January 30, 2012

I’m on January’s Rocksound, I am. Fourth down, first on the left!  And yes, Alcopop! Records is the best. sophiegalpin: And this is why Alcopop! Records is the best. Recognise any friendly faces in this month’s Rocksound Magazine? Alcopop! Records.  Reppin’ new music since 2006.  http://www.ilovealcopop.co.uk

I’m on January’s Rocksound, I am. Fourth down, first on the left! 

And yes, Alcopop! Records is the best.

sophiegalpin:

And this is why Alcopop! Records is the best.

Recognise any friendly faces in this month’s Rocksound Magazine?

Alcopop! Records.  Reppin’ new music since 2006.  http://www.ilovealcopop.co.uk


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(No. OF NOTES: 7)
  
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January 11, 2012

Album Review//Johnny Foreigner – ‘Johnny Foreigner Vs Everything’

musicalmathematics:

Brummie noisemakers Johnny Foreigner’s Johnny Foreigner vs Everything seem to have purposefully named their album as a confrontation, and given frontman Alexis Berrow’s infamously outspoken blog that has been known to irritate the likes of Rick Martin of NME, it’s not a surprising choice. But what at first glance may seem to be merely the intentionally confrontational Youtube rants of a naïve, teenage, and self-described rebel, the band never does veer off into that abyss of cynical immaturity.


In fact, vs Everything is a record by a band that’s had their share of fun with the music industry while at the same time have also experience firsthand its failings. Nostalgia is hidden not so subtly in the noise, and the noise is, for the most part, an absolute joy to listen to. 


Read the rest of my Johnny Foreigner review on Musical Mathematics. 

Purchase links: http://alcopop.wordpress.com/shop/ 

Check out Johnny Foreigner @ www.johnnyforeignertheband.com

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(No. OF NOTES: 5)
  
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January 8, 2012

Single Review//Blacklisters – ‘I Can Confirm’

musicalmathematics:

Blacklisters’s new single is exactly what you’d expect. It’s a mind-fucking, ear-murdering masterpiece of uncontrollable noise from Leeds’ finest. Taken from their upcoming debut album that’s due out sometime in 2012 (hopefully it will be before the world ends); it’s an excellent teaser to what will be one of next year’s truly skull-crushing releases.

When we take it out of the context of the album though, it’s still a beast of a track. The unmistakably haunting, gritty vocals are one of the highlights of I Can Confirm. 

Words by Jay Johar

Read the rest of my review on Musical Mathematics.  
This was taken from zine issue #5, which you can order HERE. 

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(No. OF NOTES: 3)
  
FILED UNDER: reviews blacklisters brew 
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January 8, 2012

Review: Knorx - Opportunity Never Knorx Twice

Knorx knorx. Who’s there? Knorx. Knorx who? Knorx featuring Joe and Jamie of Tubelord and Tobias Hayes of Shoes & Socks Off / Meet Me In St. Louis fame. Oh how wonderful, do come in. I was just boiling some tea.
So, Knorx featuring the Joe and Jamie of Tubelord and Tobias Hayes of Shoes & Socks Off / Meet Me In St. Louis fame, what brings you here to our quaint little house? I see you’ve brought some grungy, distorted sounds with you. Oh my, you really needn’t to, but it’s lovely all the same. That muffled voice of yours, I do apologise, but for someone hard of hearing like me, it’s not easy for me to make out what you’re saying. Saying that though, it’s an intriguing trait. It suits you well.  
Oh, did you say your parents are Tubelord and Shoes and Socks Off? I must say you don’t sound much like them. I do see that little bit of resemblance though. You have Tubelord’s yelpy and math-y influences in you, and Shoes and Socks Off’s dark, bubbling undercurrents. Still, you are definitely your own person. That much is clear. 
You know, I wouldn’t think your parents would marry and have a child like you, but seeing it now, it’s a wonderful thing. I can’t help but wonder if they’re planning any more baby Knorxes. That would be quite lovely, isn’t it? Oh, you’re leaving already? But you’ve only just been here for 18 minutes. You must come over again some other time. Have a safe walk home, and do say hello to your parents for me.
Download Opportunity Never Knorx Twice on Bandcamp.

