So that was summer.
Gone already, the heady days of sitting inside watching ‘Colombo’ on repeat. July – we barely knew ye!
With the sun outside our window gradually turning into wisps of grey, it’s only right that ClashMusic becomes reflective, nostalgic for the months gone by. But then we thought ‘sod that, we’ve got singles to review’.
So here they are!
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Single Of The Week
Still Corners – Endless Summer
It’s a bit of a curse to award ‘Single Of The Week’ to a debut release. No sooner do a band get to grips with their first ever platter of vinyl than someone leans over and applies the pressure. In this case, though, Still Corners will no doubt shrug off the acclaim. ’Endless Summer’ is both vast and finite, an epic that is easy to relate to. The spidering guitar lines creep across the drums, like Sterling Morrison matched with The Crystals. Containing all the midnight soaked glamour of The xx, Still Corners are the latest hot indie export from London. Finally given a vinyl release, ‘Endless Summer’ comes just as nostalgia sets in for those long days doing nothing by the riverside.
Best of the rest…
Katy B – Katy On A Mission
Easily the most widely dissected dubstep tune of the summer, Benga began dropping ‘Man On A Mission’ earlier this year. A typically stunning tune, vocalist Katy B dropped by to add her silky vocals. The result is something that will undoubtedly propel dubstep to the mainstream, with those unmistakable vocals flying out of radio’s across the land. Coming on the back of Magnetic Man’s success, some have argued that this could split the scene, citing the demise of garage as an example. Whatever will be, will be – it’s just fantastic to see some of Britain’s finest producers gaining the commercial success they sorely deserve.
UNKLE – The Answer
So James Lavelle is an artist now, with ‘The Answer’ receiving a stunning new video. There’s always been a collage element to their music, but ironically the band’s new single is a coherent, streamlined effort. Of course, we wouldn’t wish madness on anyone but the schizophrenic samples of ‘Psyence Fiction’ wouldn’t go amiss on a tune that is polite without breaking boundaries. Great video though.
Biffy Clyro – God & Satan
Yet more scruffy rock from the beardy Scottish trio in which the notion of rock ‘n’ roll being Lucifer’s game is given a thorough dressing down. By now, you’ll have figured out the Biffy Clyro sound: yearning vocals, LOUD guitars and a chorus as big as Ben Nevis. Released to coincide with a massive new British tour, ‘God & Satan’ will please fans but do nothing to placate critics.
Everything Everything – My Kz Yr Bf
Initially released last year, ‘My Kz Yr Bf’ was a gloriously camp slice of synth-pop. A high-pitched riposte to the Pet Shop Boys, it was breathless, daring songwriting of a kind the industry rarely produces. 365 days on and nothing has changed – Everything Everything remain outcasts and the chart remains full of anaemic, anodyne noise. Course, this will probably fall flat on its arse. What a bloody shame.
No Age – Glitter
No Age have now moved far beyond their lo-fi roots. Whereas before, the Los Angeles two piece struggled to contain the noise they made, No Age now seem to be in complete control. Taken from their startling new album, ‘Glitter’ is like having two slices of bread placed against your skull, then an amplifier eating your head. Sonic cannibalism of the highest order.
Stornoway – Watching Birds
Just as Summer wilts into Autumn so too does July’s soundtrack get thrown into the back seat of the car, never to be rescued. With their debut full-length effort Stornoway came to prominence just as the summer reached its peak. Now, though, Wimbledon is over and the leaves are starting their slow descent to the ground. ‘Watching Birds’ may be a jolly acoustic lament, but whether the band can grasp and evolve with changing seasons is another matter.
