The Harlers | Secret Lover | Single Review

The Harlers, a three piece originated in Swindon, have an new single Secret Lover ready to be listened to and enjoyed on Soundcloud. The single is categorised into an alternative rock genre and I believe this is accurate, however it appears to be a heavier alternative style rather than a mellow alt-rock ballad. 

Personally I really enjoyed this song as its loud guitar riff, that became very catchy after only listening twice. The guitar is definitely the part that stands out the most in this song, which is great, yet it took my focus away from the actual lyrics. However on my second preview of the song I listened more thoroughly to what was being said and a clearer narrative to the song was unfolded.

The lyrics seem to be reflecting on the singer and/or protagonist and his ‘secret lover’ which could relate to someone who he fantasises about - but can’t get - or potentially someone who he is secretly seeing but doesn’t know if it’s love or just a ‘fling’. I’m sure this song can be relatable for some, yet I can’t personally relate to everything said, yet I’m almost certain everyone will be able to relate to the idea of having a person that, as the lyrics state, “running through” their mind. Personally I enjoy songs that have a story to them that the artist is singing about and I feel as though with more heavier, upbeat songs it’s harder to connect with what’s being said, nevertheless as a music lover I always try to grasp my own interpretation of the lyrics. 

In addition to this I found that the sound of music was very similar to Royal Blood. Whether The Harlers have taken inspiration from the well known rock band, they definitely have done a good job in using that inspiration and putting it into their own music. This could potentially ruffle a few feathers as they sound incredible similar and certain elements of the song have a huge similarity to Royal Blood. That being said, where would any band or any musician be without their aspirations and inspirations. 

Review by Emily Richardson

Mollie Marriott Interview

Your debut album ‘Truth is a Wolf’ was released in November last year. What has the response to it been like?

It’s been great. I’m so unbelievably lucky. It was terrifying. I didn't read any of the reviews for a while, I was too scared. I’m aware my surname brings huge expectation but I was hopeful my music would be accepted which luckily it has been.

You are a very talented singer-songwriter. Would you say that you have a particular writing process?

Firstly, thank you! I used to, however recently Sam Tanner and I have been trying new things out for the next album and its been working well. Its normally always melody first then structure then lyric but I'm enjoying it and just seeing what happens and letting it come as it does.

I do sometimes have the need to write but get blocked. I was told by a mutual friend that sometimes when writing, Stevie Nicks sings a new melody over an old song and then changes the odd chord, write new lyrics and by the time its left the studio its a completely different song and you'd never connect the two. I tried it.. it works.

The songs on the album all seem very personal. Where do you draw your lyrics from, do you write from experience or write stories?

I never write stories as I can't connect to it. I have to write from the heart otherwise i don't see the point. Im a private person so it doesn't come easy putting things out there but i force myself to get it out purely for a cathartic need. A lyrical self harm sometimes.

When you’re in a stage of writing is there anything in particular you listen to, or do you avoid listening to music? Just any listening habits!

I do for inspiration. Depending where my head space is at the time or what vibe I'm in for will depend on what i listen to. Chris Cornell will always appear but then the poetry from Ben Howard or Florence Welch will pour in and the rawness and picture painting Lana and Alanis complete it all.

Im back listening to Ann Peebles a lot at the moment but then ill mix it with Nine Inch Nails for that Electro Rock vibe. I don't want to sit in the classic 70s Rock n Roll as I feel its been done to death.

What would you say is the song that holds the most meaning to you from the album? Or is there a song you’re particularly proud of?

Transformer. All the others on that album I'm emotionally done with. Im over those situations except that one. Also Im proud of the poetry of Armour. It holds some of my favourite lyrics. Im proud of them all really

You first started performing aged just 12 and have had an exciting career since. What would you say has been your biggest highlight?

Oh gosh. So many. I can whittle it down to two. Firstly, being part of The Old Grey Whistle Test Anniversary was incredible. What an honour to be part of such a legendary show in Musical history! I was so proud of Bob that day. He was just so focused and inspiring.. It was a real family vibe and doing the show with my dear Pete Frampton and was just a beautiful thing .

Also, sharing a stage with Planty. Magic!

You have a big gig coming up at The Water Rats in Kings Cross on the 5th of July. What can your fans attending can expect from the night? How would you describe your stage presence?

  Hopefully a release to what ever stresses and strains they have. A LOUD night of fun with a soul of its own that only we will experience and no camera phone will haha

The Second Echo and Siobhan Mazzei are your support acts on the night. Why did you choose these two acts to support you?

My manager introduced me to The Second Echo. They have a cool Arctic Monkeys meets The Temperance Movement vibe. I held a competition for a acoustic support act where they would have to send in a cover of one of my tracks off of Truth Is A Wolf. Siobhan did Control and put her spin on it and i loved that.

You have previously cited Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alanis Morissette as your influences. Is there anyone else you would say has inspired you?

Im a HUGE Ben Howard fan. He's the only artist I've left the country for. He is my ultimate escape and he hits my core like no other. Also Lana Del Rey. I love how you dont hear from either artist unless theres music involved thats how it should be and not about your new bag or what you're having for lunch. They don’t give a shit.

I am also a Hip Hop fan and have loved Eminem since his first album. He is a god damn rhythmical genius. Have you heard Rap God? Ridiculous!

When you’re not making music yourself what do you find yourself listening to?

Łoving an artist called IAMX. His voice is incredible. So pure and as I stated before, i’m liking the electro gothic vibe at the moment. In fact Ben Howard has a song called The Defeat which is making my ears happy which has this sound has a hint of Hearing Damage by Thom Yorke to it. The Prodigy, Audioslave. Also im loving the rise of women in rock at the moment. The Beaches, Dorothy and Deap Vally are al playing in my house at the moment.

‘The Jam’ legend Paul Weller features on the track ‘King of Hearts’. How did that connection come about?

Ive known Paul since I was 15. I adore him. You know where you stand with him. No bullshit. He has been a rock with this album and my career. I wanted to work with his Producer and my dear friend Jan Kybert and Jan said we should speak to Paul. Paul gave us his studio and then offered to play on it which obviously i was so touched by.

What was he like to work with?

Great! He was encouraging and didn't take over just wanted to help make music. Its great to see him still get nervous too. Hes very passionate about music and writing and it was an honour to work with him and Jan.

Do you have any dreams you’d still like to achieve in terms of your music career?

Of course. Brixton Academy and Eventim Apollo Hammersmith are my venue goals. I love those venues. More albums and collaborations. Also to tour out of the UK.

Finally, what else have you got planned for 2018? What can we look forward to seeing/hearing from you?!

I have another tour coming up the end of the year and hopefully new music as thats where I am at the moment. Back in the studio.

Interview by  Molly Thompson

Liverpool Calling Review

   Inner city festivals are undoubtedly important for the UK's underground scene. A gathering of bands from across the UK that draws in a collection of photographers, journalists, promoters and general music lovers. One of the best parts of these festivals is that not only do you get to see bands you already know and love play live but you're more than likely to stumble across new bands you've not come across previously that you'll end up adoring forever more. Liverpool Calling was no exception to this for me.

   I had a pretty tight schedule of bands I wanted to photograph but until the first band off my list began I decided to stick around Phase One and watch the bands that were on there. (Also a quick note to say that Phase One is so cool and if you're in Liverpool you should definitely go and check it out, a vinyl shop, a bar, listening booths, a great stage and a beer garden, you couldn't ask for more.) 

   Whilst I was there I came across two bands I hadn't heard of before, both of which I instantly fell in love with. My favourite genre of music is 70s prog and psych rock, but generally all the music I listen to spans from 70s - 90s. So the bands that usually catch my attention in the underground scene are the ones with a bit of an old rock and roll sound to them. The Lemonade Fix were the first band I saw on, within in a minute of their first song I was completely drawn in. This Liverpool based four piece were giving off huge psychedelic vibes, the guitar licks and riffs were the main thing that put them in the psych category, but the baseline and rhythm of the drums accompanied this sound, considering they were one of the first bands on of the day their set was great, once I'd finished photographing them I was having a little boogie and taking in their wavvy vibes. 

   The next band I saw that caught my attention at Phase One were Monks, this five piece were following suit with the psychedelic sound, I was in my happy place for sure. For an early show time Monks put a lot of energy into their set, they were captivating to watch and their sense of style went hand in hand with the music which completed their overall look. They definitely gained new fans at Liverpool Calling, myself included. 

   The first band on my list to see were Himalayas, I've been listening to them for awhile now and have been eager to see them live. I'll be watching them again at Jimmy's in Manchester for Northern Exposure's gig on 9th August. Their set was worthy of being later in the night, and their sound definitely too big for 8pm. The Cardiff quartet are a blend of alt rock and punk that results in a sort of melodic chaos. Their songs are both lyrically and rhythmically catchy with a gritty edge that reminds me of bands like The Blinders. 

Generation are yet another band I've heard nothing but praise about, I had high expectations for their set and I wasn't disappointed. They had a lot of energy and an on stage attitude that matches their punky online persona. Front man Dean Carne constantly moved around the stage and shouted the lyrics with a snarling force whilst the rest of the band 

Hey Charlie are a band I am completely obsessed with, I listen to them on repeat all the time. They're empowering and bad ass and listening to them whilst walking down the street makes you feel like you can achieve anything. I saw them for the first time at When In Manchester but their set at Liverpool Calling topped even that, they thrashed about the stage, into the crowd and no point were they ever stood still. What I love about Hey Charlie is that it's rock music for girls, I don't mean that in an overly feminist sort of way, but simply that lyrically it's relatable to girls and that's fucking rad because yeah there's girl bands about but a lot of the time they don't seem to lyrically write about girly things. Hey Charlie are proving you can be a fucking bad ass and still be a girly girl.

I got a whole lotta love for False Heads, not only are they one of the best live bands around at the moment but they're some of the loveliest people you'll meet. This is as band that is as hard working as they are talented and deserve every bit of success they get, they just played the main stage at INmusic Festival in Croatia and I have no doubt they absolutely killed their set. They headlined Liverpool Calling on Friday night at EBGBS, as always they put 110% into their set, I've seen False Heads perform a fair few times now but this set was one of their best yet. Endlessly thrashing about the stage like a mad man, front man Luke Griffiths keeps the audience in anticipation constantly, never knowing what he's going to jump into or climb onto next. They played a lot of their known loved songs that the room was singing along to, well if you can call a madness of head thrashing singing. If you haven't already listened to False Heads you definitely should. They've got a huge UK tour coming up in September so you've got no excuse not to go see them. 

Review & Photography by Holly Beson-Tams

   

Sophie and the Giants | Monsters | Single Review

Sophie and the Giants have recently released a new single, entailing an electric-rock hybrid. The title of the song is Monsters and has a really different approach to the rock genre as the sound is very modern and different from some bands we here daily, but there is still similarities to other artists too. 

In particular, Sophie (vocals and guitar) has got an amazing vocal range that reminded me of Florence Welch, front woman of ‘Florence and the Machine’. The strong vocals give a sense of passion and excitement for this new, upcoming band. Moreover electric sounds at the beginning also reflect on the newness Sophie and Athena Giants are bringing to the music scene. One specific element I love about this band is the front woman appeal. Personally, I wish we had many more bands with women vocals and/or a front women due to the lack of female attention in the rock music industry. I believe that women in bands should not be seen as something new or different, (even though they usually are) we should be seeing it as something normal. The powerful music I have heard from Sophie and the Giants, especially “Monsters”, which has definitely proved that it is completely normal for a lead female role to be apart of a band as it results with a new sound, a mild punk appearance and very cool music overall. Sophie and the Giants are one to look out for.

Review by Emily Richardson

Hoofa | Interview

We caught up with Hoofa, a  London based indie-pop band, ahead of their EP release. The band are set to release their EP 'Live at Bonafide' on Friday 29th June, following this with a gig at Camden Assembly on 5th July.

‘Olivia’ is a pretty moving piece with some thought provoking lyrics. What was the inspiration behind the masterpiece?

It’s a literal description of what happened to me when I was in the second year of University. Yes, her name was Olivia. Yes, I did cry outside a church. I have a saying in life, worst case scenario, write a song about it.

Of course, the London music scene is perhaps the biggest in the whole of the UK. How do you guys compete with others and stand out?

I don’t think it’s a competition per say, everyone runs their own race, if you know what I mean? I write songs with the general aim of making people dance around and sing along and I think there’s space for many really great songs for that, across different bands. That said, the quality of indie bands at the moment is really high. We focus on an energetic live show and catchy choruses, and hope people come back for more.

Do you have a specific song writing process?

I wrote the whole first album worth of material back in October, then a bunch of mates decided to join me to play the shows live. I’m currently writing the second album worth of material. Generally, I write the music and then the lyrics, but occasionally lyrics just come to me. Think about you, a track from the Live Session EP, was wrote lyrics first. I just go with the flow I guess!

At what moment did you realise that you were ready to record an EP opposed to releasing singles?

We played a few shows and people came up to us after complaining… that they couldn’t find our music online! The live session tracks are meant to satisfy that desire.

You guys have supported a fair few bands in your time. Who was the most memorable to be the supporting act for?

I supported The Twang with an old band back in the day, but the best bands always tend to support us to be honest! Sam Fender’s old band supported mine ages ago, we’ve played with Faers a couple of times and they’re ace, whilst The Luka State and Monico Blonde we’re great to play with as well. We played football with on the streets of Camden with Monico Blonde, so I’m gonna give it to them.

Your upcoming EP ‘Live at Bonafide’ is of course live. What is your reasoning for a live release of your tracks?

The primary reason is that people were frustrated that they couldn’t find music online, but secondly, we felt it gave us a chance to perform the tracks. We had 2 takes of each track by the time everything was set up, so there was a lot of pressure as well. Certainly a good learning opportunity!

3 Southerners and one Northerner. How did you guys meet each other?

I decided to turn Hoofa from a one man solo project into a band around me. I had jammed with the bassist (Alan) and the drummer (Archie) before and we all had a great vibe when in a room. I met the acoustic guitarist/backing vocalist (Paul) at a mutual friends stagg do and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. They are all from the south in some aspect, whereas I’m from a town in the North West called Warrington.

Collectively, what musical figures do you look up to/ take inspiration from?

 For my writing, it comes from all over the place. The Wombats, The Smiths, Saint Raymond and Peace to mention just some. As a musical figure, it has to be Jonny Marr – he is just the man.

The name Hoofa; where on Earth did it come from?

Hoofa was my x-box gamer tag from when I first started gaming! When I started writing, I wanted to write under a name that meant a lot to me and that I could commit to a 5-6 year attempt at a musical career with. It was a choice between Hoofa or Jimmy Rooney & The Swan Fists… I’m sure you’ll agree Hoofa is more suitable!

Everyone has a song that, when with their mates, they get buzzed to. What is your song as a group?

Typically, it’s This Charming Man by the Smiths, but the occasional “Not 19 forever” goes down a treat as well.

What will have to happen in your future career to make you think “we’ve made it?”

Once I’ve played the BBC stage at Leeds Festival I can die happy.

Cliché, but what venue do you dream of playing at?

I’d love to play to a sold out crowd in Warrington at the Parr Hall, but London wise, KOKO would be class. I saw Little Comets play there and just blew me away.

What plans are you working on after the release of the EP?

We’re heading to the studio in July/August to work on ‘proper’ singles and release them later this year. Gig wise, we’re pretty much booked up in London for the year so we’ll focus on making them as fun as they can be!

Check them out on Facebook here & listen to their live session here

Interview by Sam Hatherley

The Scrubs | Circus of Horrors | EP Review

A hearty melting pot of surf, garage, punk, and psychedelic sounds is stirred up vigorously by The Scrubs on their E.P. Circus of Horrors.

Many infectious elements are used to distinguish their character: powerful, growling bass, raspy, drawling vocals, and guitar licks that hark back to the goth tinged rock and roll of The Cramps. The drums rain down with a raw, layered delivery, with cymbals that blend into the echo of the reverb.

Some of the best parts of the songs are captured in a scrappy crashing together of noise, creating sounds not unlike power tools let loose in a workshop.

The melody to opening track Wormwood has an unmistakable touch of Misirlou by Dick Dale, paired up with lyrics that speak of a tortured relationship. The pitch rises towards the end of the song, as if played on a ghost train that emerges into a light at the end of a tunnel, before racing on to the next set of thrills.

Hacksaw has a bouncy rhythm, and maintains the morbid lyrical imagery. The vibrato and fuzzy distortion are sculpted into a frenzied whirlpool of sound.

Death at the Ballet is a more atmospheric number, utilising a waltz-like rhythm and a loud-quiet dynamic. The bass in particular gives a chamber-like depth in the twists and turns.

Burial Ground, dives confidently back into a no frills rock and roll pace. Enjoyably sour edged melodies and a sense of gloom make this ideal for a disillusioned, angst ridden day.