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(No. OF NOTES: 1)
  
FILED UNDER: reviews knorx tubelord shoes and socks off toby hayes 
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December 31, 2011

FREE Contract Advice. No More Signing Deals that Get Your Band Screwed

sargenthouse:


I am setting up a FREE advice email for any bands out there that have been sent a written contract to sign by a label, booking agent, marketing firm, label scout, manager - whatever. I’m begging all bands to NEVER just sign without first getting some real advice and understanding of what it is you are agreeing too. I started Sargent House as a manager and in that time I have seen some of the most heartbreaking situations of bands who just went and signed the most crooked deals and had to sit helplessly with them asking for me to get them out of what I couldn’t because they had signed.  I just can’t stand by and watch anymore. I’m NOT a laywer nor will I offer any Legal advice but I will use my experience and knowledge with contracts to help you understand what is being asked of you in the contract. Too many times the reason bands don’t get outside advice has been for lack of funds to get a professional lawyer to advise them before signing and so I’m offering this FREE. Take it or leave it, you don’t have to listen to me but at least you can be more prepared to know what you are getting yourself into and with who.

I am also happy to recommend good attorneys for deals that really are legit. Remember this is your LIFE, and being “signed” means nothing if it’s with a place or person or company that now owns all your creative output for now and the future because you signed on the dotted line.

The devil comes in all shapes, sizes and colors… if it sounds to good to be true. It is.

This is only for real inquiries if you use this email to contact us about ANYTHING other than to send a written contract you have already recieved it will be deleted. This ain’t Love Line or 20 Questions.

If you would like this advice then email us on  advice@sargenthouse.com
attach the contract and give us a number to reach you on.

LAWYERS & MANAGERS if you are also willing to help protect bands and are willing to donate some of your time as well, please email us and let us know. 

1:41 am  |   URL: http://mujahidjohar.tumblr.com/post/15056623351/free-contract-advice-no-more-signing-deals-that-get
(No. OF NOTES: 131)
  
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December 22, 2011

My Top 5 Artists (Week Ending 2011-12-18)

  1. Loney, dear (8)
  2. Los Campesinos! (4)
  3. Alphabeat (3)
  4. M.I.A. (2)
  5. The Lonely Island (2)

Imported from Last.fm Tumblr by JoeLaz

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December 14, 2011

MM Christmas Hamper//Happy Bidding

musicalmathematics:

MM Christmas Hamper

We’ve rummaged round the Musical Mathematics office to bring you as much of our produce as we could find, including many items that we deemed to be sold out! So get bidding to win this amazing Christmas hamper (hamper not included) courtesy of your favorite music zine! 

Start bidding HERE

This Hamper includes…

Zine 3 + Poster 

 Zine 4 + Poster

Zine 5 + Poster 

January & Feb Zines (sent when released)

Tie Dye Tee Large

Original MM Tee Large 

And loads of other Free MM & Christmas Goodies from friends (cd’s, stickers, sweets etc) 

Bidding starts from £15 on eBay right HERE

All the best

Merry Christmas from the whole MM Team!

xx 

1:53 am  |   URL: http://mujahidjohar.tumblr.com/post/14194234815/mm-christmas-hamper-happy-bidding
(No. OF NOTES: 3)
  
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December 13, 2011

musicalmathematics: Musical Mathematics #5 Zine available for Pre-Order HERE It’s our Christmas special! 

musicalmathematics:

Musical Mathematics #5 Zine available for Pre-Order HERE

It’s our Christmas special! 

2:56 am  |   URL: http://mujahidjohar.tumblr.com/post/14148998119/musicalmathematics-musical-mathematics-5
(No. OF NOTES: 6)
  
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December 10, 2011

youdontknoweverythinglikeido asked: Hey man, Musical Mathematics is rad and it seems you've done all of the best reviews on it! Spot on with the Dad Rocks! album, it's incredible. I spoke to him at a London show recently and he's a really really nice guy too. Anyway... Kinda lame doing this but was wondering if you'd take a quick listen to my band, let me know what you think? We're called Glass Mazes, just Google us for Bandcamp/Facebook etc. Cheers!

