Riffed

We're finally back from Leeds Festival, although still we're recovering. We imagine Reading would've been just as good, therefore we have narrowed down the top 10 artists at both festivals over bank holiday weekend. 

10. Metronomy 

Devonshire groove Gods Metronomy performed an extremely dance-worthy set inside of the NME/BBC Radio 1 tent. Playing tracks from their latest release, 'Love Letters' as well as closing on the ever so brilliant 'You Could Easily Have Me'. Joe Mount and the rest of the band certainly provided the festival vibe all of whom were on Bramham Park was craving. 

9. Queens of the Stone Age 

Queens of the Stone Age may have brought the rain along with them to Leeds Festival but this didn't dampen the spirits of the crowd. Josh Homme and the Queens performed an incredible co-headlining set with an even more incredible lighting display. 'No One Knows' was to be our highlight, from a set of which was full of highlights. 

8. Arctic Monkeys

'Yorkshire, your boys are coming home' was the phrase being echoed around Bramham Park throughout the duration of Sunday and come home they did. Performing a brilliant 21 song-long set, the Monkeys sparked a mosh or two for sure as they signed off 'AM' in Europe in style. Highlights being 'Brianstorm' and the set closer, 'R U Mine?'. 

7. The 1975 

The 1975 performed an incredible set inside of the NME/BBC Radio 1 tent on Friday evening at Leeds, although advising a crowd full of 15 year olds to "take drugs for the first time in this field" wasn't really the best thing for Matt Healy to say. Apart from this, the Manchester band sparked a ruptious roar of applause throughout as they played tracks from their debut album as well as some new material too. 

6. The Kooks

The Kooks earmarked their return to the scene at Reading and Leeds this year as they played out a brilliant set in the NME/BBC Radio 1 tent to an ever so brilliant crowd. All of whom were at the top of their voice upon the performance of 'Naive' and 'Seaside' to name but a few, but not only did the classics get the thousand plus strong crowd going, new material from their forthcoming release, 'Listen', appeared to do the trick as well.

5. Catfish and the Bottlemen 

Welsh rockers Catfish and the Bottlemen were playing mid-afternoon on the Festival Republic Stage on Saturday, but the crowd looked as though it could of filled the NME/BBC Radio 1 tent. Each track they performed was an anthem, with each and every person inside and outside the tent singing along at the top of their voice. Expect big things from the Bottlemen. 

4. Royal Blood 

If you're a regular visitor to our site, you'd of probably realised we're huge fans of Royal Blood. Therefore, when they took to the stage on Sunday, you wounldn't be surprised to hear the news that we were front row and that we thought it was absolutely mind-blowing, would you? Performing tracks from their debut self titled album, Mike and Ben sparked a frenzy inside of the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage. Even more so when they were unplugged half way through 'Out of the Black', which ruined it a little bit, but, not that much. 

3. Cage the Elephant 

Cage the Elephant were another fantastic band playing the NME/BBC Radio 1 stage and the Americans didn't fail too please. Their extravagant prowess pulled in a fairly big crowd of whom witnessed yet another extremely vibrant and entertaining set in which lead singer Matt Schultz took to the crowd to stand on fans shoulders whilst screaming the words to 'It's Just Forever'. 

2. The Courteeners 

The NME/BBC Radio 1 tent was rocking to the sound of The Courteeners on Saturday evening, albe half the crowd were outside the tent as Liam Fray and the band attracted more than a few punters. Performing incredible renditions of classics such as 'Not Nineteen Forever' and 'Are You In Love With A Notion?' as well as the just as fantastic new tracks, 'How Good It Was' and 'Summer', taken from their latest release, 'Concrete Love', the band sparked frenzy upon the couple thousand strong crowd. Of whom weren't afraid to set off a flare or two.

1. Bombay Bicycle Club 

Though Bombay Bicycle Club were performing prior to that of headliners Arctic Monkeys, the ever progressing quartet from London attracted a huge crowd during their wonderful set on the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage. The atmosphere created by Bombay within that tent was unmatchable, there were to be no moshing, everyone was simply dancing with one another to the ever so brilliant sound of the band from Crouch End. It's hard to believe a band can sound better live than on a recording, but, Bombay Bicycle Club did exactly that at Leeds Festival. Our highlight of the weekend by far. 

Though they may not have made it into our top 10, there was still plenty more brilliant performances across the weekend and you can watch them all via BBC iPlayer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/events/e65q2m/videos/p025dkhw#list ;

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

Following The Libertines' dramatic reunion, Jamie T thought it was time he did similar and it's fair to say everyone's more than glad he did. 

