Riffed

BREEZE's 'Post Youth' is our Single Of The Week for this week. A powerful and catchy debut from the Hull band that's certain to earn themselves a fan or two. 

'Post Youth' being both the title and the main track of the single, of which includes the both as brilliant 'Lovestoned' and 'Goodbye, So Long' is 2 minutes and 42 seconds of powerful and catchy nostalgic indie rock. With the video picturing the band in a garage as well as the raw and over-toned voice and guitaring, it's one of those tracks that sounds as though it's been recorded in a bedroom. A traditional British indie rock track yet unique and different in its own right. A simple handful of chords with a catchy drum and bass beat has never sounded so brilliant. 'Post Youth' reminds us of The Libertines and Drenge mashed into one, with it being a powerful yet indie number. We can't get enough of it. 

RIFFED's Rating: 8/10

Listen to 'Post Youth' via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP2xCJYWgss

Purchase 'Post Youth' via Warren Records on Bandcamp: http://warrenrecordsuk.bandcamp.com/album/post-youth

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

We've all heard the term 'indie' being branded about of late, but where has this sudden craze for two or three note, foot pedal and Macbook mastered music come from? 

Well, it would appear 'indie music' has been a sleeping giant. After years of being the ugly duckling, it has matured into a mighty swan and evolved into a kind of movement, in which all the kids wear tattered Nike Air Max with ripped black jeans and a baggy chequered shirt over a stained tee whilst dancing without a care in the world to some dazy, tropical and pyschedelic sounds performed by three or four guys wearing the same attire. Sound familiar? We thought so... it may be the answer to turning the volume down on Capital fm a little bit, but, is it just as bad? We are afraid to tell you so. Nowadays, if you want a bit of cash, all you have to do is find a mate who has a guitar, find a mate who has a drum kit, find a mate who has a bass and find a mate who can't sing and you've got yourself the next big thing on the indie scene. Is this really how music should be? Admittedly, there are some good indie bands out there, such as JAWS and Wolf Alice and prior to these, Peace and Swim Deep where the big boys and still are, but after appearing in our top 3 Of The Most Over-Hyped Artists In The Industry, they're both on a rapid decline in our opinion. Despite it being so simple to make a name for yourself, going to an indie bands gig is quite an irritating experience also. All that seems to occur in the crowd is a continous mosh. Even If Engelbert Humperdinck were to show up on stage they'd most probably still push and pull you in and out of a bruising experience. Admittedly, you do go to a gig to enjoy the music and let yourself loose and free for a short while, but having had first hand experience at gigs such as JAWS and Temples, we realise that it can be quite annoying. 

Although there are some good indie artists out there, this is overshadowed by the simple and shockingly poor array of 'talent' being hyped about these days and of course, the rather annoying gig experiences. Wake us up when the next 'hip' craze is here. 

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

Peace last week released their latest single, 'Lost On Me'. Debuted on Zane Lowe, the track has since been recieving plenty of love. But, we haven't really got lost in it quite yet. 

Admittedly, 'Lost On Me' does have that funk and groove that Peace are known for. But, when Harrison Koisser begins to sound like the lead singer of F.U.N, you know something's not quite right. To us it sounds like a pop song that's been messed around with a little, not to disimilar to what you could expect in the Top 40 nowadays and that's not how Peace used to play it. After storming onto the scene over a year ago with their 'Delicious' EP, Peace were an indie sensation and for a band who've been recently questioning Arctic Monkeys' indie reputation, it's fair to say they should take a listen to 'Lost On Me' and question their own. It's nothing more than a pop record with a cheap chorus related to a poxy little lust that all Top 40 tracks are based on these days. After featuring in our top 3 Of Most Over-Hyped Artists In The Industry and also recieving a bad review on the track prior to 'Lost On Me', 'Money', it's pretty clear to see we're not fans of the new Peace. 

RIFFED's Rating: 3/10 

Listen to 'Lost On Me' via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAIop4qGIcs

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x

The Hubbards this week released their latest single, 'Alison', and it probably wouldn't come as a surprise to you if we said that it's another cracker from the Hull band. 

The Hubbards are band of whom we have now seen four times live, with the latest being on Saturday at Humber Street Sesh and on each of these occasions their sound has been ever progressing. After hearing 'Alison' live on Saturday evening on the main stage beside the Hull Marina, you sense that The Hubbards are a band who are evolving from boy to man. 'Alison' is solid evidence of this, a contrasting track that turns swiftly from a slow and soft track to a powerful one before repeating the process whilst throwing in a funky little tune too. It's a real diverse track from the band hailing from the City of Culture, a track of which you feel as though has been carefully mastered, yet also tampered and played with frequently as upon each listen you notice something else within the background. It's a real mix of different sounds and transitions that all mix perfectly together to create a brilliant rock 'n' roll track that's fitting enough for a headbang and toetap or two. Something that we're not afraid to admit we did at Humber Street Sesh during The Hubbards set. 

