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 El Dog-Let It Snow-Single

If you havent realised its Christmas by now, then this song will bring your joy back with a hop, skip and a jump. Initially sounding like an indie-guitar sensation, El Dog completely breaks down the cliched Christmas barrier, with its jingle bells and choruses of children singing harmoniously, and lays a heavier kind of beast. With a chorus making you want to head bang all the way to the chimney and tear down the carefully hung stockings, El Dog brings a fresh new way to your traditional version of the classic track. Say goodbye to your X Factor vs Rage Against The Machine battles, if theres only one song you invest in this holiday, it should be this one.

RB
 Music Go Music | Just Me


LA 3-piece Music Go Music have an intriguing Blondie, Carpenters, ELO vibe to their music.

So for those who do'’t know those three bands, I mean a 70's/ 80's nostalgia vibe, and it's catchy. Just Me underlines their electro pop prowess with thunderous choruses and is immensely enjoyable.

Jordan Worland
 Sound Of Guns | Elementary Of Youth | ep

The new EP from Sounds Of Guns drops four little rock gems on us. Elementary Of Youth, Dead Sea Scrolls, Lightspeed and Gallantry all contain classic rock-esq vocal growls and thumping guitar sounds. The EP is brimming with raw and heartfelt rock sounds; it's rousing and justifies the buzz around these Liverpudlian rockers.

Jordan Worland
 MIKA THE BOY WHO KNEW TOO MUCH


Mika hits back with another album that sounds a lot like it was produced entirely by a group of sleazy first year theatre study students, although no bad thing I say.

Mikas camp and extravagant approach comes across full force with his second record The Boy Who Knew Too Much, armed to the teeth with hand claps, disco beats and glossy piano hooks.
Just as theatrical as debut Life in Cartoon Motion if a little removed from the slightly juvenile recklessness that came across on previous hits like Grace Kelly and Big Girls tinged with his giddy rush of sudden fame.

The more subdued tone on the tracks works in Mikas favour especially on lullaby-esque By the Time and jazzy Pick Up Off the Floor. But of course there is all always chart topping single We Are Golden lest your musical appetite yearns for the more flamboyant. A bit ridiculous but very fun and not a boring track in sight.

Jeni Gibbs
 Fanfarlo | Reservoir


After listening to a few tracks of Fanfarlo's epic debut Reservoir you really begin to understand why they need all six members:

Each track crafts together layer upon layer of glittery, folksy brilliance with trumpets, violins and lots of hand clapping and foot stomping. Being a piece of folk mastery, predictable comparisons have been drawn to Arcade Fire which is a given, but Fanfarlo manage to attain a certain ethereal and delicate sound that gives the record a really beautiful, vague quality.

Opening with swooning I'm a Pilot, the record never runs out of steam, and continues to be absurdly charming and pretty throughout, especially with sparse, acoustic Good Morning Midnight and heartfelt track Drowning Me, a near perfect album.

Jeni Gibbs
 Karen O and The Kids | Where The Wild Things Are | soundtrack

Go back to your youth, when stories filled your mind with questions, wonder and hope. Since then, the stories have probably faded and been forgotten, but wait! Through the magic of cinema, everyones favourite adventure, Where The Wild Things Are is soon coming to a screen near you.

Whats better than that is the queen of dirty, sexy, indie rock and roll has mastered its soundtrack, and if the film is as good as this album, then we are in for a treat.

Filled with delicate vocals, intricate detailing and catchy choruses, this album is perfect for all. Much different to the madness of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but its subtle harmonies and gentle approach makes this soundtrack truly timeless.

Rhian Brighton
 THE PANICS- GET US HOME


Contrasting sweeping string backings and down to earth indie vocals from front man Joe Laffer, Get Us Home is Australian five piece The Panics latest single taken from album Cruel Guards.

Panics' very own brand of dreamy, laidback harmonies has won them an ARIA (a bit like a Grammy but down under) and the tag of "Australia's answer to The Roses, Smiths and The Bunnymen rolled into one package blending", certainly an interesting listen.

