Pop Fix: AlunaGeorge

AlunaGeorge

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"Little grey fairy tales
And little white lies
Everything you exhale is attracting flies

And you can go off the rails
And you can cry your eyes out
But everything you exhale is attracting flies"

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Uber cool English electronic duo AlunaGeorge, comprised of vocalist Aluna Francis and producer George Reid, casually entered the UK charts and airwaves last year and are now becoming regulars on stations across Australia.  Cheeky lyrics and a unique 90s RnB inspired sound has AlunaGeorge grabbing attention of lovers of pop, soul, house and rnb genres alike.

Collaborating with UK House DJs Disclosure for the smash hit "White Noise," saw AlunaGeorge make their mark on the musical map, and with their follow up single "You Know You Like It," the duo are working to truly cement their unique and funky sound.

Their debut album "Body Music" was released here in Australia July 26th, 2013 and has been lapped up by Aussie fans, currently holding a 4.5 star rating on itunes.  Reviews are so far positive and full of high praise for the duo, however many critics interested to see how AlunaGeorge will be received in the long term and if their music and sound will resonate with listeners over time.

"The entire album is sexy and strange and sugary all at once. That these songs were recorded over the course of a couple years (straddling a major-label deal) and still maintain total fluidity throughout speaks to the strength and maturity of the duo’s initial formula." - Pitchfork, 2013

AlunaGeorge will be coming to Australia very soon, along with collaborator Disclosure, for Listen Out Festival which will be taking place across the country throughout late September and early October.  When asked what fans can expect at a live show AlunaGeorge responded, "A louder, slightly more acoustic version of our songs. We try and keep as close as possible to the original recordings. We’ve got a live bass player, a live hybrid kit, live keys. It has some softer moments here and there."  But with Disclosure also on tour, who know - perhaps a joint onstage performance can be expected?

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Read the full interview with AlunaGeorge in anticipation of their Australian tour at the AUReview.com.  Find AlunaGeorge on Facebook and Twitter. 

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Buskers of London: An Observation

Amy Winehouse once called Camden home

Camden town. A hub for creativity,  music, arts and home of the famous camden lock markets and the home of the late great Amy Winehouse.

This is a place I walk through every working day and on occasions on weekends and I can guarantee you that every time I stroll down that main street there is at least 3 or 4 buskers, rockin' out, doing their thang.  I've seen everything from solo male singers to beat boxers to girls singing soulfully with their guitars to a man with a drumkit a a digereedo.   You can practically smell the love for music in the air - either that or some weed wafting down from one of the apartments above the many many kebap shops.

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And if it is their day off, chances are those musicians have still made their way down to Camden town, to smile and you, ask you what type of music you like and to shove a free cd sampling their work in your face.   Of course, the weekends are when the big guns come out, one band having a regular spot next to Starbucks and before the bridge passes over the canal  into the markets.   Masters of their craft you can see that this is what they live for - sharing their music with every day people.

But it doesn't just stop at Camden Town.

The underground stations throughout London are not only modes of transport but are in fact incredible opportunities to discover and delight in musical talents of people from all walks of life.   On the Picadilly Line a beautiful African girl sings her heart out with the tiniest of radios as her back up music.   On the Central Line outside Holborn station,  a man plays an incredibly eccentric collection of percussion in which he has surrounded himself with in a full 360 degree circle.

The Bakerloo Line hosts two artists with thick I-dont-even-know-what accents, covering acoustic sets of the likes of Crowded House.  Walking by Waterloo you may encounter a gentleman with a sax or perhaps you'll bump into the tuba player near Covent Garden whose tuba on occasion will breathe fire.  it is absolutely incredible to open your eyes and ears to discover this whole other side to London.  The the busy, busy hussle and bussle of this major city, it makes you simply want to stop. and listen.

So why do they do it - why busk? To practice?  to pay the rent? To hope Simon Cowell will walk by and offer them a contract? It could be any of these reasons but the one you cannot deny, is for the love of music.

