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MUSIC
This issue’s music selection has been reviewed by Francis Brown of www.newsoundwales.com
New Sound Wales’ website will keep you up to date with everything you need to know if you live in Wales and are passionate about music.
Their aim is to:
■ Keep you up to date with new bands and performers that are emerging from Wales and beyond.
■ Recommend new CD’s and music downloads.
■ Let you know which Welsh gigs are coming up in the months ahead.
If you like acoustic, folk and alternative music, www.newsoundwales.com is the place to bookmark and check on a regular basis.
New Sound Wales are keen to hear what you think about music in Wales, what bands you’re listening to and who you would like to see playing in Wales. |
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FIELD MUSIC
Measure
This is ambitious and almost progressive in places
with shifting time signatures and layered guitars.
However, it is at all times accessible, tight and
hugely invigorating. Stand out track 'Them That Do Nothing' is a song that Ray Davies would be proud of.
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RACE HORSES
Goodbye Falkenberg
This is a band bursting with energy, enthusiasm
and ideas and when it works well, such as the
future indie classic 'Cake' it is uplifting and full of energy. On this form Race Horses seem to be odds on favourites to succeed the Super Furry Animals as the next great Welsh band.
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LAWRENCE ARABIA
Chant Darling
Short, sweet, joyous pop songs from this New
Zealander heavily influenced by the Beatles. This
hovers a bit close to the edge of pastiche at times,
but is saved by the sheer quality of the songs and
musicianship. If he can begin to assert more of
his own personality and style he could be a star.
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HIDDEN CAMERAS
Origin:Orphan
Much darker than previous albums but this takes
them to a whole new level. Many of the tracks
are slower and definitely a 'darker shade of pale'. Orchestral hook lines and aching vocals draw you in. If you hear a more sombre and heartbreaking song than the title track this year I'll be surprised.
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MIDLAKE
The Courage of Others
An obsession with 60s folk rock bands such as
Pentangle and the Incredible String Band has
certainly had an impact on this recording. This is
carefully crafted with exquisite arrangements and
sounds superb. There is a slight lack of variety, but
this is a minor grumble. Classy.
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LOS CAMPESINOS!
Romance is Boring
Less frantic and more thoughtful than previous
releases, showing a distinct and developing style.
The band are now veterans of producing indie
pop hits with apparent ease. However, there is
also a maturity and willingness to experiment.
Overall this album is a huge leap forward.
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DELPHIC
Acolyte
This band have been heavily hyped which can
be a drawback. However, it does show promise
with some finely crafted indie dance tracks, not
a million miles from Friendly Fires territory. The
potential is there, but it needs a few years and a
few more albums yet to reach its full potential.
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ELLIE GOULDING
Lights
A great new talent from Wales - well Hereford to be precise. Classy electro pop songs with a folk sensibility. Following Little Boots, Florence etc this is further proof that the ladies are taking over and leading the way. Come on guys pull your fingers out!
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JIMI HENDRIX
Valleys of Neptune
Hendrix spent much of 1968/9 in the studio and
here's yet another collection of outtakes from that period. It's worth getting for the unreleased title track and 'Ships that pass' but is probably for completists only. Newcomers should head straight for Electric Ladyland.
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JOANNA NEWSOM
Have One on Me
Triple album containing some of the most
memorable and majestic music you will
hear this year. Huge variety and depth helps
to demonstrate why she is being talked
about as this generation's Joni Mitchell. Simply stunning!
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