Jeni Gibbs
 Paolo Nutini- Pencil Full Of Lead

Ah, I never fail to be surprised by the Scotsmen of music. Paolo Nutini is no exception. After a debut filled with songs of tricky love, trying to get married to older women, prancing around in new shoes, and getting drunk, alot. Paolos back, with a new style and more groove. New single Pencil Full Of Lead makes you want to find those new shoes, put them on, run around, and dance in honour of all things Scottish. Paolo definitely has created a more timeless sound to his new material, looking for deeper influences, and as a result appealing to a more diverse and wide audience. Perfect for a lazy morning, and guaranteed to put a smile on the most miserable of faces. Well done Paolo.

Rhian Brighton
 FLAMBOYANT BELLA- GET A REACTION

Fusing old school disco and electro Flamboyant Bella, or 'Flambo' as I hear (kids today, ey?), craft together great new single Get a Reaction in the giddy haze of their recent record label signing.

80's synths with a catchy chorus and all without being irritating, Flamboyant Bella somehow manage to break out of the grating MySpace circuit while getting the art of perfect pop down to a T.

Jeni Gibbs
 BEGGAR JOE-BEGGAR JOE

Drawing inspirations from the likes of Curtis Mayfield and James Brown, Beggar Joe's single tracks taken from their forthcoming self titled album are just the right mix of soul, folk and blues you would expect.

Lazy and gritty track Sleeping City manages to put an original spin on the old blues formula. Refreshing and talented this Jack Daniels infused quintet have something that a lot of bands don't seem to be able to grasp, flair and genuine passion for music without trying to fit any sort of mould

Jeni Gibbs
 THE CHEMISTS- MILK AND HONEY

Bristol based band The Chemists release their single Milk and Honey with additional tracks and remixes all taken from their shiny new album The Theories of Dr.Lovelock.

Milk and Honey features a ferocious guitar hook and strong vocals from lead Johnny Benn but it's all a bit too calculated and a tad overproduced. The Chemists have got the right idea, they just need to let go and be less rigid with the structure of their songs. This all weirdly means that the remixes sound good so the Jagz Kooner and the Dub Pistols remix's are ones to look out for.

Jeni 'incredible' Gibbs
 JAMIE T | KINGS AND QUEENS |OUT NOW


Jamie T seemed to have set quite a target for himself to try and top his debut Mercury nominated record Panic Prevention but by george the lads only gone and done it.

Kings and Queens is an 11 track strong record with just the right amounts of grime and glitter that bore such wonders as 'Sheila' and 'If You Got the Money' out of the first album.

It's a mixed bag of a record as you would probably expect from a 23 year old fusing together punk, folk and ska on the same album but it all works amazingly, Jamies ferocious enthusiasm and charm shine through on well crafted summery Chaka Demus and darker Hocus Pocus, and the hooks on teen anthem Sticks n' Stones will attack you ear buds with the same ferocity of a severe bout of tinnitus, a brilliant record; Jamie certainly squashes any doubts that he isn't living up the hype.

Jeni Gibbs
 The Lights | January Blues | Nov 2nd


Forthcoming single January blues can only be described as in fact, the complete opposite of the track title, instead a vibrant burst of energy as the track begins. With catchy guitar distortions, a strong beat and fresh blissful lyrics, the track is instantly amiable from a vastly unique and eagerly awaited band. With a combination of bubbly vocals and cheery beats, the single is guaranteed to uplift spirits.

Lauren Bridgeman
 Nell Bryden | What Does It Take? |


Having already performed to Iraq troops and loved by Radio 2. New Yorks latest singing delight: Nell Bryden finally releases her debut album: "What does it take?" for anticipating fans.

The album displays Bryden's fantastic voice and lyric writing, with each track immediately taking your ears away with its old fashioned, New York, sound.

'Not like loving you' instantly shows off Bryden's beautiful voice, big ballad style, with hook: "It’s not like loving you". Jazz is also frequent throughout the album, with 'Tonight' and 'What does it take?' flourished with jazz like sounds. The track 'Only life I know' has a country feel, with lyrics such as "And it's the kinda town where your first love is your last", relating to traditional, American towns. Combining blues, jazz and country; this album makes for perfect Sunday morning listening.

Kathryn Lewsey
 Newton Faulkner | Rebuilt by Humans | September 28


With popular tracks such as 'dream catch me' and a rendition of the prominent Massive Attack hit 'teardrop' under his belt, Newton Faulkner returns with his brand new 18track album Rebuilt by Humans.