'Zombie', is our Single Of The Week for this week. The latest release from the much missed South Londoner following the ever so brilliant prior release, 'Don't You Find', the song of which announced Jamie's return. There were questions asked about 'Don't You Find', such as "has Jamie T changed his style?" and "is this the same Jamie T?" Although we thought it was brilliant, we understand as to why these questions were asked. But, 'Zombie' has silenced many critics of Jamie's return. It ticks all the right boxes as to where being a Jamie T track is concerned, a real gem of which has the homemade feel about it. One of those classic British indie pop songs that you imagine was first performed in the local pub, before becoming an anthem sung by all and with a catchy chorus like the one it possess, it most probably will. Although, despite the tracks video, it probably wasn't first performed in Jamie's local pub, it'd of been quite a frenzy if so. It begins with a quiet and chill guitar and voice combination, that'll probably raise your eyebrows at first, it certainly did to those of whom sat in the crowd in the video, but, it then explodes into a classic Jamie T chorus, a toe-tapper, a head-banger and a sing-alonger before evolving into quite a 'Monster Mash' / 'Thriller' sounding track for a couple seconds, but thankfully it then returns to the classic Jamie T that we all know and love. After just one listen of 'Zombie' you'll undoubtedly have learned the chorus, and you'll most certainly play it again, possibly just for the brilliant video. But, you can't deny it, Jamie T is back.

RIFFED's Rating: 10/10 

Listen to Jamie T's new single 'Zombie' via Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PU4d5Iogd4 ;

And purchase 'Zombie' via iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/album/zombie-single/id904060453 ;

Pre-order Jamie T's new album, 'Carry On The Grudge', featuring 'Zombie', via the link: https://shop.virginemi.com/jamiet/*/*/Carry-On-The-Grudge-CD-Album/3FYT0000000

Jamie T is also set to embark on his 'Carry On The Grudge Tour' later this year, purchase tickets via the link: http://jamie-t.com/live/

Dates below: 

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

Recently we chatted to Jordan Brown, A.K.A Palms Vincent. The solo artists from Wiltshere describes his sound as that of a combination of Tame Impala, The Beatles and The Doors and we wouldn't argue about that. Although he is yet to play a gig, expect to be hearing big things from Palms Vincent in the near future. 

1. Who is Palms Vincent?

Palms Vincent is I, a solo project with various featuring musicians. Palms Vincent was created because of the pure love for 60’s psychedelia, 80’s new wave & motown instrumentation.

2. Who are your biggest inspirations?

A combination of the experimental sounds of Tame Impala and mid-period Beatles with the classic craftsmanship of The Doors.

3. Favourite gig of which you've played?

Unfortunately there has been no gigs of yet. 

4. Where do you see yourselves in 5 years time?

In 5 years time... playing lots of gigs and festivals. Also, winning a mercury prize and playing a 12 string guitar

5. What's next for Palms Vincent?

What's next is to knuckle down and write some gratifying pieces of music, along with a busy gigging schedule.

Huge thanks to Palms Vincent for the interview. 

Listen to Palms Vincent via Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/palms-vincent

Follow Palms Vincent on Twitter: @palmsvincent / https://twitter.com/palmsvincent ;

And 

Like Palms Vincent on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/palmsvincent

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

With Reading and Leeds just around the corner and us being beyond excited, we thought we'd highlight who the 10 unmissable acts to see at this years festivals are. Starting with... 

10. Palma Violets 

Palma Violets ahave been pretty quiet lately but, they're back to headline the Festival Republic stage at Reading and Leeds this year and be expectant of big things. Chilli Jesson and the band have a reputation of going absolutely off their heads and don't be surprised if they do the same next weekend. 

9. Temples 

Temples have had a jam packed summer of festivals but, don't expect this to lead to them putting in a lack luster effort at Bramham Park and Richfield Avenue. After seeing the Kettering bred band at the Fruit in Hull back in February, we can't wait to see them at Leeds next weekend, they're a band of whom's live sound is identitcal to that of the studio recording, a real rarity in todays industry. 

8. Catfish and the Bottlemen 

Catfish and the Bottlemen are another band we've been lucky enough to see at the Fruit in Hull, and another band that we can't wait to see at Leeds next weekend. Although we said that sounding identical to recordings live is a rarity when talking about Temples, the Bottlemen are another one of those bands. Fronted by Van McCann, they're a band who give it all and portray real passion for what they're doing. 

7. Metronomy 

If you're looking for a bit of groove and a band to let your hair down to, Metronomy are a must. The Devonshire based band are not afraid to stand out from the crowd, after being brave enough to wear all white suits to Glastonbury earlier this summer, though their dress sense isn't the only thing that stands out. Metronomy have a unqiue and a brilliant sound, a sound of which is not to be missed at Reading and Leeds this year. 

6. The Horrors 

Faris Badwan and The Horrors are set to showcase Reading and Leeds their brilliant new album, 'Luminous', next weekend, as well as some classics from the past. The post-punk indie five-piece from Essex are a band who's popularity is forever rising and are continously maturing into a brilliant and spotless live act. 

5. Arctic Monkeys 

Despite being the main headliners for this years festivals, the Monkeys have only made number 5 in our unmissable acts list. But, credit to them, they're the only headliners to actually make the list. Though being number 5, Arctic Monkeys are still ever so unmissable, after headlining a handful of festivals around the globe thie summer, including T in The Park, expect Alex Turner and the band to want to round their summer of in style with a 'Brianstorming' set. 