RIFFED's Rating: 8/10 

Listen to 'Alison' and watch the video via Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZujPhByaz5M

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x  

Humber Street Sesh transformed Humber Street into a musical bonanza on Saturday. Thousands flocked into Humber Street to see over 100 bands and artists and they weren't disappointed. 

The gates opened at 10am and the early birds began to enter, roaming round a transformed Humber Street, though Hull may be the City of Culture for 2017, it was fair enough to call Humber Street the Street of Culture on Saturday. The weather forecast wasn't too convincing but by the time we arrived, it didn't look as though it had detered many. As we ventured around Humber Street, we caught many artists, with the highlights being BABIES, BREEZE, LIFE, The Hubbards and Ming City Rockers, but, there was plenty more talent on show. BABIES, a band of which we previously interviewed, started our day, and started it they did. A powerful set from the indie bunch, a band who have a similar stage prescence and sound to that of JAWS, and that's never a bad thing. Performing tracks such as their latest single 'Makeout / Breakout', BABIES certainly got the crowd going at The Deep Stage. Following BABIES, we began to roam around again looking for more bands and artists, but this didn't last long. The inevitible happened and the rain began to hammer down, but luckily enough for us the production team allowed us into their caravan for cover. All stages were shut down and things were looking bleak, but, after a few showers and hours passed, we were back. Following the storm, BREEZE, a band of whom we've also previously interviewed and after wading through the immense amount of people traffic, we managed to catch the final three songs of the Hull band's set, and we're more than glad that we did. Performing their latest single, 'Post Youth', as well as classics such as 'Scent', BREEZE attracted more than a few punters who by the end even began to sing a long a little. BREEZE are definitely a band to keep an eye on. LIFE were up next on the main stage, a band of which Fearne Cotton herself is a fan of infact. A very powerful and vibrant band and one that certainly got the crowd going. The Hubbards followed on the main stage, the local lads are forever rising and are becoming a popular name amongst those in and out of the City of Culture, performing new single 'Alison', Reuben Driver and the band attracted a huge crowd. Next up were Ming City Rockers, of whom were undoubtedly our personal favourite of the day. A lively and fresh talent, they're something of which has been missing from the scene lately. A band who's tracks are only ones of an upbeat nature and upbeat they certainly were at Humber Street Sesh, the Mings pulled in one heck of a crowd during their one heck of a set, even some of the elders in the crowd were getting into the swing of things. After supporting Palma Violets many of times with dates with the band also set for later this year, expect to be hearing much more from Ming City Rockers. 

There were plenty more fantastic artists on display down Humber Street, but, it'd take an age to review them all. We strongly advise you get yourself down to next years event as this years Humber Street Sesh was a brilliant day out, albeit a wet one. 

Written by Charlie Ireland 

RIFFED x 

After weighing up all the possibilities and forthcoming events, we're prediciting Arcade Fire to headline Reading and Leeds Festivals next year.

Having headlined the Pyramid at Glastonbury last month, Arcade Fire stated that it had been the biggest moment in their career so far, and maybe headlining both Reading and Leeds won't top it, but, Arctic Monkeys have done a similar thing, stepping down from the Pyramid to the Main Stage at Reading and Leeds, so what's to stop Arcade Fire doing so? Post Glastonbury, Win Butler stated that the Canadian band would start work on a new album following their British Summer Time gig at Hyde Park earlier this month, and with this being over two weeks ago now, work could well be underway. Coinciding with this, the band have tonight kicked off the last leg of their Worldwide 'Reflektor Tour' at the Shorline Amphitheatre in California, something of which has been ongoing for almost a year, yet some are surprised that it hasn't been longer. As many suggest 'Reflektor' was a kind of climax in Arcade Fire's career, some kind of legacy that many thought they would hang on to for a little longer. But, it appears not, and with news of a new album on the horizon, what do the Canadians have in store next? Besides a new album being on the cards, there are other reasons that suggest Arcade Fire could be set to headline Reading and Leeds for the second time, following their 2010 appearance. These reasons being, this summer, Arcade Fire have done it all, apart from Reading and Leeds. After playing Glastonbury, Hyde Park and Marlay Park, the last thing to do would be to headline R & L, surely? Also, Reading and Leeds are running a competition in which fans guess who'll be headlining next summer's festivals for the chance to win tickets to it, but, one name that doesn't appear amongst the options is Arcade Fire, surprisingly enough. Suggesting to us that they may have already been booked, as there are plenty of huge names amongst the options, such as The Rolling Stones and Muse to name but a few. But, maybe they're just to big of a band for Reading and Leeds to book nowadays, but having headlined dozens of festivals worldwide this summer, surely Arcade Fire wouldn't reject the chance to headline Reading and Leeds once again next summer, would they? 

