New music, and music news!

**for the original post on my wordpress go here**

Admittedly, its been a while since my last post, but during that time I’ve been launching my other project Unsigned Cardiff so please do give it a follow if you’re a fan of unsigned/independent music.

A lot has happened on my music radar this week, so I’ll start with some new songs:

Walk the Moon – Different Colors

Walk the Moon made their comeback in September with Shut Up + Dance, along with a new album announcement. Now, they’ve released a second song. Gloriously upbeat and insanely catchy, Different Colors strengthens the path Shut Up + Dance has set up – if you’re not excited for the release of Talking is Hard, then there is something wrong.

Charli XCX – Gold Coins

After pushing back the release of her second album, Sucker, Charli isn’t leaving her fans completely high and dry and is instead dripping the album to us slowly. It’s certainly a different direction to True Romance, less synth pop, but no less catchy.

Taylor Swift – Blank Space

So not as recently as the other tracks, but in Taylor’s most recent release she gets, well, a bit crazy – and everyone loves it. Taylor’s venture into pop music really suits her. Even crying mascara face suits her. Some people are just fortunate (and good musicians).

Now moving on to music news:

• Band Aid 30 got released in aid of ebola. It’s not terrible, but perhaps a new song should have been written. Some of the lyric swaps are questionable to say the least.
• Paramore announced they’ll be re-releasing Paramore as a deluxe album, which will include a collab with Joy Williams (Civil Wars). I was hoping for a new album, but I’ll happily take what I’m given…
• and finally, Muse are set to headline Download Fest. Bit weird – I expected to see them at somewhere like Reading and Leeds, but there you go

Summer Songs

*original post on my wordpress here*

I find that there are always certain songs that remind me of summer, whether I associate them with a memory, or just because they're feel-good. These are my top 10 I listen to pretty much every summer. Why? Because I do.

1. JET - Are You Gonna Be My Girl. This is certainly a favourite in my family. I can't count the amount of journeys we've made when this has been on the playlist. It's catchy, upbeat and great to sing along to.
2. Belle Histoire - Stay Awhile. I discovered Belle Histoire a good few years ago now, and this has to be my favourite of their songs. It's sweet and chirpy, just like summer should be, which is why I always listen to it to get myself in a good mood.
3. Arctic Monkeys - Fluorescent Adolescent. Although I'm a firm believer that their first album is their best, this track is perfect for summer. Dangerously close to being a little poppy, very few people have never heard this track, so it's great for groups of people.
4. Paramore - For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic. My favourite track off Riot! by far. Despite the seemingly negative subject matter, the track itself is super upbeat with a pop beat that's great for summer dancing (or, if you're me, jumping around like someone possessed. What can I say. I was gifted with two left feet).
5. You Me at Six - Save It For The Bedroom. This song makes me feel 15 again, and reminds me of all the summers I'd sit in my best friend's room and waste time on youtube or trying to get our friends together for a barbecue that never happened. Nostalgia in a song.
6. Muse - Starlight. To be honest, almost anything off Black Holes & Revelations I associate with summer, but this is probably the one track I can put on at a barbecue that everyone will know. Off what is arguably Muse's best album, it a perfectly positive summer track.
7. Hey Monday - How You Love Me Now. Another song that reminds me of my teenage years. It was one of the first songs I tried learning on guitar and I always play it in summer. It just about defines pop rock, with Cassadee Pope's vocals suiting the genre down to a T.
8. Away We Go! - City of Sin, With a Twist of Tulips. I could never really place my finger on what I liked about Away We Go! They're definitely strong pop rock, but Ray's unique vocals always brought something different to the table for me.
9. The Killers - Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll. Does what it says in the title - I suppose Mr Brightside would have been a more obvious choice, but this song is both relaxing and very summery.
10. Razorlight - Stumble and Fall. Another car playlist appearance. Or, if you're my Dad, you put on Up All Night but only end up playing this song on repeat. It's upbeat, positive, and (take it from me) very catchy indeed!