Thanks for the kind words! It’s always great to hear some feedback about my reviews. He’s a lovely guy, isn’t he? I’ve yet to talk to him in person though (it’s all e-mails and tweets).

Will check out Glass Mazes once I get on a decent internet connection. 

Thanks!

3:16 am  |   URL: http://mujahidjohar.tumblr.com/post/13997474947/hey-man-musical-mathematics-is-rad-and-it-seems-youve
(No. OF NOTES: 1)
  
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December 7, 2011

Musical Mathematics: Album Review//Tubelord – ‘Romance’

After almost exactly two years since their quite excellent debut album, Our First American Friends, Tubelord are now releasing their long awaited follow-up under the Big Scary Monsters/Holy Roar/Blood & Biscuits record label collective, Pink Mist.


As was hinted in their Tezcatlipoca EP, this was never going to be OFAF Mark II. They’ve moved from a math rock, Biffy Clyro-esque, ‘pop song for rock kids’ sound to a more indie math-pop vibe, a change brought about mostly by the addition of James Elliot Field on synths/keyboard. Nowhere is this more evident than ‘4t3’, a guitar-free, synth-dominated affair that plods along with quirky grace.’

Read the rest of my review of the album on Musical Mathematics, with links to buy the album. 

This review is from the print edition (zine #4) of Musical Mathematics

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(No. OF NOTES: 5)
  
FILED UNDER: tubelord romance review album pink mist 
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December 2, 2011

Review: Dad Rocks! - Mount Modern

You know that feeling when an album you’ve been waiting so eagerly for the past few months for actually turns out to be utter crap? Well, that feeling can go suck a line of asses because that’s not what happened with Mount Modern, the debut album of Snaevar Njall Albertsson (Mimas frontman) under the moniker of Dad Rocks! 

At the core of it, Mount Modern retains many of the traits that make Digital Age the successful record it was: the cynical, ironic lyrics, the light-hearted yet slightly mournful music, and the earnest yet incredibly thoughtful tone the whole thing is packaged in. While his Digital Age EP was an absolutely wonderful piece of work with instant classics such as the incredibly titled Aroused By Hair and the cynical yet superb Kids, Mount Modern is several steps forward in Albertsson’s maturity as a songwriter. Mount Modern dwarfs Digital Age with its depth and songcraft.

It is less of a lo-fi offering than his EP, with a myriad of instruments complementing his intriguingly idiosyncratic fingerpicking style. Mount Modern attempts to pose questions and tricks you into giving some thought into the grievances he brings up, when all you probably wanted was to listen to an acoustically-led album to spend your lazy weekend with. 

Dad Rocks!’s songs are sunny days that come along when the world is slowly going to shit. It works as well when you’re having a lovely cup of hot chocolate and there is a thunderstorm outside as it does when you’re having a picnic at the beach while warships and battleships occupy the horizon. 

Mount Modern is without question the album of the year so far, in my honest opinion. Every listen only convinces me more and more of this. It will take an absolutely special record to come out in December to topple Mount Modern off its high pedestal.

Facebook / Bandcamp / Twitter / Tumblr / Soundcloud

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(No. OF NOTES: 6)
  
FILED UNDER: dad rocks mount modern review iceland denmark 
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December 2, 2011

My Top 5 Artists (Week Ending 2011-11-27)

  1. Colour (37)
  2. PJ Harvey (33)
  3. Johnny Cash (22)
  4. Dad Rocks! (20)
  5. A Place To Bury Strangers (9)

Imported from Last.fm Tumblr by JoeLaz

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November 29, 2011

Musical Mathematics//Free Compilation - ‘Third Time’s a Lady’

musicalmathematics:

Musical Mathematics//Third Time’s a Lady

VARIOUS ARTISTS/21 TRACKS

OUT 30th NOVEMBER

www.musicalmathematics.bandcamp.com 

 

 

This is the third free compilation album from Leeds based alternative music Zine Musical Mathematics.

Facebook Twitter Shop 

Tracklist…

1. Three Trapped Tigers/Cramm 

- Blood and Biscuits

- Rock/Electro/Experimental

-After a trio of interesting EPs and the well-deserved attention that came with them, Three Trapped Tigers never cease to impress with new songs and passionate live shows.