Maybe we're just hoping and thinking into things a little too much here, as we would most certainly love Arcade Fire to headline Reading and Leeds again. Or, maybe, just maybe, we could be right. 

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

We are heading down to Humber Street Sesh this Saturday and it's set to be one heck of a day. With over 100 bands playing in one day, the City of Culture really is the place to be this weekend. 

After over-viewing the line-up for this Saturday's festival, we've picked out the top 5 bands to see whilst down Humber Street. Beginning with The Hubbards, a local band who are forever on the rise. Fronted by Reuben Driver, the local lads have supported plenty of bands at the Fruit in Hull, such as Tribes prior to their split and Spector. We've been lucky enough to see The Hubbards three times and Humber Street Sesh will be our fourth time, but expect them to be venturing out of their native Hull on a regular basis soon as popularity is sure to increase, and their latest single, 'Alison', most certainly backs this up. Another must-see are NEED, after supporting Catfish and the Bottlemen at the Fruit earlier this month, NEED are certainly ones to watch. The local lads are a powerful indie band that are sure to attract plenty of punters this weekend. BREEZE are next on the list, and they're also from Hull. The City of Culture sure do provide some talent, with BREEZE being one of it's finest. We recently caught up with the indie band for an 'Introducing' interview, and having also supported Catfish and the Bottlemen along with NEED, they're certainly a band on the rise. Fronted by Aron Gilbey, BREEZE are set to release their new EP 'Post Youth' next month and we strongy advise you get your hands on a copy. Kismet Ryding are also a band you should most definetly go and see, bred in Grimsby (no, not Hull), Kismet are a powerful rock band causing quite a stir. We previously interviewed the Grimsby band not so long ago, and having headed out to Europe to play a few gigs prior to Humber Street Sesh, the Kismet hype is high. Don't miss them. Finally on our must see list, Ming City Rockers. Born and bred in Immingham, the Mings have supported Palma Violets on their tour dates as well as heading across the Pond to the states, something of which NME even clocked on about. The rockers from Immingham certainly are making a name for themselves, be sure to get yourself down to their set. They could well be the highlight of your day. 

Who's excited now? 

Listen to The Hubbards via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thehubbards

Listen to NEED via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/needband

Listen to BREEZE via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/wearebreeze

Listen to Kismet Ryding via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kismetryding

Listen to Ming City Rockers via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mingcityrockers ;

Full Line-Up: 

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

The Bottlemen have claimed their second Single Of The Week title this week with their new single, 'Cocoon'. 

'Cocoon' is yet another brilliant track from the Welsh rockers, similar to previous releases, it offers that powerful and raw mix of clean telecaster guitaring and a funky tune that merge together perfectly to form a unique and individual sound that makes Catfish and the Bottlemen such a fresh talent. We recently managed to catch Catfish at the Fruit in Hull a few weeks back and witnessed an unheard 'Cocoon' at this time, although the front sector of the crowd still bounced around throughout, providing solid evidence that it was set to be a hit and so it is now. After being the Hottest Record In The World on BBC Radio 1 this evening, Catfish and the Bottlemen are certainly a band on the rise and their incline seems to have no peak in sight. 

RIFFED's Rating: 7/10 

Listen to 'Cocoon' via BBC iplayer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/clips/p023rxc9

'Cocoon' is to feature on Catfish and the Bottlemen's debut album 'The Balcony', which is set to be released on the 15th September, pre-order via the link: http://store.catfishandthebottlemen.com/*/*/The-Balcony-Signed-Edition/3DHS0000000

Catfish and the Bottlemen are also set to tour the UK later this year, see dates here and purchase tickets via the link: http://catfishandthebottlemen.com/shows/

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

In the music industry today there are plenty of artists who really don't live up to the hype of which is surrounding them. Somehow, we've managed to narrow them down and establish who the top three most over-hyped artists are. 

