Dan's Music Blog

My thoughts on anything music, whether it be new releases, gigs, festivals etc. 

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Best of 2018

A look back at my favourite albums and tracks from the last year

Shame – ‘Songs of Praise’

Why you should listen: On receipt of a grant from the Government’s Music Export Growth Scheme, The Sun ran with the headline ‘PM’s Daft Punk – Minister gives government grant to anti-Tory band’.

Standout track: ‘Angie’

IDLES – ‘Joy as an Act of Resistance’

Why you should listen: I flew all the way to France to see them play live, the least you can do is give their album the once over.

Standout track: ‘Samaritans’

Maribou State – ‘Kingdoms in Colour’

Why you should listen: It has been scientifically proven that this album will help you pass exams with its beautifully crafted electronic samples.

Standout track: ‘Turnmills’

Estrons – ‘You Say I’m Too Much, I Say You’re Not Enough’

Why you should listen: The album is in your face, Rock/Pop/Punk, non-stop from start to finish – only taking a breather for the anthemic ‘Cameras’.

Standout track: ‘Cameras’

Bodega – ‘Endless Scroll’

Why you should listen: There’s a whole track on the album dedicated to Jack from Hollywood blockbuster Titanic.

Standout track: 'How Did This Happen?!’

If the above isn’t enough for you, then do also check out my Spotify Top 100: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EjlG558HXSYGg

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Best of August

My favourite album and top tracks from the last month

Best album

IDLES - ‘Joy as an Act of Resistance’

The hugely anticipated second album from IDLES has finally been released to the world and it doesn’t disappoint. Set for a top three placing in the UK album chart, this is arguably the most important record released this year, with lead singer Joe Talbot articulating a number of social issues. Asides from the singles that have already been released (which by the way are all excellent) highlights for me are ‘Never Fight A Man With A Perm’ and ‘Television’.

Top tracks

Black Honey - ‘Midnight’

This is an instant dancefloor filler from Black Honey, to be featured on their self-titled debut album due out at the end of this month .

Art Brut – ‘Wham! Bang! Pow! Let’s Rock Out’

This track pretty much does what it says on the tin, with lead singer Eddie Argos repetitively exclaiming ‘I don’t want to go home yet, there’s still some people I haven’t met’. The band release their first album in seven years on Alcopop! So you know it’ll be good.

Sam Fender - ‘Dead Boys’

Much like IDLES with their single ‘Samaritans’, Sam Fender too is addressing the stigma around mental health in young men, with this beautiful track .

Yonaka - ‘Waves’

Yonaka have really stepped up their production game with this track, the latest to be taken from their recent EP ‘Teach Me To Fight’.

Pretty Vicious - ‘Move’

After what seems like a lifetime away, Pretty Vicious return with this, an immediate, in-your-face rock and roll anthem.

Holy Esque - ‘House of Hounds'

Another dark and haunting track taken from their latest album ‘Television / Sweet’ – with this one featuring a rather interesting tempo change part-way through.

Bring Me The Horizon - 'Mantra'

Bring Me The Horizon return with this huge new single, an instant hit already. A new album ‘Amo’ follows in January and you can expect them to be headlining festivals next Summer.

Check out the Spotify playlist below to hear everything else I've been listening to over the last month.

https://open.spotify.com/user/robindanpersie/playlist/0XTSximpzKneLjvfjYQdaD

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Best of July

It’s been a while since I’ve posted on here, but what better time to do so now that both the World Cup and Love Island are over. We’re smack bang in the middle of festival season but that hasn’t stopped some artists from releasing great tracks alongside their busy touring schedules. See below for some of my favourites from the past month.

Interpol - ‘Number 10’

More post punk goodness on this, the band’s second single from upcoming album ‘Marauder’ - due out at the end of August. In the meantime, check out the video for lead single ‘The Rover’ too, directed by Gerardo Naranjo (Narcos).

Slaves – ‘Chokehold’

The latest offering from Slaves, released just a matter of days after the band seemingly announced that they were splitting up. The video however appears to put this idea to bed as it features a star-studded cast including Blur’s Dave Rowntree and Royal Blood’s Ben Thatcher, all auditioning to be the band’s new drummer. I challenge you to listen to this song without hearing them scream ‘Joe Cole’.