Fans of bands as diverse as The Fall, Kings of Leon, Cage the Elephant, The Libertines and Queens of the Stone Age should give Circus of Horrors a listen. The musical flavours the band draw from are noticeable, yet they have a unique sound that will captivate anyone into underground rock. Recommended.

Review by Lawrence Peattie

The Americas | Come On Out | Single Review

The Americas released their long awaited for single Come On Out, which will be the first in a series of singles that will be released ahead of their debut EP ‘Guitar Music Is Dead' which is currently scheduled for release on September 7th. The track was recorded in a way that gives it as much old school authenticity as you can get in this day and age. “we recorded it through a beautiful analogue desk... I think it was used to record The Eagles albums” (Aaron) it was recorded on a tape machine by Mike Hill.

Instrumentally Come On Out is an upbeat song that with summery vibes sown through the entire track. The tempo is slightly slower than past releases that gives the track a more chilled, easy listening feel, that is perhaps drawn from more contemporary influences such as Twin Peaks. The regular tambourine beat is for me a big part of what ties together the summer feeling with that classic 70s rock and roll sound you expect The Americas to deliver.

The Americas are hugely loved for their ode to real rock and roll, their influences are drawn from Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and many many more. But I think what makes them so passionately loved by their fans is that contemporary connection the past. For their older fans it’s a way to connect to past memories when these huge bands were in their prime, to see that the spirit of rock and roll still lives on. For their younger fans in their own generation, you watch them live on stage, or listen to them through your ear phones or in your bed room, and you imagine yourself in the past, you can almost see yourself in an old 70s/80s film, it’s that idea of golden age living, to momentarily live in an era that doesn’t revolve around social media.

Lyrically Come On Out is filled with raw emotion and follows suit to past releases from The Americas. Continually showing their old souls and their takes on life, Harry and Aaron write lyrics that high light life’s painful truths and allow people to relate to their music. Sticking to this fashion, Come On Out’s lyrics are filled with bitter sweet sadness that contrast to the happy summer vibes taken from the guitar lines and upbeat drums.

“I don't wanna talk no more

I just wanna drown my troubles

There's really nothing more about it that I can say

I just wanna take my pain away for one brief moment”

The song tells a tale of being in pain and needing to escape that reality by going out, one of my favourite verses in the song massively contrasts within itself. It begins with “Remember playing with your dog in the yard, Remember when life wasn't so fucking hard, Remember when we didn't have to feel so much all the time” A light nod towards easier days of childhood before the difficulties that come with growing up in this century take over your life. The latter half of the verse is painfully relatable for me and I’m sure will be for many listeners. “Playing with your demons is fun sometimes, Yeah playing with your demons is fun sometimes, Fun 'til it completely destroys your life and you're back here alone” To me this section reflects that’s you can try and escape your pain with drink and drugs, and that break from reality can be fun and what you need for a brief moment, but it can’t last. That continual use of substance abuse leads you down a dark road.

Part of what makes the Americas so special is that their lyrics are open to listener’s individual interpretation, obviously some lines are what they are. But there are those golden lines that someone can hear and suddenly form a deep connection to, whether that be attaching their memory to the line or simply relating to it a sea of different ways. It’s what makes their lyrics iconic and heartfelt. “I'm sick of nothing in my life being real, Sometimes I think pain is the only thing that I feel that makes me feel alive” is perhaps my favourite couple of lines in Come On Out that I connected, I’m sure a lot of people can connect to this message – but I’m also sure it will be in a different way for everyone.

Something myself, and a lot of other journalists have said in the past, is that The Americas are creating the kind of music you want to drive down a Utah highway too, whether that be in an Cadillac or on a motorbike. And whilst that is true, it’s just so much more than that. They’re beautifully refreshing in a sea of indie rock and their songs truly mean something.

As The Americas are our cover boys and are about to blow up the scene with new music it's only fitting they headline our launch party. They've been a band close to my heart long before I finally saw them live and I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to be headlining Denim + Leather's most important event to date! I'm all about old rock and roll and The Americas bring that sound into modern music.

Our launch party gig is at Jimmy's in Manchester on July 6^th. Supporting The Americas we've got two of our favourite rock and roll bands on the bill, Naked Six will be opening up the night followed by the mighty The Franklys.

Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/theamericas

Ticket link: https://www.skiddle.com/TheAmericas

Review and photography by Holly Beson-Tams