3 Swim Deep / Peace 

We may have stated that this list specifies only the top 3 most over-hyped artists, but we really couldn't chose between Swim Deep and Peace. Both bands hail from Birmingham and each stormed onto the scene just over a year ago. Swim Deep with the tracks 'Honey' and 'King City' and Peace with their highly acclaimed 'Delicious' EP. Admittedly, we loved them at the time and still do, each being an expolosion of vibrancy and life, of which soon began to fade away when each released their debut albums around this time last year. Peace's being 'In Love' and 'Where The Heaven Are We' being Swim Deep's, were each released with so much expectancy, of which they both failed to live up to. Peace followed 'In Love' with their latest track 'Money' recently, of which is another poor effort from the indie band, in which lead singer Harrison Koisser even wraps... Swim Deep, on the other hand have been pretty quiet since the release of their album, maybe they've started work on a masterpiece, or maybe they've just given up. Either way, both Birmingham bands seem to be on the decline since their explosive entrances. 

Swim Deep (Above) and Peace (Below). 

2 Lana Del Rey 

She may have had a storming career so far, becoming a common name within the industry. But is Lana Del Rey really as good as people say? We think not. After watching her set on the Pyramid at Glastonbury last month, we wonder as to how she even made it to Glastonbury let alone the Pyramid. A lifeless and emotionless performance, it was as if she'd rather be somewhere else. Having just released her latest album, 'Ultraviolence', the Lana hype is high, but we struggle to understand as to why. Lana Del Rey is nothing more than a boring, dull and depressing artist. 

1 Bastille 

We don't think there's a band we despise more than Bastille. They're nothing more than a pop band that plays their own instruments. After bursting onto the scene with the track 'Pompeii', Bastille were dubbed the next big thing, but we never understood the hype. A four minute track that must incorparate three minutes of lead singer Dan Smith chanting 'Eh eh oh eh oh eh eh oh eh oh". After releasing their debut album 'Bad Blood' in March of last year, Bastille went on to play a series of festivals last summer, but this year the Londoners are to play none. Maybe they're working on new material, or maybe festival organisers have realised they're not quite the band they were hyped up to be. 

Written by Charlie Ireland.

RIFFED x 

Portugal. The Man, Editors and The War on Drugs, sound familiar? Probably not to plenty of whom are reading this. But, these bands are just as good, maybe even better than who you're listening to now. 

Starting with Portugal. The Man, an unheard of Alaskan band over here, but back in the states John Gourley and his artisticy creepy band are a real hit. They've played festivals all over the world, but are yet to play one on our shores, nine albums down but still the Portugal. The Man fever is yet to take off in the UK. But we struggle to understand why, despite their rather strange name, Portugal. The Man are a huge and powerful outfit, and with their latest release, 'Evil Friends', of which is packed to the rafters with anthems, now have a catalog of brilliance too perform within a set. All we've seen of Portugal. The Man of late is one date in Manchester. A serious word needs to be put in with festival organisers to get the Alaskan's performing more frequently across the pond, a tour wouldn't go a miss either. 

Listen to Portugal. The Man via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8e1sSNsf44

Next up, Editors. Fronted by Tom Smith, the husband of radio presenter Edith Bowman, they're a band yet to be rewarded with the recognition they deserve. After releasing their latest album, 'The Weight Of Your Love', last year, Editors embarked on their biggest UK headline tour to date, of which we were lucky enough to see them on, at their Nottingham date on the final night of the tour and still to this day it remains the greatest gig we've ever been to. Editors are a brilliant live outfit, and with a catalog of four albums full of absolute belters, they deserve to be headlining festivals come now. But, unfortunately they're not. Editors are a band who've been dismissed by many, but it's hard to understand why this is the case, hopefully they'll get the recognition of which they deserve very soon. 

Listen to Editors via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg2vpkGQadM ;

Finally, The War on Drugs. Formed in Philidelphia in 2005 by frontman Adam Granduciel, the band are coming up to their 10th year in the business, but, are still yet to be rewarded the recognition they deserve, likewise with both Portugal. The Man and Editors. The War on Drugs have only released 3 albums in their almost 10 year spell, but upon listening, it's no surprise as to why. If you can find a War on Drugs song less than 5 minutes long, we'd be shocked. Each track of theirs is a powerful mix of riffs and ambience, creating a brilliant sound of which is unlike any other. Although they played the Pyramid at Glastonbury this year, they truly deserve a headlining slot, and you can't help but feel that if their fanbase was that bit bigger, they'd have been rewarded that very thing by now. 

Listen to The War on Drugs via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H22kHZ-erpg ;

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x