**next week's blog will be Thursday**

Absence

   I've had exams over the past few weeks, so I've been revising hard and didn't have any time to blog. But, now that they're over, I'm hoping to start posting 1 or 2 a week. I've also been considering moving to wordpress, because it seems to be a wider known blogging site and therefore might mean that my blog will reach a wider audience. If I do move, it'll be posted on here.

   Obviously, I've had little time to really write anything. So, instead, I'll give my top 10 songs I've been revising to over the past few weeks.

1. Death Cab for Cutie - A Lack of Color. This song is perfect for starting revision as it's so calming - the slow tempo and Ben Gibbard's soothing vocals are a sure fire remedy to revision stress and panic.
2. Cash Cash ft. Bebe Rexha - Take Me Home (acoustic). This song is so catchy and I love Bebe Rexha, but personally when I revise club tracks are a no. Solution? The acoustic version. It still carries the same energy but a little more subdued and not too distracting.
3. Panic! at the Disco - This is Gospel. I love revising to this song, because it's the perfect mixture of Vices & Virtues and their newer, more electronic sound. It's upbeat and shows off Brendon Urie's amazing vocal range.
4. VersaEmerge - Your Own Lov.e. As you can probably gather, I'm a real sucker for strong vocalists with a kick-ass range, and this song offer's just that in Sierra Kay's voice, but with the added softness of Blake Harnage's allowing the track to really balance out.
5. Paramore - Ain't It Fun. I'm not sure whether 'motivational' is exactly the right word for this song, but it certainly got me working. It's catchy without being obtrusive (i.e, I only caught myself singing along to it once or twice instead of revising...)
6. Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX - Fancy. I love this song. I find it strangely empowering and positive, perfect for getting into revision mode. Also Iggy Azalea is a really talented and diverse artist.
7. Lights - Peace Sign. Like 'Fancy', I find this song positive(ish) and it's upbeat. I can't get enough of Lights' sound as I find incredibly unique. I could happily listen to this song over and over and not get bored.
8. Deaf Havana - Boston Square. I find this song very familiar, and it brings back memories of seeing Deaf Havana live which I thoroughly enjoyed, so it automatically puts me in a happier and more positive place.
9. Chvrches - Mother We Share. I've only recently got into Chvrches, and their electronic, futuristic sound mixed with Lauren Mayberry's voice is a perfect combination. The verses build up to the chorus and keep me awake and engaged.
10. Charli XCX - Nuclear Seasons. Another oddly motivational one. Charli's sound is so unlike most other electronic artists which gives her a bit more of an edge. To be honest, all of True Romance is great for me to revise to, but this is my favourite track off the album.

   I think everyone revises to different things, so this isn't what you should revise to, just what I have found works for me. I owe a huge thanks to all of the artists that have made revision just that bit less tedious.

REVIEW: Paramore, LG Arena Birmingham, 23/09/2013

   Three years on and the Tennessee Trio return to Birmingham on their sixteen date European tour.

  The last time Paramore graced the LG Arena's stage was November 2010 as a five piece. Tonight, you wouldn't even realise they'd been away. Opening with the energetic 'Grow Up', the band have the entire audience moving before the first chorus; the choice of intro song seems very apt as it's clear to everyone how far the band have come since Brand New Eyes. 

   Front woman Hayley Williams soon takes to the front of the stage and begins a chant which the audience gladly repeat back, soon to turn into the familiar 'whoa' in 'That's What You Get'. Although the touring members remain planted towards the back of the stage, Jeremy Davis (bass) and Taylor York (lead guitar) waste no time in making use of the space, bouncing from end to end. It's clear the whole band is enjoying themselves, a feeling taken in by the crowd as they jump up and down to the beat.

   Despite the constant movement, there's never a wrong note sung; Williams hits every high perfectly. There's also no lack of audience participation - the whole band are thoroughly engaging, and every time the yellow mic is turned in the crowd's direction the reaction is deafening. Halfway through the set, a keyboard is placed center stage as the band break into 'When It Rains' (probably a welcome sit down for Williams, who looks just as sweaty as those in the center of the pit). All three look equally overwhelmed to hear 'Last Hope' being sung back to them, the meaning of which Williams made in a speech before starting the song. 

