Loud Loud Silence

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Next Hype #12

 MOATS

Stevenage band Moats have always been one of those bands where it was a question of not if but when they will get their big break, and that seems like it could be just around the corner for this four-piece. After a continual succession of well received and brilliantly written tracks this indie rock foursome have certainly created a big buzz around them, and rightly so. Moats have been compared to bands such as Peace, Bombay Bicycle Club and as one blog states "an energized XX". Moats where recently announced as the winners of NME Magazine's unsigned band competition which means they have won a slot at the coveted Austin City Limits festival in Texas. The festival is held in October in Austin's Zilker Park, Moats will have the chance to play to a crowd of up to 70,000 festival goers. Their latest track "Snakepit" is available to download for free via moats.bandcamp.com now.

Listen to "MOATS - SNAKEPIT" on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/moatsmusical/moats-track

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Tip of the Day

Cloud Nothings - Psychic Trauma

Cloud Nothings are set to release their fourth full length LP next month entitled “Here and Nowhere Else”. Their latest track “Psychic Trauma” is the second single to be released from their next album following from “I’m Not Part of Me” which was released last month. Cloud Nothings latest track starts off as a medium paced track which quickly changes into a fast paced head banger, with front-man Dylan Baldi’s snarling vocals singing lyrics like “I can't believe what you're telling me is true” the song is clearly filled with emotion and frustration which can be heard throughout in Baldi’s lyrics along with the ever increasing pace of the drums and guitars. This is just a taster of what we can expect on the next Cloud Nothings album release which is followed by a huge North American tour totalling an impressive 27 shows. Their new album “Here and Nowhere Else” is released 31st March (UK/EU) and 1st April (US) via Wichita Recordings (UK/EU) and Carpark/Mom+Pop (US).

Listen to "Cloud Nothings - Psychic Trauma" on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/cloudnothings/psychic-trauma

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Track of the Week #13

Royal Blood - Little Monster

Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher are the two brains behind Alternative/Rock duo Royal Blood. They’re only 2 months into this year and it’s already looking like a busy and successful one for these 2 lads from Brighton. With praise from Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe including a spot in the BBC’s prestigious Sound of 2014 poll which is put together by leading critics and producers from across the country. The release of their latest single “Little Monster” comes just before they embark on the NME Awards tour 2014 kicking off in Glasgow on 18th March. Royal Blood will be playing with Interpol, Temples and Circa Waves who also join them on the Awards tour across the UK this March. “Little Monster” is Royal Bloods second single release and with rumours of an album in the pipeline this duo are definitely one to keep an eye on.  Their scuzzy gritty guitar sound is reminiscent to bands like Queens of the Stone Age and for just 2 guys they make a hell of a sound! “Little Monster” is available to download now.

Listen to "Royal Blood - Little Monster" on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/royalblooduk/little-monster-1

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Tip of the Day

Bloody Knees - Bones

Bloody Knees latest track is yet another brilliant release from the Exeter based Art Is Hard label. "Bones" features on Bloody Knees split 7" with L/L/S favourites Birdskulls. The record features 2 songs from each band and will be available on a limited edition 7" vinyl later this month. Both Bloody Knees songs featured on this 4 track record where recorded by Rory Attwell of Warm Brains and former Test Icicles guitarist. After having such a successful 2013 including playing at Reading and Leeds Festival they are looking forward an even bigger 2014 for them. The Bloody Knees and Birdskulls split 7" is due for release 24th February via Art Is Hard.

Listen to "Bloody Knees - Bones" on Soundcloud below.

www.soundcloud.com/separatedbymotorways/bloody-knees-bones/

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Tip of the Day

Pixel Fix - Fall

Oxford based band Pixel Fix have been on our radar for a long time now, over time this band really has progressed and with their latest track "Fall" they have really created a master piece, could this be the start of something big for this four-piece?. Pixel Fix have an interesting and experimental sound incorporating dreamy electronic sounds and samples along with plucky guitar riffs which works really well. Their new E.P entitled "Fall" features this single and 3 other tracks and is expected to be released 24th February via Owlbear Records.