Packed full of similar melodious and warming tones as previous material for which Faulkner remains renowned, the lyrics are evidently further in depth and significant.

'Been thinking about it' and 'I'm not giving up yet' convey no less than this in the form of soothing qualities and honest lyrics. Added with a combination of short varied gems, with more up tempo songs including 'Lipstick Jungle', each track provides a musical treat in various forms.

With an array of guitars and poignant vocals, and the same reflective vibes we would expect from such a talented singer songwriter, definitely worth a listen, a rare necessity effortlessly shining in simplistic indie folk.

Lauren Bridgeman
 Athlete | Black Swan

Anyone in the future looking back at the album charts of 2005, a year dominated by James Blunt and Coldplay, could be forgiven for thinking that the entire nation was in some kind of drug induced coma, or had been lobotomized en masse. This was when Deptford four piece Athlete saw their chance and release Tourist. It worked too.

But the difference between Tourist and forth album, Black Swan, is that Tourist had a genuine emotional quality to it. With even "Wires" being a heartfelt song about singer Joel Pott's newborn son struggling on a life support machine.

Now it just sounds like they're going through the motions. Although they've made a half hearted attempt at cheering up a bit, with songs such as the synth driven opener "Superhuman Touch" they always end up declining into a grey mulch of bland ballads.
"...Don't hold your breath cause we're running in circles..." whines Pott halfway through the album. Hmm.

words : Dan Bleksley
 Nancy Elizabeth | Wrought Iron | Released 5th October

A good record is like a good whisky, warm, smooth, rich and totally mood altering.
This is a good record only, as opposed to whisky egging your temperament towards oblivion, a good record makes you feel like you float.

Lancashire born Nancy Elizabeth presents us with her second album Wrought Iron (released 5th October 2009, The Leaf Label) which begins with the beautiful piano instrumental Cairns. Then we hear her sing and she does so with such a natural, effortless clarity and loveliness that you will be transported to the peaceful lands Nancy has been writing from.

Before you switch off let me reassure you, this is no bongo indie, gap year travels effort. This album is perfectly minimalist and has modesty yet sounds grand and sumptuous affording you a similar experience to listening to Classical music.
Bring On The Hurricane and Fleet Of Courage have Tori Amos style vocals that are similarly natural. Tow The Line seems to breathe a retort to Radioheads Pyramid Song. Cat Bells sounds like it could have been composed 200 years ago and The Act has a real touch of northern soul to it. There is a wholly broad quality to this record: it's one of those albums that makes you pay attention to shape and arrangement. You feel bound to take a seat and listen to it. It doesn't have peaks and troughs between singles but a quiet pulse and patient movement. This is music made by a true musician turning out unaffected, captivating material.

Ben Wood
 Carolina Liar | Coming to Terms |

With first single 'Show me what I'm looking for' receiving vast amounts of airplay and featured in films and adverts across the box office debut album "coming to terms" has a lot to live up to.

Thus anyone with a love for dreamy indie rock will certainly agree that Carolina Liar will not disappoint. With lead singer Chad Wolf's melodic vocals and wistful guitar rifts, tracks such as 'California Bound' and 'Beautiful World' are perfect to reminisce on blissful summer moments. 'Better Alone' becomes the ideal feel good driving track, displaying the bands L.A roots smoothly and slickly.

Channelling similarities to The Killers in the more rocky tracks and even Bon Iver with the more soulful side, Carolina Liars diverse release provides a faultless blend of pop, rock and soul. Capturing our attention with stunning lyrics exploring the true sense of life, beauty and love, a glowing listen and instant grower, simply captivating and beautiful.

words : Lauren Bridgeman
 Simian Mobile Disco | Temporary Pleasure | OUT NOW.

We all remember the summers of '07 and '08 where "dance music for people who don't like dance music" was at its peak: Ed Banger Records Compilations, Justice, and of course, Simian Mobile Discos 'Attack Decay Sustain Release'.

I remember this album as an electronica/electro house/pro-rave/call it what you like milestone. With the relentlessly impressive thundering beats and lip biting build ups of this album, I was relieved to hear that SMD were back with a new album for 2009.

