Recent listenings...

I've not posted for ages, here is a quick run down of what I'm really into at the moment before I do album of the month for May.

Coldplay
The band are set to released their 4th album Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends on June 12th and I'm getting very excited about it. They have released two tracks from it for free, first single Violet Hill and title track Viva La Vida. Both sound brilliant, far better than anything from 2005's X & Y, which was a bit of a disappointment after the genius of their first two albums.

Bon Iver
Jason Vernon, or Bon Iver, retreated into the woods of Wisconsin for 3 months after his band split up and his girlfriend left him. He lived almost in complete solidarity, except for his dad bring him supplies every 10 days. While her was there he wrote his 2007 debut For Emma, Forever Ago (released in the UK May 12th, 2008), and it's stunning. There are just no way to put it into words how beautiful this album really is. It's so personal, it feels almost intrusive listening to it (yes, I did steal that from Uncut's review).

Pendulum
I've spent about a week listening to their new album In Silico over and over again, and I really like it. Granted, it sounds nothing like their 2005 debut Hold Your Colour, and it's not as good either, but still, it's packed with tune after tune as is the first album. The main issue is how you approach listening to it. If you are expecting a continuation of the same kind of sound as you got with Hold Your Colour, you will be disappointed. It sounds nothing like it, far more vocals, recorded using live instruments and written as it has been specifically so it can be played live. However, In Silico is clearly not meant to sound like their debut and the fact that they've completely changed their sound at the risk of loosing a lot of fans shows far more guts than band that just churn out albums that sound the same over and over. There is no way they would have been able to write another album like Hold Your Colour and it be anywhere near as good, so they have obviously put a lot of effort into making a new sound for themselves rather than just repeating what they know they are good.
So, to sum up that rant. I really like In Silico, and am looking forward to hearing the new tracks live later this year.

The Subways
A few new tracks from the young English trio's 2nd album All Or Nothing (released 30th June 2008) have been released and the album is shaping up to something quite special. 2005's debut Young For Eternity had some great songs but a lot of filler tracks but I have high hopes for the new one. They have gone for a much heavier sound as first single Girls & Boys shows withs is manic Muse-esque riff. Second single Alright (out 16th June 2008) isn't quite as heavy but it's good to get a taste of the variation the album will have. Looking forward to hearing this one.


Thats pretty much it for new stuff I've been listening to recently, old stuff I've been getting back into includes:

Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
It turns out Francis was right, the bands 2005 debut is better than last years A Weekend In The City

The Rifles - No Love Lost
I really liked this album when I first heard it early last year, been listening over and over since they supported Milburn on Saturday

Milburn
What can I say here... Milburn have been such a big influence of my life (as in gigs/nights out etc) over last 2 years. The farewell gig on Saturday was amazing and I'll miss them a lot.

Bright Eyes
In anticipation of Conor Oberst's solo album out later this year and seeing him at Leeds Festival in August