- www.facebook.com/threetrappedtigers

2. Castrovalva/Pump Pump 

- Brew Records

- Noise-Hop/Experimental/Grime

- Loud and Live madness from a Leeds trio who blast out a genius noise both on and off record.

- www.facebook.com/castrovalvamusic

3. Rosa Valle/Mathemagician 

- Big Scary Monsters/Holy Roar/Pink Mist

- Math Mosh/Alternative

- Middlesbrough based quartet who bring technical, fierce and schizophrenic rock to the masses

- www.facebook.com/rosavallemusic

4. Trapped in Kansas/Stick To The Roads

- Overlook Records

- Melodic Rock/Math-Pop

- Thoughtful, technical and carefully written dynamic songs mix quiet and loud moments to create some brilliant music. Promising Glaswegian alternative rock!

- www.facebook.com/trappedinkansas

5. Reno Dakota/The Fine Art of Small Talk

- Wanderlust Recordings

- Math/Indie/Pop

- The relatively new Reno Dekota impressed us straight away with their bright and impressively addictive array of melodic pop songs.

- www.wanderlustrecordings.bigcartel.com

6. Algiers/Four Priests

- Big Scary Monsters

- Post-Punk/Pop

- Two-piece Sheffield based rock group play as a team bringing crunched guitars, tom-filled drums and strained vocals.

- www.facebook.com/wearealgiers 

7. Big Success/Domescibels

- Big Scary Monsters

- Pop/Punk

- Formally known as the band ‘Men’, Big Success are now back with their self titled debut EP; full to the brim with sing-along moments about the common workplace.

- www.twitter.com/bigsuccessband

8. Baskin’s Wish/Bill Murray Is Funny, But I’m Still Sad

- Musical Mathematics

- Powerpop/Garagerock/Lo-Fi

- Newcastle Upon Tyne’s playful power pop trio Baskin’s Wish are waiting to burst onto the scene very soon with their unique and home-grown rock songs.

- www.facebook.com/baskinswish

9. Moody Gowns/Nelson Skills

- Unsigned

- Folk/Electro/Pop

- Moody Gowns are a brilliantly strange but undoubtedly incredible 5-piece who play a truly unique style of music combining pop, folk and indie sensibilities.

- www.moodygowns.com

10. Dad Rocks/Weapons

- Big Scary Monsters / Father Figure Records / Paper Garden Records / Kimi Records

- Folk / Pop

- Snaevar Albertsson’s (of Mimas) side project that has taken a life of its own with its beautiful blend of folk and pop melodies

- www.dadrocks.co.uk 

11. Pengilly’s/Toby’s Hill

- Good Foot Records

- Folk/Ambient

- Sombre sounds from Leeds’ most mysterious classically trained sextet.

-  www.facebook.com/pengillys

12. LA2019/Airport carpark

- Blood & Biscuits

- Retrofuturistic Post-Rock/Cinematic Synthronica

- Solo artist Tom Skyrme creates electronic soundscapes reminiscent of Vangelis’s soundtrack to Blade Runner

- http://soundcloud.com/LA2019

13. Ed Wood Jr./Babtrip

- Swarm Records / UFV Records / Who’s Brain

- Math-rock/Electronic

- Noise driven crescendo’s preceded by Don Cab inspired looped guitar makes for brilliant listening

-  www.edwoodjr.fr/

14. Nai Harvest/Tim Helped Me Get Over It

- Unsigned

- Emo, Punk

- A three piece from Sheffield, bringing back the emo punk we all know and love. The Midwest has finally hit Yorkshire.

- www.naiharvest.bigcartel.com

15. Duck Little Brother, Duck/Courtney Taylor Taylor (How Sexy Is Your Soul?)

- Friends for Life

- Emo/Math Rock

- US Portland based emo-rockers bring exciting and fresh ideas to their unique style of melodic rock.

- www.facebook.com/Ducklittlebrotherduck

16. Johnny Foreigner/(Don’t) show us your fangs

- Alcopop Records

- Pop/Rock

- Well known Birmingham based trio have always made cleaver and thoughtful rock music and show no sign of stopping with their band new album ‘Johnny Foreigner Vs

Everything!”