Hilang Child – ‘Crow’

Hilang Child is the moniker of Londoner Ed Riman whose debut album ‘Years’ is out on Bella Union on 10th August. ‘Crow’ is an amalgamation of crashing cymbals and ethereal vocals with a wonderfully crafted video to suit. Catch him playing live for his album launch at The Shacklewell Arms (London) on 16th August.

Idles – ‘Samaritans’

It’s not been long since Idles put out the hugely catchy pro-immigrant anthem ‘Danny Nedelko’ and they’ve quickly followed it up with this – a song that Joe Talbot from the band wrote to encourage conversations around gender roles. Idles’ second album ‘Joy as an act of resistance’ is due out 31st August on Partisan Records.

Day Wave – ‘Still Let You Down’

Day Wave doing what they do best here – releasing tracks with Summer vibes. This is the first one from them in a while so hopefully a second album will also be on the way soon.

Basement – ‘Disconnect’

Basement are back with a new single and details of a new album. The band’s 4th album ‘Beside Myself’ is due out on 12th October with plenty of tour dates around then too.

Check out the Spotify playlist below to hear everything else I've been listening to over the last month.

https://open.spotify.com/user/robindanpersie/playlist/4nmN6zHsyjVjXE6tZiusO5

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Best of April

My favourite album and top tracks from the last month

Best album

Blaenavon - ‘That's Your Lot’

A stunning and beautiful debut from the Hampshire trio that's been a long time in the making. 'My Bark Is Your Bite' and 'I Will Be The World' are my personal highlights.

Top tracks

Chai Khat - ‘Graves’

Released at the tail end of March, but well worth a mention. This dose of dream pop is the second single to be released by the Berlin newcomers.

Alt-j - ‘In Cold Blood’

Weird and wonderful as always - this one communicating with the listener through the medium of binary code.

MassMatiks - ‘Meat’

Another live favourite that the MassMatiks boys have finally got round to recording and releasing for our aural pleasure. They attempt (and succeed) with some enormous riffs that you'd usually only expect from giants like Muse and Rage Against The Machine. Catch this lot on tour currently supporting The One Hundred - including a date at Boston Music Room, Tufnell Park (London) this Thursday (11th June).

Touts - ‘Sold Out’

1 minute and 43 seconds of good old fashioned punk rock from Touts, with this one quite aptly titled 'Sold Out'.

Royal Blood - ‘Lights Out’

After a killer debut album that was released almost three years ago now, the pressure has been on Royal Blood to deliver something equally as awesome and quickly. If this track is anything to go by, we won't be disappointed by LP number two.

The xx - ‘A Violent Noise' (Four Tet Remix)

An interesting take on this track from The xx's latest album.

Day Wave - 'Promises'

Day Wave has released some more summery goodness in the form of 'Promises' - taken from his debut album 'The Days We Had'.

FREAK - 'I Like To Smile When I'm Sad'

Scuzzy rock produced straight out of FREAK's bedroom.

The Amazons - ‘Junk Food Forever’

One of The Amazons' earlier tracks, but remastered for 2017 and sounding like it wouldn't be too out of place being played in stadiums.

Check out the Spotify playlist below to hear everything else i've been listening to over the last month.

https://play.spotify.com/user/robindanpersie/playlist/55S0ALhYZDVKp877cTYBzH

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Glastonbury Playlist

All three Pyramid stage headliners have now been announced, as has the bulk of the main lineup too.

Check out the Spotify playlist below for tracks from the artists I’m most excited to see.

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Best of November

My favourite album and top tracks from the last month

Best album

Justice - ‘Woman’

The third studio album from the French duo, hotly anticipated given the strength of the singles to be released from it thus far. Opener 'Safe and Sound' and 'Alakazam !' are my personal highlights.

Top tracks

The xx - ‘On Hold’

The first single to be taken from their upcoming third album 'I See You' - due out in January. This one starts all moody and ethereal before launching into something more akin to that of Jamie xx's solo material. The band play a record breaking seven shows at Brixton Academy in March.

