On The Radar : MO

As the month of January closes we are all still sat firmly on our seats still waiting for the first movements from the bands tipped to make 2013, but there are always that fair few diamonds in the rough. Channeling somewhere between Gwen Stefani, Lana Del Rey and Azelia Banks sits MO, hailing from everyone’s favourite European musical export Sweden.

Radar track ‘Glass’ partners the elements of 2012 breaking band Alt-J with the vocals of previously mentioned Lana Del Rey (think ‘Breezeblocks’ v ‘Born To Die’), a duel vocal chorus with a sing-a-long of native noises with added addictive guitar riff churn together to make an instant pop gem.

News Hit : The Strokes release new track 'One Way Trigger'

Earlier this week I found myself reading NME’s ‘Album A&E’ featured was The Strokes album ‘First Impressions Of Earth’ the angle grinder of the 5-pieces masterpieces, bring us back to real time 25^th January 2013 at around 7pm and new track ‘One Way Trigger’ bursts into a life, out of the blue.

Casablancas vocal are somewhat missing from the track, taking the prince approach, hitting the higher notes. The influences of the bands last release ‘Under The Cover Of Darkness’ is present throughout with a keyboard ensemble, Hammond Jr’s ever present guitar strum partners a Moretti drum beat on the backline at fast pace.

What can we expect from this, recording was in motion but a release so soon?...We await word from The Strokes camp to confirm more.

EP Review : Biffy Clyro : Black Chandelier

The calm before the double album storm has been brewing in a settled sea just off of our fair coast, and it’s debatable if the double edged storm will cause any damage at all. Many will be holding doubt around the release of Biffy Clyro and their now imminent outing with ‘Opposites’ but for now we can sit and watch it brew nicely on the horizon with the EP release of ‘Black Chandelier’.

The rock 3 piece come sailing in gently with EP opener and title track ‘Black Chandelier’, everything we expect from the ever existent badge of approval we continuously hold for our flag baring Scottish counterparts. Spinderley (even if that isn't a word) guitar riffs we expect of Neil are present throughout, the bass build and drum break, the gentle ease and final all round smash...It’s all included within ‘Black Chandelier’, the perfect Biffy Clyro song. Lyrically Simon Neil is still driving us around the houses, plucking verses of confusion then translating them into simplicity. ‘Black Chandelier’ is the perfect medicine to follow their epic previous return of ‘Stingin' Belle’.

Following the opener is ‘The Rain’ a ballad of sorts, the expected bubble wrapped commercial based X factor chart pleaser, the most simple of songs which is a complete disappointment but not what we shouldn't expect of the only out and out rock band in the UK (minus Band Of Skulls and a few others). For if it wasn’t for a certain Matt Cardle and the over filling wallet of Simon Cowell, the ever growing plethora of fans from previous album release ‘Only Revolutions’ would cease to exist and the hardcore would still remain, for what thanks we have.

 The subject of weather continues to dawn on us with ‘Thundermonster’, which wouldn't have been out of place on the ‘Infinity Land’ track-list  A thrashing riff-driven rock track of which we expect from Biffy of the past, something that some still long to return. It’s nothing short or long of acceptance and if this is what is expected in the contents of ‘Opposites’, those fans who have just got a ticket and joined the Biff bandwagon could soon be in for a shell shock. The final track on the EP is a live version of ‘Many Of Horror’, the track plucked from ‘Only Revolutions’ and propelled into the public eye, the EP filler and fan collectible  We all know the real lyrics, sit down Cardle.

In a rocking chair on the front porch of a city somewhere non-existent, we all sit and wait with baited breath, a 90-minute storm named Biffy Clyro is waiting to hit land. We can all batten down the hatches or lovingly embrace, ‘Black Chandelier’ is the tornado taster which causes minimal damage, sit tight as the blackened sky approaches.

On The Radar : Drenge

Drenge are a rock-garage outfit from the steel city (Sheffield, those who aren't aware), they fall somewhere between The White Stripes, The Strokes and The Black Keys, cue every two-piece comparison you can.

The music that Drenge play is something ‘between a rock and a hard place’ bluesy guitar like switches accompany a drum clattering worthy of an ASBO and vocals that mirror Morrissey, Casablancas and Wilson.

Radar track ‘Bloodsports’ is gathering pace in the music industry currently,  getting exposure in numerous magazine outfits, radio play and propping up in late night tweets a plenty, and we here at SouthSolarCity can see why. There is just something about Sheffield, isn't there?

They've supported The Cribs, They’re going on tour with Deap Vally and you can buy the ‘Bloodsports’ EP via Itunes now!

EP Review : The Planes - On Demand

How many bands do you know that is ½ formed by twins? Other than The Cribs, possibly not many. Portsmouth born and bred (we are making a habit of this), previous Wedgewood Rooms showcase finalists, previous ClubNME under-cards and all round talented 4 piece The Planes are imminently planning their first audio assault into the music world with debut EP ‘On Demand’.

This 4 track smash starts with the aptly named ‘See You Next Tuesday’ ode to the girl that’s led you on, to the guy that’s across the bar giving it some or the surrounding area, as you please. The Planes have matured since their showcase days, there is a much tighter edge to who they are and what they want you to hear, such is the age they are, we should all stand up straight and listen.

From the onset mid-noughties influences shine through, these youngsters were teething around the sounds of previously mentioned Cribs, The Kooks and The Strokes. The jangly-garage rock ensemble is perfected, vocally on form with not a note out of time. ‘Lose it’ follows with a foot tapping beat, a lyrical commentary from lead singer Mike Smith describes the moments of regret any male or female has felt in sight of the ex, or the girl/boy you lust for on a daily basis. The pent up sexual tension marred with pure emotion shines through the lyrics, these boys are growing up, with every page written (or ripped and thrown) the daily troubles of a teenager in the 21st century is ever present.

Title track ‘On Demand’ is the flagship in the first sail of The Planes maiden voyage, the all cannons blazing balls out indie love-esq song with duel vocals, the common twang and catchy riff partnered with a breakdown to add. The Planes fuse themselves within the local scene so easily, with room to flower in a bed that’s continuing to grow and prosper, age is a huge strength, picking the right opportunities they could well be on to bigger things in the near future.

Closing track ‘Stay The Weekend’ winds us up and out of this teenage angst ridden ride, another story based on the rumour mill of The Planes social surroundings, from the wrong decisions followed by the Chinese whispers. Like any boy should, it’s shrugged off like it will come out in the wash. They are musically tight and lyrically strong, young and ready to take on the world, well dressed and meaning business and The Planes first outing ’On Demand’ is a jab and roundhouse knock-out.