- www.johnnyforeignerband.com

17. Wot Gorilla/Hold Me Back

- Unsigned

- Progressive/Alternative/Pop

- Four-piece group from Halifax create music with a harsh math rock edge that often delves into a calmer side.

- www.facebook.com/wotgorillaband

18. Suffer like G Did/ Bring Me The First Aid Kit

-Unsigned

-Mathrock/Groove/Jazz

-4 piece Mathrock band who display honest and smart jazzy influenced tunes.

-http://sufferlikegdid.bandcamp.com/ 

19. Hawk Eyes/Scorpieau

- Brew Records / Dance To The Radio

- Progressive Hardcore / Mathcore

- Leeds 4-piece performs frenetic, sweaty, experimental, NME-irritating hardcore that’s balls-to-the-wall and heavy as fuck

- http://www.hawkeyesmusic.com

20. DZ Deathrays/The Mess Up

- Useless Art/Shock/Big Scary Monsters

- Thrash/Power Rock

- Huge and beasty tunes from an aussie duo who in their own words “started at a house party… we will most likely end at one”.

- www.dzdeathrays.tumblr.com

21. Blacklisters/Swords

- Brew Records

- Punk/Hardcore/Alternative

- Promising dark and aggressive alternative rock from the heart of Leeds.

- www.facebook.com/blacklistersmusic

 

8:39 pm  |   URL: http://mujahidjohar.tumblr.com/post/13510570396/musical-mathematics-free-compilation-third-times-a
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November 28, 2011

A Homecoming Of Sorts

I will be in the UK (in York, most of the time) between 21st-26th December. It’s great that I’m spending the holidays with some of my favourite people in the world, but as it’s Christmas, I’m gutted that there aren’t many gigs at all.

If you have a gig (preferably in the Leeds/York area) around that time, give me a shout. It’s been a while since I’ve done any gig reviews. 

12:45 pm  |   URL: http://mujahidjohar.tumblr.com/post/13451415595/a-homecoming-of-sorts
(No. OF NOTES: 11)
  
FILED UNDER: york leeds england 
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November 25, 2011

Review: Ornament Tournaments - Tacheles

Ornament Tournaments, with an excellent name which rolls off the tongue, have released their debut album Tacheles, and it’s a corker of of an introduction to the three-piece from Horsham. Last month I interviewed the band, talking about the album, the band, and all sorts of other good stuff. You can read the interview here. 

 
The record starts with ‘Crab Face’, which is reminiscent of melodic punk bands such as The Attika State and Grown Ups. This is true for most of the album, with jangly, twinkly guitars aplenty and math pop playing a heavy influence in their sound. ‘Flower’, which was previously an exclusive download from Musical Mathematics, is a familiar favourite. The extra instrumentation on the song adds welcome depth to what is arguably the best song of the record.
 
Then we move on to ‘Bungee Scream’, which - suggested by its title - starts with a bang, and then as quickly slows down and vocal harmonies come into play. This is before it erupts into a gang-vocal, riff-tastic segment interjected by the classic ‘parappa’ moment, and then concluded with syncopated riffs and glockenspiels.
 
‘Brass Buttons’ goes for a different approach, with a more conventional alt pop rock sound. Keep in mind that when I say ‘conventional’ here, I mean it in a relative sense compared to the other songs. ‘Avoid it’ slows the pace down slightly with its vocal harmonies and alternating quiet-loud-quiet structure.

 
Title song ‘Tacheles’ is surprisingly not representative of the whole album. It’s a fine, slow-burning instrumental piece that’s maybe too short for its own good, and probably would’ve served better as an introduction or a closer. I would love to hear this song fleshed out more, because it deserves its own explosive climax.
 
Alas, ‘Tacheles’ is not a closer, ‘Alas’ is. At five minutes and seven seconds, it’s by far the longest in the album, and it uses that length well. Meandering guitars, driving basslines, tight drumming and woo-ohs are put to excellent use.

 
It’s an excellent record, and at ₤3, is an absolute bargain. Get it, listen to it, love it. I know I did.  

9:58 am  |   URL: http://mujahidjohar.tumblr.com/post/13294082608/ornamenttournaments-tacheles
(No. OF NOTES: 13)
  
FILED UNDER: review review math pop math rock horsham pop 
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