Listen to "Pixel Fix - Fall" on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/pixelfixmusic/pixel-fix-fall

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Next Hype #11

Big Ups

Brooklyn's Big Ups are looking set for big things in 2014, with the release of their debut full length L.P "Eighteen Hours of Static" and fast becoming one of the most talked about bands coming out of Brooklyn, a rightly so. Big Ups are made up of Brendan Finn, Joe Galarraga, Amar Lal and Carlos Salguero Jr who all met in New York back in 2010. Their sound is very versatile and maybe this what makes them so exciting, they've been described as Post-Punk but also come across as Indie/Rock in some tracks on this L.P. Tracks such as "Goes Black" which is Big Ups lead single from the album feature almost spoken lyrics which gets across this attitude they have that you can't help but just love. The track then breaks into a heavy Cerebral Ballzy-type chorus with lyrics screaming "What happens when it all goes black?" which is one of those songs you know would be crazy in their live set with all the energy in that chorus. "Eighteen Hours of Static" is available to buy now via Tough Love.

Listen to "Big Ups - Goes Black" on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/tough-love/big-ups-goes-black-1

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Best Friends Picks of 2013

We spoke to Ed, Lewis and Tom from Sheffield Garage/Pop four-piece Best Friends and asked them what their musical highlights of 2013 where.

Top 3 Singles of 2013

1. Pjaro - Quid Pro Quo: (Ed) Sheffield, Tech, Two-piece. Not technically a 'single', it came out with two other tracks on cassettes with each cover hand drawn in biro. It's one of the few songs I have on my phone and can happily listen to on repeat.

2. Cool Ghouls - Cool Ghouls: (Lewis) Sweet psyche from San Francisco. Probably my favourite track of this year, because everything is right about it.

3. Wooden Shjips - Back to Land: (Tom) There's a cool Spacemen 3 feel on this track. I like how Wooden Shjips are psychedelic and droney but waste no time in getting to the jam.

Top 3 Albums of 2013

1. Nai Harvest – Whatever: (Ed) Sheffield twinkly college emo RAWK duo. This album came out at the start of the year and it’s anthems start to finish.

2. The Black Tambourines – Self Titled: (Ed) Their debut also came out at the start of this year, it's a solid album all the way through.

3. Deerhunter – Monomania: (Lewis) We're all big Deerhunter fans and Halcyon Digest is one of my favourite albums. At first I was upset at the production but after a few listens I came around and its great. I went to the Deerhunter ATP this year and they played a few tracks off Monomania. They sounded massive, far far louder than the previous records. Was really sad they cancelled their UK tour.

Ones to watch in 2014

1. Temple Songs: (Lewis)Was into demos and stuff these guys had online and their debut single Passed Caring was a great track. Looking forward to hearing more next year.

 2. Radical Boy: (Ed) I wanna see/hear more of these guys next year, hopefully the drudgery of retail employment will channel itself into some sweet jams. 2014 may see Radical Boy become Radical Man.

 3. Fruit Tones: (Tom) One of the best bands I saw this year. They sound a bit like Jacuzzi Boys, I hope they play more and release loads of stuff.

Check out Best Friends on Bandcamp below.

http://bestfriendspartyhard.bandcamp.com/

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LOVATS Picks of 2013

We caught up with Birmingham band LOVATS and asked them what their musical highlights of 2013 where.

Top 3 Singles of 2013

1. Everything Everything - Don't Try: We have always loved Everything Everything and their unique song writing abilities, both albums have been a good listen and they definitely inspire us and have an influence on the way we write our own music. 

2. Spring Offensive - Speak: Spring Offensive have been bringing out some great singles over the past couple of years, we love the vocal harmonies and the way the guitars and rhythmic sections interlock brilliantly in places.

3. Bombay Bicycle Club - Carry Me: We have listened to Bombay for year’s right back when “I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose” came out. Even though the song has been out a few weeks it's still a banger, they always manage to mould their sound into something new and fresh, really looking forward to their next album. Should not disappoint 

Top 3 Albums of 2013

1. Foals - Holy Fire: We have all listened to Foals for years and they never seem to disappoint when it comes to album releases and like Bombay have the ability to change their sound without taking to much of the bands early characteristics away yet providing something refreshing and different.

2. The Physics House Band - Horizons/Rapture:  Not so much an album but we have been listening to The Physics House Band Horizons/Rapture EP for a while now, it's absolutely brilliant, we thoroughly encourage anyone who has not listened to it, to go and do so..

3. Troumaca - The Grace: We are liking Troumaca's new album a lot, some really nice chilled out vibes in places and the electronic mix is great, can definitely see them going much further in 2014. Fingers crossed.

