Waifs and strays
Robyn - you never will be hers, apparently.
Monday, 24, Mar 2008 03:49
One of those pesky knights of the turntable from inthenews.co.uk's singles reviews section has decided to set up camp here with a round-up of some musical finery that may have slipped under the radar including Robyn, Everyone To The Anderson and Ida Maria.
Robyn: Be Mine
Konichiwa Records; out now
Brilliant pop, full of lovelorn yearning from the impressive Robyn, who first captured our hearts with the brilliant Show Me Love in 1998.
Everyone To The Anderson: Doodlebug
Toy Soldier Records; www.everyonetotheanderson.com
Essentially an EP from talented trio Everyone To The Anderson that evokes 70s prog rock, New Wave and more given a truly accessible 21st century indie-esque makeover.
Everyone To The Anderson comprises Benjamin Gregory, Matt Hillman and Sven Wright. The mini-album was put together at Lumen Studios in Brighton in 2007 with mixing provided by Luke Joyce.
Opening track Activate is good but it's surpassed by the Move-styled ambience of Harpoon Flesh Wound, a track that screams out to be a single.
West West West is a stroppy attention-seeker of a track saved from getting a slap round the chops by a pounding vocal and guitar interlude.
Piper Alpha is a slow-burning slice of pure class. Moody and memorable, it could easily be a lost early U2 or Gary Numan song, chockful of melancholic vocals and sombre drums.
Closing track When Beasts Attack illustrates Everyone To The Anderson's pared-down but exquisite sound to great effect.
Ida Maria: Drive Away My Heart
Nesna Records; out now
Knockout retro-edged rock from Scandinavian songstress Ida Maria who gave a memorable performance at London's Astoria recently.
B-side Leave Me, Let Me Go is a lovely acoustic ballad-cum-lullaby that easily equals the material of the UK's Laura Marling.
Without doubt, one of the best songs you'll hear this year.
Gabriella Cilmi: Sweet About Me
Universal Island Records; out now
Feisty jazz-influenced female pop that may fill the void left since the departure of Alisha's Attic and Shakespeare's Sister back in the 90s.
This lady could teach wannabes like Remi Nicole a thing or two about music with attitude.
Turin Brakes: Something In My Eye
Mawlaw 388; out now
Melodic if plodding indie-pop from the Brakes, that is about as satisfying as a cup of weak tea from a late-night burger van.
Elle Milano: Meanwhile In Hollywood
Brighton Electric; out March 31st
This is a grower. At first listen, you think 'so what?' but after a couple more listens you're humming along to this Brighton-based trio's prickly and engrossing indie-punk.
Meanwhile In Hollywood will be on the soundtrack to your summer. Although Ringtone Advertising Director will be one of those post-pub 'all back to mine' stompers while you crack open the cold ones from the fridge.
Showroom Furniture, the third track on the single, is essential listening as the first tendrils of sunlight slither through the gap in the curtains.
Click here to read more about Elle Milano
Lee Davis