Rising Stars 2007 Part III

We are definitely spoilt for choice these days when it comes to guitar-led young British indie bands, and with NME filling our brains with all those wacky band names, I really don't know which one to pick up anymore. But it is impossible for me to overlook The Pigeon Detectives, a five-piece from Leeds. With their energetic and hooky sound, it's hard not to nod and bounce a little to their songs. I was introduced to the track 'Don't Know How To Say Goodbye', then I gained interest to look out for more. 'I Found Out', with its punchy guitar and engaging tune, is one of my favourite tracks, also happens to be the band's first charted single. If the few demos and singles that I have listened are anything to go by, their yet-released debut is definitely worth checking out. Their first full album will be out soon, probably before second half of the year.

The Pigeon Detectives - Don't Know How To Say Goodbye
The Pigeon Detectives - I Found Out

Rising Stars 2007 Part II

Being around for some time and slowly making name in the crowded British indie-rock scene, The Maccabees is set to make 2007 a year of their own with their much-anticipated debut album due to release in coming April. However, anyone can be able to listen to the full-length album now as hours ago it just made its way to the already super-long list of leaked stuff (albeit only first quarter into the year). Their music is not remarkably unique, but they are doing it well with buzzy guitars, sing-a-long choruses, heavy accents, quirky lyrics. The Maccabees burst into the scene 2 years ago with a strong debut single 'X-Ray', though doesn't quite match the brilliance of their follow-up 'Latchmere', a perfect guitar pop song. However 'First Love' was the track that brought them to mainstream exposure, being the band's first charted single.

To bring up for fun, frontman Orlando Weeks seems to love the hoodied look.

The Maccabees - Latchmere
The Maccabees - About Your Dress

Rising Stars 2007 Part I

UK is spawning an army of meteoric bands in recent years. 2006 saw Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks and Klaxons rising to stardom. The current scene is like a relay race, the baton is being passed from a band to another. Who will be the next? My bet is on Air Traffic, Pull Tiger Tail, The Maccabees and The Pigeon Detectives.

Air Traffic is named one of BBC's Sound of 2007's top 10 artists, and they are described as 'the next anthemic British pop-rockers to come hurtling down the middle of the road'. This piano-led, indie-rock quartet have been making waves since the release of their debut single 'Just Abuse Me'. Having picked up by EMI, the band is expected to achieve some mainstream success soon. Their previous 'Never Even Told Me Her Name' EP proved that the band has definite potential to offer some melodic pop gems, the title track was a lovely piece with clinking pianos and jangling guitars that gets me singing along. Originally a B-side to 'Just Abuse Me', but 'Charlotte' is so irresistibly good that it will be released as a single on 26th March. Full album is planned for June release.

Air Traffic - Never Even Told Me Her Name
Air Traffic - Charlotte

Pull Tiger Tail grabbed my ears with their strong debut single 'Animator' released last year. With frontman Marcus Ratcliff's unique vocal and catchy chorus, the song is totally addictive. Worth to mention, the band used to share a house with British new darling Klaxons. Their ex-housemates have been topping charts and winning awards, I am sure it won't take long for PTT to make bigger and better things. The band just got signed to B-Unique records which is also home of Kaiser Chiefs and The Automatic. They will be releasing their new single 'Let's Lightning' under the new label on 26th March, no details yet on a full album.

'L'animateur', a French version of 'Animator' was featured in the first single. Apparently, the song was written entirely with the use of an online language translator and one of the band member's A-Level knowledge of French. I don't speak French, but it is nearly as good as the original.

Pull Tiger Tail - L'animateur (Demo)
Pull Tiger Tail - Let's Lightning

To be continued...

Malaysia vs Singapore Part II

I had a similar post same time last year. It is happening again, I am so depressed. I thought 'Visit Malaysia' year could have attracted more visitors, some international acts perhaps? I want some good music, rather than rockstar-wannabe pop trash, washed-out has-been and stuck-up arrogant rapper. Local concert organiser could have done better than this.

Malaysia
15/1 Akon
20/1 Jens Lekman
26/1 Boyz II Men
25/2 Muse
8/4 Kanye West
21/4 Good Charlotte

This looks much cooler,

Singapore
16/1 Muse
24/1 Jens Lekman
19/2 Good Vibrations Festival (Beastie Boys, Cut Copy, Jurassic 5, etc.)
3/3 Fall Out Boy
11/3 José González
12/3 Yo La Tengo
15/3 The Album Leaf
17/3 Rachel Yamagata
7/4 The Rapture

The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Whatever Happened to My Rock and Roll