Ones to watch in 2014

 1. Superfood - We think Superfood will explode in 2014, they are producing some cracking tunes, their song writing abilities are class..

 2. Blaenavon - We supported Blaenavon back in November, can see them going even further in 2014, great to watch live.

 3. Pixel Fix - Our good friends over at Pixel fix are doing well, their debut self-titled EP seemed to go down really well, and they are getting some great support show's with the likes of Crystal Fighters, JAWS etc, Definitely worth checking out, big up PF.

Check out LOVATS on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/lovatslovats

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BIRDSKULLS Picks of 2013

2013 is nearly over and every magazine and blog under the sun is featuring their top tracks of the year. We thought we would ask some of our favourite bands of the year what their top tracks, albums and bands are.

We caught up with BIRDSKULLS front man Jack and asked him what his musical highlights of 2013 where.

Top 3 Singles of 2013

Top 3 singles, it’s a hard one cos there’s so many amazing songs that have come out this year but I’ll try to narrow it down. Get Lucky by Daft Punk is obviously a tune though...

1. The Bronx - Youth Wasted: I've loved The Bronx for ages and when they released their new album this year I was over the moon. His voice has the best balance of melody and gruffness. Proper sweet!

2. Eagulls - Nerve Endings: They are my favourite new band of the moment, my other band Abattoir Blues played with them in Brighton and blew me away. This songs video has a rotting pig’s brain in it. They are the best band in England.

3. Nai Harvest - Hold Open My Head: This song came out about a week ago and it is just killer, the guitars are so so beautiful and the chorus is something I was singing endlessly. Listened to it like 8 times a day since it has come out, ridiculous.

Top 3 Albums of 2013

1. My Bloody Valentine – MBV: My favourite album and i was lucky to see them twice this year. It’s another masterpiece, makes me feel emotions.

2. Mudhoney - Vanishing Point: I wasn't expecting it to be any good but it’s actually amazing!

3. Joanna Gruesome - Weird Sister: My friends in Joanna Gruesome are all brilliant people, they have also written a truly brilliant album, hopefully we will play with them next year!

Ones to watch in 2014

3 bands I recommend you listen to now, and next year.

1. The Magic Gang: These are my buddies from down the road in Brighton and they are going to be your new favourite band.

2. Bloody Knees: Sick sick band, highly recommend... sk8er lads who can write faster songs than me!

3. Playlounge: These guys hold everything together, Sam and Laurie are the two nicest people in my world of music. Listen to them now, then listen to their album when it comes out!

  Oh and just generally listen to all bands on Art Is Hard....always!

Check out BIRDSKULLS on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/birdskulls

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Track of the Week #12

Chain Of Flowers - Death's Got A Hold On Me

Chain Of Flowers are a Post Punk five piece from Cardiff who formed in 2012. Having played with bands such as Cerebral Ballzy, Pure Love and Iceage these guys are certainly ones to take note of. Their experimental sound is reverb heavy and shoegazey but their punk sound is also firmly there making this band’s music certainly exciting. They are set to release a limited edition tape called “Arches Session” which features two tracks, new single “Death’s Got A Hold On Me” and a cover of Spectrums “How You Satisfy Me”. The limited number of tapes will be on sale 20th January via their own label Swine Language.

Listen to "Death's Got A Hold On Me" on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/chainofflowers/deaths-got-a-hold-on-me

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Tip of the Day

JUBA - Lambaro

JUBA are an Experimental Surf/Shoegaze four piece who hail from Lisbon, Portugal. Portugal may not be world famous for their guitar bands but JUBA are definitely ones to talk about, their musical style is similar to bands such as Beach Fossils and DIIV and worth checking out if you are fans of those. JUBA consist of João Isaac, Joel Lucas, Miguel Marinho and Tomás Frias who are also known for their previous projects Tropical Tobacco and Colour is a Common Mistake. Their debut album "Mynah" is available to download now via pontiaq Records. 

Listen to "JUBA - Lambaro" on Bandcamp below.

http://juba.bandcamp.com/track/lambaro

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Tip of the Day

Lovats - White Fire

Lovats are an Indie/Alternative five piece from Birmingham and have just released their latest single "White Fire". Their latest release is their third song available to listen to online via their Soundcloud page. Latest track "White Fire" features an extremely powerful and catchy chorus and at times you forget that Lovats are only a small unsigned band but without doubt they have heaps of potential. The calm sound at the intro to this track along with its slow echoing guitar riffs is similar to bands like Foals but soon breaks into a very Synth-Heavy Pop tune.  Having only been a band for just 12 months they have mastered a pretty cool and unique sound and you can check out their new single "White Fire" now. 

