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This Week's Single Reviews

• 19th Jul 2012

As an Englishman I feel it's my duty to open this week's Editorial by saying: what about this bleedin' weather eh? Aside from the regular onslaught of top quality music my inbox has been brimming with downtrodden and rain sodden PR people who I've felt the need to comfort with e-hugs and promises of tea bags and hobnobs in the post. I'm sorry to have to let you down like this guys, but hobnobs don't ship well, even in jiffy bags – the likelihood of them arriving in tact is slim to none, so instead I've opted to review some of your singles for you.

I'll even admit to doing a complete 180 degrees turn on one artist – Herbert Gronemeyer – who I wasn't sure about until I delved a little deeper with my headphones on late last night. Truly sublime and classic song writing on a par with Randy Newman and the greats, one that I'll happily hold my hands up on and admit I was wrong to write off so early.

Without further ado, here are this week's Good, Bad and just gosh-darn Ugly.

Sparrow – Move // Your Explosion My Mind – Eyeball Kick split 7”
Brighton four-piece Sparrows are picking up some good press with this lo-fi radio friendly pop jam, featuring a signature filthily distorted bass line and boy/girl harmonies – the vocals shine but there’s not a lot going on here. The b-side by Your Explosion In My Mind fares better, an ethereal shot of 80’s psych-pop that recalls Echo And The Bunnymen and proves to be an epic late night open road cruiser. Stream it below.

Thea Gilmour – Sailor
As you would expect from an intern at Fairport Convention’s studio, Thea Gilmore has mastered the art of folk-pop. Now on her tenth studio album and a collaboration with Sandy Denny, the dreamy countryside sway of ‘Sailor’ washes over you while violin melodies ebb and flow in the background of this beautiful track; another winner from the young(ish) pretender.

General Fiasco – Bad Habits
One of the underground success stories of the past couple of years who have been largely underrated by the press and industry, General Fiasco have matured and grown into a formidable force on the pop rock scene. This new material showcases a wealth of inspiration and influence that proves the boys have got what it takes, with a solid riff and hook-laden chorus drowned in catchy synths – if this isn’t Zane Lowe material we don’t know what is.

Tom Jones – Tower Of Song (link)
This Leonard-Cohen penned classic is an homage to veteran performers and the legacy they leave and suits Jones and his iconic voice down to the ground. The musical arrangement is subtle and leaves plenty of room for the beautifully poetic lyrics and Jones’ voice to shine at the forefront. An instant, heartbreaking classic performed with dignity and real professionalism.

All The Young – Another Miracle
What to say about All The Young? If you like Northern lad-rock you’ll like this. There’s really not much else to say or any other depth to this release – it’s a well written and solidly produced slice of Northern oomph in the vein of The Courteeners, The Pigeon Detectives et al with all the jangly lead guitars lines and usual harmonies you’d expect. We were crossing our fingers for a twist, but what you see is what you get; solid but forgettable.

Folks – Skull & Bones
Classic song writing with a dash of psychedelia – now that sounds like something we can get on board with. Nods to The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Supergrass and early Kings Of Leon are admittedly slightly lazy but apt comparisons and the plodding stomp of this track has a feel of a Cold War Kids classic. The production is understated but there are tonnes of subtle additions and hooks that make this shine. More please Folks.

GHXST – Black Camaro
To quote The Fast Show, everything about GHXST is BLACK. The sleeve is jet black, the CD is jet black and their guitar tones are a deeper shade of black than Ozzy Osbourne’s soul in a very dark room. These disgusting garage riffs and beats are compounded by a spaced out bluesy female vocal that only adds to the whacked-out painkiller-trip garage metal vibe. Fans of Black Moth and the Leeds scene will dig this like a grave – Goth is back in.

Herbert Gronemeyer – Will I Ever Learn
Touted as the “biggest selling artist you’ve never heard of”, Herbert’s 2002 album Mensch was certified gold 21 times over in Germany. There’s a heavy touch of Nick Drake in the melodies and fans of Randy Newman and Tom Waits will be ecstatic to have another back catalogue to trawl through. This is undoubtedly superb music with heart, soul and an underpinning sadness that will ensure this yearning heartbreaker pride of place in your record collection.

Amadou & Mariam – Wily Katso (EDITORS SONG OF THE WEEK)
Some people don’t like world music. Those people are, for want of a better word, utter clowns. This superb offering from the duo who met in a blind school in Mali is a worldbeat smash – African rhythms mixed with western blues melodies and funk guitar make for an infectious combination and Wily Katso has a hypnotic and earthy backbone that will keep you going back for more.