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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When I saw Frank Ocean

On June 25th, 2013 Frank Ocean performed at the Brixton 02 Academy in London.

In my initial attempt to review Frank Ocean's performance I found myself rushed and unable to truly articulate what it had been like to see this incredibly talented and young performer live on stage.  As time past I thought to myself, why bother, it happened a week ago - who wants to know?  Almost exactly a month later, on July 26th, Ocean had no choice other than to cancel his Australian Tour, including 5 sold out shows, as well as his highly anticipated headlining set at Byron Bay music festival Splendour in the Grass, due to a torn vocal chord.

The official statement read:

"After last night's concert in Melbourne at Festival Hall, it was necessary to seek medical advice due to vocal issues Frank Ocean experienced during the show. It has subsequently been confirmed that Frank has suffered a small tear to one of his vocal cords and has received medical advice that he must rest his voice." 

 "This makes the completion of his remaining Australian dates impossible. Unfortunately due to Frank Ocean's tight tour schedule it is not possible to schedule replacement dates, however we will be working to confirm a return to Australia as soon as is practical."

And it is now I find myself reflecting on that first performance in Brixton.

Frank Ocean - Brixton 02 Academy London. source: clash music

Although the venue was dramatic, with an interior reminiscent of an old outdoor theatre, Ocean's stage was minimal and simplistic.  Each of Ocean's band members we dressed in dapper black tie suits, with Ocean in a casual, yet stylish, ensemble.  Basic stage lighting was matched with a large projection of various footage timed perfectly with the set list.  The majority of the video footage displayed was a car driving through the desert, and it just took you with it; lost in the music and Frank Ocean's voice and lyrics. 

Frank Ocean is no diva.  Whilst every song was performed flawlessly, Ocean himself seemed unable to fathom his own fame and the fans that have come to love him.  Clearly humbled, he was sweet, honest and almost shy when thanking the audience for coming out to see him.  Whilst there have been media that have shared the opinion that Ocean may require improvement in his on-stage presence and banter it was evident to me that the real fans weren't there for the celebrity; they were there for the music and the poetry and it was there that Ocean not only delivered, but excelled.

Although Ocean is frequently associated with RnB superstars such as JAY-Z, Kanye West and Beyonce, his sound is unique and he is bringing soul back to a generation that may have otherwise lost and never found this genre, or who may have never actively sort out something new.  Whilst his sexuality is often commented on hand in hand with discussions of his music, the highest liked comment on Ocean's Youtube page shares what most people are thinking, saying, "Fuck his sexuality, realy who the fuck cares he makes great music that's what it's all about"

I always new Frank Ocean was an amazing musician but seeing him perform his songs live allows you to experience his rawness and honesty in every word expressed and note sung.  Not only do you hear but you feel - you feel love, you feel struggle - heartbreak and realisation.  It was a different show to any I have seen before, but it was touching, unique and has stayed with me since.

I sincerely send my wishes and hope Frank Ocean gets well soon;  and I equally sincerely hope my Australian friends that missed out this time round, are fortunate enough to one day to experience this refreshing star's music in the flesh.

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www.frankocean.com

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Kanye West presents GOOD Music: Cruel Summer

Good Music Cruel Summer

R. Kelly, Big Sean, John Legend, Kid Cudi and, of course, BFF Jay-Z are just some of the big wigs that emerge, with this album, from the dirty depths of old-school rap with a stank like it’s fresh from the ghetto. 

You’re immediately hooked when Big Sean starts throwing creamy rhymes your way in Clique – a clique you definitely want to be a part of: Ye, Rih, B and LeBron are mentioned by Jay-Z. And Kanye? Well he goes on with lyrics to inspire jealousy about the outrageous success of Niggas in Paris, his Maybach and being neighbours with TC. A bit OTT but classic Kanye nonetheless.

Mercy spits thick, nose-wrinkling beats at you with fiery force. They glare at you sideways. It’s undoubtedly the best song on the album. It is truly filthy. Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz and Kanye himself fill the beats with the dirtiness they deserve. Wind the windows down and sink low in your seat, one hand on the wheel. Sure enough, you’ll start believing you’re the baddest kid in town.

Kid Cudi and Kanye West

Take it down a notch and get yourself some romancing tips, hustler style, from Bliss. John Legend and Teyana Taylor tell the typical love story of girl meets boy, boy takes girl to London in his private jet while showering her in gifts from Tiffany. Okay, not so typical. But this song is as smooth as silk and John Legend’s voice is unbelievably cool. The track is complementary yet stands alone within the album, which manages to maintain its street cred even without one mention of the ‘n’ word.

This entire album is seriously cool. It takes it back to the streets, with subtleties of rap beginnings. It’s stripped to basics, the songs riddled with clever rhymes and a brilliant beat, all performed by some insanely successful artists – hand-picked by Ye, it’s his custom-made album. Best played loud.

By Natalie Brunoli

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