Listen to "Lovats - White Fire" on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/lovatslovats/lovats-white-fire

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Tip of the Day

The Family Rain - Enjoy The Silence (Depeche Mode Cover)

The Family Rain are made up of 3 brothers, William, Ollie and Timothy Walter. They have recently been on tour with Jake Bugg around the UK and they are currently coming to the end of their biggest headline tour to date. The Indie/Rock three-piece from Bath uploaded this cover of Depeche Mode's classic "Enjoy The Silence" just the other day and It has been on repeat ever since. The Family Rain really make this track their own, replacing Depeche Modes pop synths for their own powerful rock sound in the form of guitars and drums which sound brilliant.

Listen to "The Family Rain - Enjoy The Silence (Depeche Mode Cover)" on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/thefamilyrain/enjoy-the-silence

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Track of the Week #11

Childhood - Pinballs

The London psych/pop four-piece have announced the release of their latest record "Pinballs" which has appeared online and is expected to be released in the new year. Childhood are well known for their Psychedelic dreamy sound in previous releases such as "Blue Velvet" and "Haltija", but their latest track seems to be showing off a more of a rock sound. This song is by far their longest track to date which goes on for just under 7 minutes, the track starts off upbeat and features a very prominent bass line which goes well with their summery guitar riffs, it then breaks down into a very chilled almost jazz-like sound. Childhood are really broadening their sound with this particular track and it sounds great especially with front man Bens soft echoing vocals. Childhood are currently supporting Palma Violets on their UK tour and are in the process of recording their first full length LP. "Pinballs" is released 13th January via Speedy Wunderground.

Listen to "Childhood - Pinballs) on Soundcloud below.

https://soundcloud.com/speedywunderground/sw006-childhood-pinballs-full

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Next Hype #10

ATLAS

This Indie four-piece from Birmingham just go to show that the musical talent coming out of the Midlands shows no sign of ending anytime soon. ATLAS are made up of Michael Wagstaff (Guitar & Vocals), Ryan Baynham (Guitar), Jamie Flavell (Bass) and Rory Wagstaff (Drums). Their sound is similar to big name Indie/Rock bands such as The Maccabees and with just 2 home recordings to their name online, (How The Truth Tastes & DEW) things can only get bigger and better for these guys. ATLAS's live performance is definitely one to try and catch, with such a professional refined sound for a band so early on in their career and such a young age things really do look promising for these guys. Their stand-out track is latest demo entitled "DEW", front man Michael Wagstaff's vocals are so haunting and powerful and as the song progresses the guitars slowly add more and more to the song until it finally breaks into a beautiful eruption of guitars, drums and vocal harmonies similar to WU LYF.

Listen to "ATLAS - DEW" on YouTube below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kAt3EmH7DI

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Tip of the Day

Superfood - Melting

Birmingham quartet Superfood have announced the release of their first official single which is a double A side called "Bubbles/Melting". After signing to Infectious Records last month they are wasting no time in releasing new material much to their fans delight. This also comes alongside the announcement of Superfood's first E.P "MAM" which is set for release early next year. Superfood are set to join fellow B-Towner's Peace on the London and Birmingham leg of their tour next month. "Melting" is released 9th December via Infectious Records.

Listen to "Superfood - Melting" on YouTube below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWW3dQYlNj0

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Tip of the Day

Coastal Cities - Summer Reign

Buckinghamshire outfit Coastal Cities are set to release latest single "Summer Reign" later this month and have uploaded the tracks official video to their YouTube page. The High Wycombe five piece are a mix of summery guitars and sun soaked synths. Coastal Cities have also enlisted the help of Delphic producer Hugh Worskett for this single and also Adrian Bushby who mixed this track as well as other big name artists such as Two Door Cinema Club. This young band have heaps of potential and their Alternative/Pop sound is sure to grab the attention of music fans soon. "Summer Reign" is released 28th October via Once Upon A Time Records.

Listen to "Coastal Cities - Summer Reign" on YouTube below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBaXAVaaxtc