Half-Way House - Albums Of '10 So Far...

It's no secret I've been generally crap at blogging of late. Seeing as we've reached the half-way point of 2010, I figured it was as good a time as any to do a little post about some of the albums I've had stuck on repeat the past few months but might not necessarily have got around to posting about before.

Delphic - Acolyte

Although their outright dismissal of the constant comparisons to New Order is probably a tad disingenuous, there's certainly more to Delphic's debut album 'Acolyte' than rehashed influences. Seamlessly marrying gurgling dance-beats, swirling synths and rock sensibilities, the band have crafted a truly modern-sounding record that more than justifies the litany of 'tip for 2010' rosettes hurled in their direction.

Delphic - Halcyon

Kelis - Fleshtone

Although I'm hearing reports of ropey live shows, PETA's number one enemy has produced one of the finest electropop records of the year so far in 'Fleshtone'. Kelis has been one of the most sonically adventurous popstars of the past decade, hopping between genres like nobody's business and dancefloor diva is seemingly a role that she wears well. The album's segues are probably a little unnecessary but there's scarcely a dud track.

Kelis - 4th of July (Calvin Harris Remix)

Sleigh Bells - Treats

I think maybe I confused Sleigh Bells with School of Seven Bells, which might be the reason that, despite the fact that this album inspiring mild blogospheric hysteria, I took ages to get around to listening to it. The debut by New York 'noise pop' duo Sleigh Bells is a genre-melding masterpiece. Signed by the poster girl for musical innovation, M.I.A., the pair's songs rarely run longer than three minutes but are positively bursting with fresh sounds and ideas.

Sleigh Bells - Run The Heart (Bassnectar Remix)

Muchuu - Adventure We Go

Prodigious brother and sister pair Muchuu have crafted a gorgeous debut that combines fantastical lyrics, synthy soundscapes and dreamy vocal harmonies. One of the tracks is called 'Getaway Train' and that pretty much sums up the type of glorious escapism that Milky and George serve up throughout the course of the album's twelve tracks. Recently, I've discovered that it's the perfect soundtrack to lying in the grass on a sunny day.

Muchuu - Somebody Tell Me

Janelle Monáe - The Arch Android

With her distinctive tailored suits, a swagger she's gleaned from Outkast's Big Boi and a gravity-defying quiff, Janelle Monáe certainly makes a memorable first impression. However, it's her earth-shatteringly soulful voice and arsenal of genre-melding tunes that sets her apart from the slew of overstyled wannabes that have been vying for our attention in the post-Gaga era. The Arch-Android deserves to be a monster success when it's released here next week.

Janelle Monáe - Faster

Robyn - Body Talk (Part 1)

We're likely to hear plenty from Robyn over the course of the next few months as she has decided to stagger the follow-up to her eponymous 2005 album over three parts. Here's hoping the remaining installments of the trilogy are up to the high standard set by Part 1. From the understated acoustic heartbreak of 'Hang With Me' and the electropop gleam of 'Fembot' to the reggae-tinged 'Dancehall Queen' and Swedish folk song thrown in for good measure, this is an album that covers a lot of ground despite its short run-time.

Robyn - Don't Fucking Tell Me What To Do

Jónsi - Go

The (former?) Sigur Rós frontman has produced some incredible arrangements in this solo record that really does reveal itself more and more with every listen. Flutes, piano courtsey of Nico Muhly, luscious strings, electronic bleeps and a variety of percussive instruments all combine to produce an utterly symphonic collection of genre-defying songs that feature Jónsi's first ever English-language lyrics. Masterful.

Jónsi - Tornado

Foals - Total Life Forever

It took me a while to warm to this album but, after the seeing the band live in concert, I have a whole new appreciation for their follow-up to 'Antidotes'. Yannis and co have crafted an album that's deliciously textured, oscillating between sombre, subdued moments and bouts of frenetic guitar-pop. 'Spanish Sahara' initially sounded like an oddity but makes sense in the context of the album and is one of my favourite tracks this year.

Foals - Spanish Sahara

Marina & The Diamonds - The Family Jewels

Both Ellie Goulding and Marina were frequently mentioned among 'tips for 2010' at the beginning of the year, with Ellie seemingly the tastemakers' favourite. However, in terms of their debut releases, Marina produced an infinitely better record. As good a study of the ego/insecurity dichotomy of the high achiever as you're likely to find, 'The Family Jewels' is choc-a-block with catchy pop hooks and anchored by Marina's distinctive voice.

Marina & The Diamonds - The Outsider

Chew Lips - Unicorn

Chew Lips' intricate arrangements, range of tempos and knack for pegging down killer hooks serve them well throughout Unicorn's ten tracks but there's no question that Chew Lips' trump card is frontwoman Tigs. Whether snarling and wailing on the anthemic 'Slick', or tenderly crooning on 'Piano Song', she is commanding throughout and her charisma and energy percolate through the record.

Chew Lips - Slick

Live Review: Foals @ The Academy, Dublin

There's always a certain sense of occasion about the Heineken Green Spheres events. Maybe it's that people tend to get a bit carried away when it come to free stuff? Maybe it's the extensive promotion in the run up to the events? Or maybe it's the fact that the roster of artists they've had play are worth getting excited about.

Either way, there was a palpable sense of anticipation when my friend and I touched down at The Academy for the latest installment in the Green Spheres franchise and promptly took advantage of our free beer voucher.

First up to entertain the crowds were Belfast rockers, LaFaro. Not short of enthusiasm, the quartet are a bit too 'heavy' for my liking and, dare I say, a tad derivative. That said, they seemed to appeal to some audience members, who thrashed about almost as violently as their guitarist (who, at one point, lost his balance and fell over completely.)

Next to grace the stage were London four-piece Bombay Bicycle Club with their charming brand of sprightly indie-pop. They can hardly be described as the 'edgiest' of outfits and banter between songs was kept to a minimum, but Bombay Bicycle Club adeptly proved that they've got the chops.

Jack Steadman's lilting vocal is just as impressive in a live setting as it is on record and hefty portions of the crowd sang along gleefully to their signature hits 'Always Like This', 'Evening/Morning' and 'Dust on the Ground'. On most occasions, they'd have upstaged the main act. No pressure, Foals.

I'd seen Foals play at this same venue a little over two years ago and have always regarded it as one of the best gigs I've ever been too. However, I've seen them play twice since but never experienced quite the same headrush, so was beginning to question whether maybe I'd exaggerated how good they'd been on the first occasion.

On top of this concern was the unavoidable issue of how different their latest album, 'Total Life Forever', sounds to its predecessor 'Antidotes'. I'm a fan of both but, honestly, I struggled to see how it was all going to fit together in a live set and presumed they'd just shoehorn some old stuff in at the end.

Not so.

After opening with the title track from the new album and following it with early hit 'Cassius', these concerns were obliterated. As a friend said on the night, seeing Foals play live kind of makes sense of the apparent change of direction they've taken with the new album.

As for the headrush? Oh, it was there alright. Within moments of the band taking to the stage, I found myself swept away in the crowd, bouncing up and down like a 16-year-old fanboy. As they worked their way through a near-flawless set, I was able to assert that there was nothing rose-tinted about my memories of that first encounter with Foals.

Highlights of their set included frontman Yannis indulging in an extended bout of crowd surfing and a rousing performance of the incredible 'Spanish Sahara'. The build in the song lends itself really well to a live setting and the big release towards the end of the song felt positively euphoric.

If I'd one complaint it would probably be that they neglected to include 'Hummer', the song that first introduced me to Foals, in their encore. However, considering how much Foals have matured musically since releasing that track three years ago, it's understandable that they'd want to distance themselves from it. Frankly, I'm more excited about the next phase of their sonic evolution.