UK Music Fix: Bastille

For those left wondering whatever happened to good, original pop music - i give you Bastille.  With an indie - rock vibe, Bastille's catchy and heartwarming songs have allowed them to break into the commercial market both within the UK and internationally 

The English band Bastille seem to have appeared out of no where, suddenly filling airways of multiple commercial radio stations and even having a remix featured on Adelaide's Dance Music Station Fresh 92.7 FM. After hearing and enjoying their track "Pompeii" i felt compelled to download this track, as well as see what other tracks may be available by the band.  Upon doing this i was able to read numerous reviews of their breakthrough single. One fan expressed that the song was so beautiful that it had brought her (or him) to tears.  Listening to more music by the band Bastille,  I would personally still describe their music as pop, but by no means should this leave a bitter taste in the mouth.  It's refreshing, it's unique and it is hands down good music. 

Bastille was initially a solo concept created by the crazy haired Dan Smith, who later turned Bastille into a band, joined by Chris 'Woody' Wood, Kyle Simmons and Will Farquarson.  Since working hard throughout 2011 and 2012, February 2013 saw the track "Pompeii" shoot up the UK charts to no 2., reaching no. 1 in Scotland. 

I am willing to argue that Bastille's popularity is attributed to more than just their catchy melodies, after all, if catchy melodies all that defined good music, some might say that Pitbull and Christina Aguilera sampling Aha's Take On Me was actually a good thing. (they would be wrong.)  With Bastille, there is meaning behind the lyrics, and a passion behind the vocals that can often be forgotten or overlooked.  It would be intriguing to see how Bastille's emotive performance on record translate in a live environment.   The harmonies and rhythms created by Bastille are reminiscent of Mumford and Sons and comparisons with The Fray and The Script could be made - it will certainly be interesting to see how Bastille's music and image develops with future records.

With Pompeii as a reference, other songs on the album are certainly fruit of the same tree.  Bastille have their sound defined and have managed to display creativity and variety within that scope. 

The band's next release will be "Laura Palmer" - a very similar track to "Pompeii".  Listening to the entire album is encouraged to get a more holistic Bastille experience.

Key tracks on Bastille's "Bad Blood" Album?  As well as their smash hit "Pompeii", check out "Flaws" and "Things We Lost in the Fire." 

Find Bastille on Facebook / Follow Bastille on Twitter

Alt-J (∆): An Awesome Wave.

Dreamy melodies, buzzing harmonies and heavy guitar riffs. Poetic lyrics and piano chords, ambient noise and that feeling in your chest from the bass, when you play it nice and loud.

Alt J's debut album "An Awesome Wave"
is on sale now.

Oh, and that voice.

Alt-J gives it to you hard. Their debut album, An Awesome Wave, is undeniably addictive – it’s the noticeable cool and frenetic, yet relaxed, energy of the album that does it to you.

The first release, Breezeblocks, lyrically punches you in the heart. It grabs at you and demands you feel it too. And you do. There’s no wonder they chose this as the virgin release. It’s a mix of everything this album is about.

Alt J (∆)'s debut single - Breezeblocks

Something Good takes you on a little wander through highs and lows. Twinkling notes leading you from verse to bridge to chorus and back again. It’s happily mellow. The interludes (there are three) help weave the story of an album laden with clever, tight, expressiveness – with or without words. Song after song, a stimulating, vivid picture is painted of whatever you need it to.

Fitzpleasure is a little heavier, a little more rock, and a little bit sexy. It’s littered with dirty crooning harmonies, building to an unmistakable climax of rhythm and motion. It drags you in. Before you know it, you’re pulling right into the perfect barrel of an awesome wave.

Paddle your heart out and get on it.






Follow Nat Brunoli on Twitter

Alt J (∆) are

Gwil - guitar/vocals 

Joe Newman - guitar/vocals

Gus Unger-Hamilton - keyboards 

Thom Green - drums

http://www.altjband.com