INHEAVEN - ‘Treats’

Arguably their strongest track to date clearly influenced by 90's grunge, with nods to Nirvana and Pixies. Even the video resembles that of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'.

RY X - ‘Howling’ (Sofi Tukker Remix)

An interesting take on this beautiful track from the Australian singer-songwriter.

Mallory Knox - ‘Giving It Up’

Mallory Knox here proving that British Rock is very much alive with this huge new single, taken from forthcoming album 'Wired'.

Pulled Apart By Horses - ‘The Big What If’

Another strong return and another band waving the flag for British Rock.

Leif Erikson - ‘Real Stuff’

Released at the tail end of October but well worth shoehorning into this month's post. This song is just blissful and is described by singer Sam as his "utopian dream".

Rat Boy - 'Lovers Law'

Another genre-spanning track from the Essex teenager, with this one a nod to early 90's britpop, in particular The Shamen's 'Ebeneezer Goode'.

Asylums - 'Alternative Occupations'

The Southend band have only just put out their debut album 'Killer Brain Waves', yet are providing us with more great music in the form of new single 'Alternative Occupations'. They've not strayed too far from their winning formula - turning ramblings of mundane everyday life into awesome rock and roll tracks.

Childcare - ‘Film Club’

Childcare started out due to Ed from the band being encouraged to do so by a child he used to babysit. Good thing he did as this track has everything you'd want from a funky indie-pop song.

Check out the Spotify playlist below to hear everything else i've been listening to over the last month.

https://play.spotify.com/user/robindanpersie/playlist/2qLWSfK9quWcsg0Cnk6NYN

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Best of October

My favourite album and top tracks from the last month

Best album

White Lies - ‘Friends’

White Lies haven't departed too much from their winning, synthy, post punk formula that has served them so well on their last three albums, but this one is a little less dark and a bit more stripped back. Top tracks are 'Take It Out On Me' and 'Don't Want To Feel It All'. Other albums worth a listen are SWMRS' reissue of 'Drive North' which now features latest track 'Palm Trees' and for something completely different, check out Moby's latest LP 'These Systems Are Failing'.

Top tracks

MassMatiks - ‘Blank Wall’

This one is a live favourite and has now finally received its official single release. The upcoming four-piece played a chaotic sold out show at the Garage a couple of weeks ago which was a real turning point for the band. Catch them live next at a free show at the House Of Vans (London) on November 12th.

Creeper - ‘Suzanne’

The Southampton band have released a fantastic track with punk rock verses and an anthemic singalong chorus to boot.

Crystal Fighters - ‘Good Girls’

True to form, Crystal Fighters have released a summery feel good track, even if we are now on Greenwich Mean Time.

Cloud Nothings - ‘Modern Act’

Cloud Nothings return with this, one of two new tracks they've been playing live recently and the lead single from upcoming album 'Life Without Sound' - due out in January.

Blaenavon - ‘My Bark Is Your Bite’

The Maccabees may have decided to call it a day, but Blaenavon are here to fill the void with another beautiful dose of British guitar music.

Justice - ‘Alakazam !’

Another banger from Justice, a bit heavier and less funky than 'Randy'.

Deaf Havana - 'Trigger'

Another solid release from Deaf Havana, the second single to be taken from their upcoming album 'All These Countless Nights'.

Mura Masa feat. A$ap Rocky - 'Love$ick'

I never thought i'd ever blog about a song or an artist that stylises their name with dollar signs, but that piano fill and the steel drums are insanely catchy.

Kolsch - ‘Grey’

Another ridiculously catchy track from a genre I wouldn't usually write about.

SWMRS - ‘Palm Trees’

This was supposed to feature on an EP release last year, but instead has made it on to the reissue of their album 'Drive North' and is one of the stand out tracks.

King Nun - 'Tulip'

An energetic and noisy track from these young London newcomers. Expect big things from this lot - they've just signed to Dirty Hit Records - home of the likes of Wolf Alice and The 1975.

Check out the Spotify playlist below to hear everything else i've been listening to over the last month.

https://play.spotify.com/user/robindanpersie/playlist/6HBKywPl1JIp0n3LXA8t0c

[blogdannyfrancis]

Best of September

My favourite album and top tracks from the last month

Best album

Jamie T - ‘Trick’

A great fourth album from Jamie T, with tracks spanning multiple genres. Highlights for me are 'Drone Strike' and Tescoland'. New albums released this month from Pixies and Slaves are also worth checking out.

Top tracks

Declan Mckenna - ‘Isombard’

A solid effort from the hugely talented youngster, with this one having more production than previous tracks and a nod to Phoenix - which is most definitely a good thing.

Tall Ships - ‘Meditation On Loss’

This is a wonderful slice of frantic post punk from the band who had been away for quite some time.

The Amazons - ‘In My Mind’

A fantastic and anthemic track from the Reading band who have gone from strength to strength in recent months.

Will Joseph Cook - ‘Sweet Dreamer’

A great pop track from the fast-rising artist, with an entertaining video to boot.

Bad Sounds - ‘Wages’

Bad Sounds have managed to turn one of the most mundane topics into one of the most joyous and upbeat pop records of the last year.

Pixies - ‘Tenement Song’

Pixies deliever yet again with the latest single to be taken from new album 'Head Carrier'.

Justice - 'Randy'

Some funky disco from the French duo, taken from their upcoming third album 'Woman' - due out in November.

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Best of August

My favourite album and top tracks from the last month

Best album

Baby Strange - ‘Want It Need It’

A fantastic debut from this Glasweigan outfit, bringing together all their best singles to date. Do also check out the latest albums from Glass Animals and Wild Beasts.

Top tracks

Mystery Jets - ‘The World Is Overtaking Me’

The lead track from their upcoming 'The Whole Earth' EP, just a couple of months after releasing their latest album.

WHITE - ‘I Liked You Better When You Needed Me’

The next in a string of decent singles released by the Glasweigans, though this is their loudest and most ballsy yet.

Wild Beasts - ‘Celestial Creatures’

The third single released from their latest 'Boy King' album, described by the band as "Organic but digital, aggressive but tender, hallucinatory but clear eyed."

The Courteeners - ‘The 17th’

A welcome surprise when this track was shared in the middle of the night a couple of weeks ago, along with news of fifth studio album 'Mapping The Rendezvous'.

Slaves - ‘Spit It Out’

Straight up in your face punk as we've come to expect from the Kent two-piece, with ex Beastie Boys' Mike D on production duties.

Jagwar Ma - ‘Give Me a Reason’

Single number two to come from upcoming release 'Every Now & Then' from the Aussie psych rockers.

Pixies - 'Talent'

Another solid release from the grunge veterans, to feature on their upcoming album 'Head Carrier', due out at the end of this month.

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Best of May

My favourite album and top tracks from the last month

Best album

FEWS - ‘Means’

This is a great post punk debut which i've had on repeat over the last couple of weeks. New releases also came from Radiohead and Eagulls in the last month, but this one edges it for best album.

Top tracks

Glass Animals - ‘Life Itself’

Anthem of the Summer I reckon.

Otherkin - ‘Yeah I Know’

Great catchy,frantic and energetic rock and roll.

Pretty Vicious - ‘Cave Song’

This one has been knocking about a while but finally had it's official release this month. It's a wonder that this band are not bigger than they already are.

Radiohead - ‘Burn The Witch’

Radiohead's first new track in five years, making full use of the orchestra they had at their disposal during recordings sessions for 'A Moon Shaped Pool' and accompanied by a rather disturbing video.

Sundara Karma - ‘Loveblood’

A rather anthemtic new track from the fast rising Reading band.

Beartooth - ‘Loser’

Great track taken from new album 'Aggressive'.

Brand New - 'I Am a Nightmare'

Instantly catchy pop punk from Brand New

[blogdannyfrancis]

Best of April

My favourite album and top tracks from the last month

Best album

Deftones - ‘Gore’

The band's eighth studio album and they still don't show any signs of letting up. Something a bit different to their previous two efforts but not too much of a departure from the Deftones sound that we all know and love.