   As they move through their 21 song set, Davis and York seem to only gain in energy, putting their all into the performance. Following 'Ain't It Fun', Davis goes into a solo, showing his competence as a bassist that may have previously been overlooked. Later during 'Pressure' - an old favourite and the only song on the set from first album All We Know is Falling - all eyes are on Davis and York as they set up for the very well-known 'pressure flip' among fans which they pull off effortlessly, much to the delight of the crowd. 

   Like all their shows, just before hitting the bridge of crowd-pleaser 'Misery Business', the band go into an extended instrumental whereby Williams picks one thrilled looking audience member to take to the stage and sing the bridge. Though the jealousy of those not picked is evident, the goodwill of the fans wins out and the girl chosen today is greeted by cheers and chants as she and Williams complete the song. 
   
   At the end of the song the band leave the stage, and it's only when chants of 'paramore' are at their height do they return for a three song encore. They close the show with recent chart hit 'Still Into You', which is accompanied by a large flurry of orange confetti raining down on a cheering and very pleased audience.

   It's clear Paramore have come a long way in three years. The absence of the Farro brothers seemed barely noticeable as the remaining members filled whatever hole they left both in the band and for the fans. A thoroughly enjoyable, energetic show which left everyone with a smile on their face.

The 'new' Paramore

   Since the release of their self-titled album last month, there has been a very mixed reception towards the so-called 'new' Paramore in both sound and lineup. The album itself was different from their last 3; it had a more pop-rock sound than the alternative sound fans had grown accustomed to, intermixed with small ukulele interludes. 

   In all honesty, this change in sound was to be expected. The band has undergone a lot of changes since the departure of the Farro's in 2010 (and I don't just mean Hayley's hair colour), so it was only right that their sound progressed with them. The interludes appear to be the only songs on the album that address their departure, and other than those the rest seem to be what Paramore have moved on to. Paramore is a catchy, well-written album that shows how the band have grown and changed. Let's face it, they're not 17 any more and anyone shocked at the direction they've taken is wrongly so. Mildly surprised, yes, but no-one should have expected another Brand New Eyes. Their music has moved on, and it's up to fans to move with them.

   As for the line-up, it seems they're not taking on any permanent members which is understandable. Instead they keep a number of touring members to fill in the loss of the other two members. Change is good, but it gets to a stage where it can be potentially too much. Having said this, I for one sincerely hope they do eventually keep Justin York (older brother of Paramore guitarist Taylor York, for anyone who hasn't made that connection). I feel this especially when I watch acoustic videos - his and Hayley's voices go perfectly together and neither sound off in comparison to the other. 

   For now though, Paramore is what it is: a band coming back even stronger after the loss of members which could have caused them to split for good. Give their new sound a chance - you might just find that, like many of us, you actually like it.

New Music: Paramore

   3 years after the Farro brothers' departure, and Paramore are firmly back on the music scene. 

   Following 'The Singles' in 2011, the band continually dropped hints towards the progress of the new album which was finally announced in December 2012. The fourth album from the band, self titled 'Paramore', is due to land in April this year and will be the first record from Hayley, Taylor and Jeremy as a trio. With much anticipation from all the fans (myself included), the band's first single off the album was released today and certainly did not disappoint.

   Admittedly, I was expecting something completely different from the three of them. After all, the band's dynamic has changed and they've recently hinted at more of a pop sound in an interview. The introduction sounded like just this, so I was a little uncertain of the rest. However, the moment the song kicks into the first verse there's no question this is still Paramore. Yes, the song does sound a little more pop than, say, the days of All We Know Is Falling, but it still has the punk-rock edge Paramore have harnessed over the years. 

   The chorus, without a doubt, is simple yet incredibly catchy, appealing to a wider audience. However, the song as a whole to any avid fan shows how the band have returned from their time off and are certainly here to stay, only building on anticipation to see how the video has turned out, and for the album's release.

   It's still Paramore, just newer with a recognisable bass part. They've grown as a band, and personally I can't wait for all 17 tracks of the album.