London Grammar Review The Singles

Tracks from MKS, Drake, Nine Inch Nails and Sub Focus...

Responsible for one of 2013’s more impressive British debut LPs, Nottingham-formed trio London Grammar (pictured) have seen critical stock rise beside mainstream reach as the year has progressed.

The band’s latest trio, ‘Strong’ (video below), broke the domestic top 20, while their album, ‘If You Wait’ (Clash review), entered at two. Strong, indeed.

The band – Hannah Reid, Dan Rothman and Dot Major – took time out of a hectic-indeed schedule to cover the latest singles (‘out’ September 16th) for Clash. It’s a group effort, apparently. We asked.

– – –

Fenech-Soler – ‘Last Forever’

This kind of electronic indie-rock isn’t really my thing, so I’m going to struggle to be positive here. I think it’s a little forgettable and not very affecting. Just leaves me a little bit cold. There are some catchy hooks in the vocal melody, though.

– – –

Nine Inch Nails – ‘Copy Of A’

I quite like the Kraftwerk-inspired production on this record. But the vocal and lyrical content let it down a bit. 

– – –

Sub Focus feat. Kele – ‘Turn It Around’

Despite finding this kind of dubstep production a bit dated at times, I quite like this track. Kele’s (from Bloc Party) voice is iconic to people my age, and he sounds great on this.

– – –

MKS – ‘Flatline’

I always liked the Sugababes. Their brand of pop seemed to be more considered and more musical than other girl groups of the time. This track is cool, and the production reminded us of Solange. But it’s lacking the hooks of their older tracks.

– – –

Drake – ‘Hold On We’re Going Home’

I have heard this record a few times, and I think it’s cool and pretty catchy. It really reminds me of the Miguel album that came out last year (‘Kaleidoscope Dream’), which I love. Thumbs up.

– – –

Birdy – ‘Wings’

Birdy has a beautiful voice, which can be quite enchanting at times. I think this record lacks the starkness and simplicity of her previous material, which makes it feel a bit safer. But her voice is still really impressive.

– – –

Filthy Boy – ‘That Life’

I like how rough this sounds, the lyrics and production tie together nicely. It reminds me of Adam Green from The Moldy Peaches. Unfortunately it’s nowhere near as memorable.

– – –

London Grammar can be found online here and tour the UK as follows…

October
16th – Concorde 2, Brighton
18th – Brixton Electric, London
19th – Gathering 2013, Oxford
20th – Anson Rooms, Bristol
22nd – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
23rd – Academy 2, Birmingham
24th – The Cockpit, Leeds
26th – Sound Control, Manchester
27th – Oran Mor, Glasgow
28th – Northumbria University, Newcastle

Tickets available here

Read our recent interview with London Grammar here.

And check out more Singles Round Up articles here.

Get the best of Clash on your iPhone – download the app here

-
Join the Clash mailing list for up to the minute music, fashion and film news.