Top tracks

Sløtface - ‘Sponge State’

Previously known as 'Slutface' - but don't let the name put you off, this is a great track from the Norweigan punks.

Black Foxxes - ‘Husk’

I've been a bit slow with this one given it was released at the end of last month, but well worth a listen.

FEWS - ‘100 Goosebumps’

Frantic post punk from the London-based trio who cite Interpol as a major influence on their music.

Baby Strange - ‘Pure Evil’

Straight up rock and roll from the Glasweigan trio.

Oscar - ‘Good Things’

Set to feature on the fast rising Britpop sensation's debut album 'Cut and Paste'.

Strong Asian Mothers - ‘Out Of Love’

A great pop record, taken from the group's forthcoming EP 'The Lynx Africa'.

Anteros - ‘Breakfast’

Beautiful guitar pop from the London newcomers.

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Best of March

My favourite album and top tracks from the last month

Best album

HÆLOS - ‘Full Circle’

An awesome debut album from London's HÆLOS, with Moby and Massive Attack clearly influences.

Top tracks

Grimes - ‘Kill V. Maim’

If you can get past the arguably annoying high pitched screams from Grimes, then this is an unbelievably catchy and contagious pop record.

The Sherlocks - ‘Last Night’

Indie rock and roll from up north. If you like The Courteeners and Milburn - you'll love this.

October Drift - ‘Still Here’

A great shoegaze track from the Somerset newcomers. Just wait for that wall of sound to hit at 00:50.

Yonaka - ‘Ignorance’

Yet another great band to emerge from Brighton recently. For fans of Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

We Are Scientists - ‘Buckle’

Classic We Are Scientists. They may write and sing about deep subject matter sometimes, but they never take themselves too seriously (see video above).

Fangclub - ‘Bullet Head’

A proper rock record from the Dublin band.

Asylums - ‘Necessary Appliances’

Another great track from Southend's Asylums. This one is set to feature on their debut album 'Killer Brain Waves' - due out sometime this Summer.

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Glastonbury 2016 Playlist

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Best of February

My favourite album and top tracks from the last month

Best album

DMA’s - ‘Hills End’

A fantastic debut album from this Australian outfit, channeling everything that was great about 90′s Britpop. Opening track 'Timeless' and recent single 'Too Soon' are both personal highlights.

Top tracks

Eagulls - ‘Lemontrees’

A welcome return for these Leeds post punks, with a more accessible sound and nods to the likes of The Smiths and The Cure.

Deftones - ‘Prayers/Triangles’

Another strong return, with Deftones giving us a taste of what to expect from their forthcoming eighth studio album 'Gore'.

Moderat - ‘Reminder’

A chilled out track from this electronic music project that works just as well on the dancefloor.

High Tyde - ‘Dark Love’

An instant rock and roll classic from the Brighton youngsters which is already receiving heavy rotation on Radio 1′s evening shows.

The King Blues - ‘Off With Their Heads’

The King Blues recently announced they were to reunite and have come back boldly, with an accompanying video that sees pig-headed politicians being executed with a cricket bat.

MassMatiks - ‘Gunning For You’

New material from the London rockers that sees them adopt a heavier sound with rip-roaring basslines

Spring King - ‘Rectifier’

The band have recently signed to a major label, but thankfully not too much has changed, with 'Rectifier' adding to the band's repertoire of catchy garage rock - mostly recorded in the drummer’s bathroom.

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Best of 2015 Playlist

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BBC Music Sound of 2016 Playlist

A Spotify playlist featuring tracks from all 15 artists included in the BBC Music Sound of 2016

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BBC Music Sound of 2016 longlist revealed

The longlist for the BBC Music Sound of 2016 has now been unveiled and as ever features a wide selection of artists representing a variety of genres.

Full longlist below. For those I blogged about ahead of release, you can click on the links to find out more about them.

Izzy Bizu

Blossoms

Alessia Cara

Loyle Carner

Frances

Jack Garratt

J Hus

Dua Lipa

Mabel

Billie Marten

Mura Masa

NAO

Rat Boy

Section Boys

WSTRN

The top five acts will be counted down on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show between 4th - 8th January.