4. Bombay Bicycle Club 

Like The Horrors, Bombay are a band who's maturity as a band has been forever progressing with each gig and fesitval they perform at and expect that to be no different at Reading and Leeds. After releasing their fourth studio album, 'So Long, See You Tomorrow', earlier this year, Bombay Bicycle Club now have a catalog of brilliant tracks to perform within what could be one heck of a set. 

3. The Courteeners 

With their fourth studio album, 'Concrete Love', set to be released on Monday 18th August, prior to Reading and Leeds, expect Liam Fray and the band to be raring to perform at Bramham Park and Richfield Avenue next weekend. With the both as brilliant, 'Summer' and 'How Good It Was', expected to be on the setlist, as well classics from 'Anna', 'Falcon' and 'St. Jude', be prepared for a mind-blowing set from the Mancs. 

2. Cage The Elephant

Matt Shultz and Cage The Elephant are set for a return to the UK for Reading and Leeds next weekend and don't be surprised if the NME / BBC Radio 1 Stage is wrecked post performance. With possibly the most wild frontman in existence, the Kentucky bred band will send the crowd into a frenzy in a matter of seconds. If you're looking for a mosh or two, Cage The Elephants certainly your best bet. 

1. Royal Blood 

It's probably no surprise to most readers that Royal Blood are our number one to see at Reading and Leeds as we've made it clear in the past we're pretty huge fans. After seeing them for free back in October of last year, we're still amazed by The Rise of Royal Blood, although it wasn't really a surprise to be honest. Mike Kerr and Ben Thacther make the sound of 100 men, yet it sounds so brilliant. If you fancy a headbang or two, head to the NME / Radio 1 Stage. 

Who's excited now?

There's also plenty more brilliant acts across the weekend at both Reading and Leeds: 

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

We are very excited to bring you the news that we have today launched our official mobile app. 

The app is available to download via the link at the bottom of this post. How to download: 

1. Open the link. 

2. Add the page to your mobile/tablet homescreen. 

3. Open the app on your homescreen to find a full mobile app, not a link to our site. An actual app. 

Download the app here: http://riffedonline.mobapp.at

Enjoy!

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

Why are introducing shows always on at stupid o clock? A question that popped into our heads this week. But, why are they on at such a late and incovenient time? 

BBC's 'BBC Introducing' and Xfm's 'Xposure' are both brilliant radio shows that each help new and unsigned talent recieve air play and make a name for themselves. But, why should each have to be on past 10pm? Admittedly, 'BBC Introducing' also runs through local stations, which highlight the new and unsigned talent within each city/county and give them airplay at a much more reasonable time and a time at which many more people will be tuning in. Therefore, we struggle to understand as to why Phil Taggart & Alice Levine's, Huw Stephens' and Ally McCrae & Jen Long's 'BBC Introducing' shows are all on past 10pm. Huw Stephens' and Ally McCrae & Jen Long's don't even air until midnight. Similarly with John Kennedy and Simon Raymonde of Xfm, who's 'Xposure' shows only air past 10pm. Surely new and unsigned artists deserve to be recieving airplay at a much more reasonable time? A time at which plenty more poeple will be listening.

Although bands such as Arctic Monkeys are all well and good to listen to in their own rights, there are dozens more bands and artists out there just waiting to be discovered and to become the next big thing, yet are only recieving airplay at stupid o clock. 

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x 

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 

The final day of Boardmasters has had to be cancelled due to unforseen weather conditions. 

The aftermath of hurricane Bertha is today sweeping across the United Kingdom, leaving in its path floods ans wreckage which has in turn has been the case down at Watergate Bay. JAWS and Catfish and the Bottlemen were two of the many artists set to play the final day of this years festival and each shared their dissapointment at the news that Boardmasters was set to be cancelled via their Facebook and Twitter pages with the Bottlemen posting "We've just drove an absolute age to BOARDMASTERS to find out theres hurricanes and one of the stages has literally blown into orbit! We've heard today is now cancelled! I'm absolutely gutted!" And JAWS: "Unfortunatley our performance at Boardmasters Festival tonight has been cancelled due to ridiculous weather conditions. Not cool. Apologies anyone that wanted to see us! Hopefully another time!"  Following these posts, the festival ended speculation that the whole of todays events were set to be cancelled with this statement: 

"In light of the extreme weather conditions caused by hurricane Bertha, today’s events at Watergate Bay have been cancelled. The international surf competition will be going ahead at the Fistral Beach, as planned.

Your safety and wellbeing is our primary concern and we have decided that the magnitude of the conditions is too severe for the arena site to be opened.

We deeply regret the disappointment caused and look forward to Boardmasters 2015.

Keep checking back for refund, travel and further information." 

Many shared their dissapointment at the fact this years festival ended in a way in which wasn't planned, but, it appears Hurricane Bertha isn't the biggest fan of Boardmasters. 

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