeds, UK
19th November. Fibbers - York, UK
20th November. O2 Academy 2 Newcastle - Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
23rd November. Rescue Rooms - Nottingham, UK

For more information regarding tickets and his (European, N.American) tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/4172111-jake-bugg/calendar?page=1

The Low Anthem

This seemingly unknown American indie folk band is definitely worth checking out if you listen to bands such as 'Iron and Wine,' and 'Tallest Man on Earth.'

The thing I particularly like about The Low Anthem is they have no intention playing any of their songs in the same way night after night. Since each of the band members play an array of different instruments, The Low Anthem are successful in achieving this goal and as a result continually perform great gigs.

Something that should also get a mention is the bands willingness to deliver a great show to their fans. For their gig in Boston on 10/21/11 The Low Anthem took their gig outside as they had not finished their set list by the time the venue had to close for the night. Its not often you hear bands willing to do this, so with this in mind I urge you to give this band a go and see them live.

Songs I recommend checking out are "Charlie Darwin," "To Ohio" and "The Horizon is a Beltway."

Tour dates:
27th October. Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University - NYC

For more information about their N.American tour or to buy tickets visit: http://www.songkick.com/artists/934168-low-anthem

Roo Panes

Lovely voice...and not too harsh on the eyes either!

You would not be blamed if you have no idea who singer Roo Panes is. This relatively unknown artist from Dorset, is more likely to be recognised around the city of London for modelling in the latest Autumn/Winter 2012 Burberry campaign (see below).

Despite being called Andrew, Roo chose to be known by his nickname Roo Panes - "When I was a kid I threw a stick into the river and fell in, like Roo does in Winnie-the-Pooh. I've not been able to shake the nickname off since then."

One thing is for sure, the latest burberry campaign should help boost Roo's music career. Following in the shoes of Johnny Flynn, Roo has provided the music for the Burberry campaign. The single "Indigo Home" (see in video below) recorded for the campaign is a beautifully romantic acoustic folk song.

Tour dates: 
22nd August. Halfmoon Putney - London, UK

For information regarding tickets check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/3547541-roo-panes

Sadie Jemmett

A British singer with a beautiful voice.

Through this artist I was able to identify the true brilliance of Twitter. Twitter not only enables avid music fans like myself to discover new music, but it allows for upcoming bands and artists to promote themselves and their music. It is through twitter that I first heard Sadie Jemmett.

As a huge fan of acoustic guitar performances, Sadie Jemmett is right up my street! Sadie Jemmett is an award winning British singer and songwriter from London. With an impressive background - touring with the The Rose Theatre, writing music and performing in the show "13 Mirrors," and co-writing the music for a number of theatrical productions - Sadie is someone with great talent.

Over the years, Sadie has performed at a number of festivals including The Secret Garden Party and The Small World Festival, and supported artists like KT Tunstall on their tours. In 2009 Sadie also released her debut album "The Blacksmith's Girl" which includes the tracks "Come Down," my personal favourite "Another Way To Be," and "The Beautiful People."

What I particularly love the most when listening to Sadie Jemmett's music, is the raw emotion you hear during her acoustic performances. With lyrics that boast honesty, Sadie Jemmett is able to successfully  translate the difficult times she has experienced in her past into her music. Although a quiet performer, the sedate intimate sounds she is able to produce through her music will have you caught up in the moment. Check her out - it will be worth it!

Tour Dates: 
26th September. Green Note - London, UK
4th October. The Wilmington Arms - London, UK

For ticket details check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/1119057-sadie-jemmett