[Images: Kieran Frost and Sarah Buckley]

On Yer Bike

London four-piece Bombay Bicycle Club have been unveiled as the support act for Foals at the Heineken Green Spheres gig on 14th of May at The Academy, Dublin.

The band are a pretty perfect addition to the line-up, not just because they're rather brilliant, but because their brand of sprightly indie-pop slots in nicely between the frenetic pace of Foals' debut record 'Antidotes' and the more subdued material from their new record, like 'Spanish Sahara'.

Here's a couple of tracks to whet your appetite, and a cover of their track 'Always Like This' by the ever-charming Run Toto Run.

Bombay Bicycle Club - Evening/Morning



Bombay Bicycle Club - Always Like This



Run Toto Run - Always Like This (Bombay Bicycle Club Cover)



If you haven't already applied for tickets for this free gig, go getcha some.

This Western Feeling...

Despite initial skepticism, I was completely won over by Foals' 'Spanish Sahara' after a few listens.

Seemingly, that track was put into the public domain for 'promotional purposes' and the first single from their forthcoming sophomore album 'Total Life Forever' will, in fact, be 'This Orient'.



The track seems like a logical bridge between the material on debut album 'Antidotes' and 'Spanish Sahara' and suggests that we can expect a varied collection of tracks from the new album. Check out the video for the track here.

Incidentally, Heineken Music are bringing the band over to The Academy, Dublin in May for one of their wonderful free Green Spheres events. The first time I saw the band live was in that same venue and it was, in all honesty, one of my favourite gigs I've ever been to.

You can register for tickets here and I strongly suggest that you do.

Pony Pony Run Run

English indie outfit Foals today premiered the first single from their sophomore album, 'Total Life Forever'.

The band's 2008 debut 'Antidotes' is a firm favourite of mine and their gig at The Academy that year was one of the best I've been to.

The band never really struck me as the types to play it safe but I'm still taken aback by how radical a departure new track 'Spanish Sahara' is from previous material.



The track is unlikely to be playlisted by many commercial radio stations but I think I like it. I'll reserve final judgement until I hear it in the context of the album, which is due in May.

Foals will be giving the new tracks an airing at a Heineken Green Spheres free event in The Academy, Dublin on May 14th. Keep an eye on their site to see how to apply for tickets.

Oxegen Rush

The wonderful folk at Heineken Music answered my prayers last week by providing me with a chance to experience Oxegen '09.

I've been to the festival a number of times before but this year I found the line-up particularly enticing. Sometimes it can be hard to gauge how acts will fare in front of a festival crowd but, thankfully, none of the acts I managed to catch seemed fazed by the Punchestown punters.

I've already written about the effect Florence and the Machine had on me. Seeing the band play in such an initimate space, the week their soon-to-be-classic album was released, in front of such an appreciative audience ranks among the greatest festival experiences I've ever had.

Another brilliant performance came courtesy of Friendly Fires, who more than lived up to their reputation as a formidable live act. With such an arsenal of incredible tracks ('Jump in The Pool', 'Paris', 'Photobooth' and 'Skeleton Boy' to name but a few), it's a wonder that the Engish trio haven't enjoyed more mainstream success but I suspect they won quite a few fans as a result of their dazzling live set.

I'd seen Oxford four-piece Foals play twice before and loved 'em both times. However, seeing them at the Heineken Green Spheres was the first time I felt where the sound system was able to do justice to their high-octane guitar-driven indie pop. Or maybe they were just on form? Either way, they were a definite highlight.

I'm sure some would disagree but I also thought Lady Gaga delivered in spades. A performance that involved a moped, a piano covered with plastic bubbles, a box made out of mirrors, a keytar, several costume changes and some pretty slick choreograhy meant it was impossible to pry your eyes from the bolshy bottle blonde. Oh, and she can sing.

Good show, Oxegen. Good show.

[Images: Heineken Music]

Packing Some Punch: Oxegen Preview

It's looking increasingly likely that I'll be heading to Punchestown next weekend for Oxegen. Yes, I'm poorer than a pauper but, the way I see it, the fact that the festival coincides with the deadline for my thesis is fate and, hey, who am I to screw with destiny?

Since its humble beginnings as 'Witnness' nine years ago, the festival has become something of an Irish institution. There are those that will insist that Electric Picnic has 'better vibes' but, even if this is so, Oxegen is unrivalled in terms of the calibre of its line-up and this year is no exception. From Gaga to Glasvegas, Bloc Party to Blur, Nine Inch Nails to Nick Cave, Florence and the Machine to Fun Lovin' Criminals, the 2009 roster is nothing short of stellar.

If you'd like to see the full line-up and stage times for Oxegen '09, the lovely folk at Heineken Music have provided one here. Heineken are running the Green Spheres stage for the first time this year, with some fairly brilliant acts like 2 Many DJ's, Fight Like Apes and TV On The Radio set to perform.

The 5 sets at which your most likely to see me up the front, shaking what God gave me:

Friendly Fires

I was a bit late to the party in terms of discovering English three-piece Friendly Fires and only came across their self-titled debut earlier this year, several months after its release. However, the album has already had enough rotation on my Itunes to make up for any lost time. Combining rock, pop and electro influences, the band have built a reputation as a fantastic live act and are definitely worth pencilling into your schedule.

Skeleton Boy:


Heineken Green Spheres, Sunday, 17:15


Patrick Wolf

Alt-pop singer Patrick Wolf has been a hero of mine for many moons and yet, circumstances have always prevented me from seeing him when he's played here. Wolf's music is hard to describe, not only because he draws on a diverse range of musical influences, but also because he constantly hops from one genre to the next, alternating between pulsing electro, jaunty bubblegum pop and the odd heart-wrenching ballad thrown in for good measure. Wolf's latest album 'Battle' may have divided critics but, from what I gather, his live sets have drawn fairly unanimous positive responses.

To The Lighthouse:


Hot Press New Band Stage, Saturday, 22:00


Foals

Back in the summer of 2007, when Lyndsay announced 'I Love Foals' on her Bebo skin, I genuinely thought the statement was borne out of some sort of equine obsession. Flash forward eight months later to me and Lyndsay in The Academy jumping up and down like our lives depended on it as the Oxford-based band played songs from their excellent debut album, 'Antidotes', to a decidedly receptive crowd. If the band can emulate the quality of that gig next weekend, it's definitely a set you don't want to miss.

Hummer:


Heineken Green Spheres, Sunday, 18:30


Ladyhawke

Ladyhawke's self-titled album was one of my favourites of 2008 and, despite having listened to 'My Delirium' and 'Dusk to Dawn' kabillions of times, I never tire of their electro-infused guitar pop brilliance. I saw Pip and her band play at the launch of Arnotts' Project earlier this year and, as much as I enjoyed the set on that occasion, I have a feeling that it would be even better suited to a festival atmosphere.

Magic:


Red Bull Academy, Friday, 21:00


Regina Spektor

Anti-folk scene queen turned platinum selling chanteuse Spektor returns to Ireland for the first time since 2007 and her sing-a-long piano pop should make for a refreshing alternative to the thrashing guitars and outrageous pop vixens running amok on some of the bigger stages. Spektor will be sure to play a selection of tracks from her recent album 'Far' but I'm hoping her set will be peppered with some older songs like 'Braille', 'Oedipus' and 'Poor Little Rich Boy'.

Oedipus:


Heineken Green Spheres, Saturday, 9:00

Thanks to the recession, there's still a range of tickets for Oxegen available. Tempted at all?

Good Guesswork

This time last year the BBC polled 'music industry experts' and devised a list of 10 acts they reckoned would make an impression on the world of music.

1. Adele
2. Duffy
3. The Ting Tings
4. Glasvegas
5. Foals
6. Vampire Weekend
7. Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong
8. Black Kids
9. MGMT
10. Santogold

The order is slightly skewed but, with the exception of Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong (who scrapped their album a few days prior to its scheduled release), they pretty much nailed it.