My hopes were that it would fill the desperate void of decent "dance" music this year, which seems to be dissipating in favour of Croydon based dubstep. Not that that's a bad thing...

...after listening to Temporary Pleasure, it was immediately clear that that's all the album was going to give... temporary pleasure.

Despite the impressive list of guest vocalists including Gruff Rhys (Neon Neon), Beth Ditto (The Gossip) and Chris Keating (Yeasayer), the songs lack the monster beats and anthemic status that was so prominent and glorious in previous SMD releases. Admittedly, 'Audacity Of Huge' is a tune that you can't help but bop along to, but even as one of the better songs on the album, it feels as if there's still something missing.
There are some tracks, 'Ambulance' for instance, which deliver straight up dance, complete with sirens, spells of glitchy electronica and synth squiggles. It's on tracks such as this that SMD are in their element, and deliver accordingly. It's a shame that Temporary Pleasure lacks the consistently spine tingling arrangements that we all know SMD are more than capable of.
What everyone remembers from old SMD hits such as 'Hustler' and 'It's The Beat' are the riffs and the clever build-ups.

It seems with Temporary Pleasure much of this has been left out; with some songs lacking that true SMD strength, and whatever build ups have found their way onto this album don't lead up to much of anything.
There are some undoubtedly blistering tracks to be savoured, though. '1000 Horses Can't Be Wrong is a definate highlight of the album, giving us a slice of that hypnotising instrumental "acid" rave that harks back to ‘Attack Decay Sustain Release’.

The album title seems to sum itself up, but even temporary pleasure beats no pleasure at all.

Emma Garland
 Mariachi El Bronx - El Bronx released 01/09/2009

It's time to dust off your salsa boots kids, cos punk's just gone and jammed a sombrero over it's dusty mohawk. For some of us, the last thing we would expect of LA punk punk rockers The Bronx, would be a brand spanking new album written in a Mariachi (traditional Mexican gypsy music) style under the name of their alter-hispanic- ego: El Bronx, and yet, here it is and it’s not half bad.

The album's a rare gem with flamboyant Mexican stylings, topped with gravelly punk boy vocals, an unlikely mix but it works so well that it actually hurts, Silver or Lead is one of the more impressive tracks on the album. Give it a listen and be pleasantly, if a little weirdly, blown away.


words : Jen Gibbs
 Anti-Flag - Colchester Arts Centre - 25/08/2009

On a quiet Tuesday evening outside Colchester Arts Centre, an old converted church, this could'’t be a more different scene to what is about to take place inside.

Tonight, we are greeted with opening act, Middle Class Rut, vocally sounding similar to Perry Farrell of Janes Addiction, who firmly put the rock back into punk. Hitting their onlookers with an ethereal wall of sound and progressing into a mammoth crescendo, this feels like a promise of things to come, a brilliant opening set from the California duo.

Second on, firing up the crowd into a mosh frenzy with a huge amount of audience participation, were Ghost of a Thousand. The showmanship of this band was jaw-dropping with lead singer, Tom Lacey, jumping off the stage and screaming in the crowd for the majority of the set making it an incredibly energetic and engaging visual live act. The Ghost of a Thousand were an excellent warm up to the eagerly anticipated Anti-Flag.

Anti-Flag are on the verge of becoming regulars at Colchester Arts Centre, making it the home of their Reading festival warm up gig for the past two years. I've seen the band quite a few times now and the energy that they exude never fails to surprise me.

It seemed ironic for Chris #2 to shout "...We're not a fucking jukebox, kids... half way through the set as they relentlessly crammed in song after adrenaline filled song of powerful political punk, much to the appreciation of the varied crowd. From their old classics Turncoat and Death of a Nation to material from their new album, The People or The Gun, including the opener Sodom, Gomorrah, Washington DC.

Despite managing to energetically pack as many fast and furious songs into the set time, and with only three minutes remaining, they were still determined to squeeze one final classic, Power to the Peaceful, into the set, and made this gig both memorable and exciting. Hopefully just the second gig at The Arts Centre of many.

words and pic : Vicki Stafford

 Its A Trap demo ep

Generally from my home town, you find the music scene completely saturated with mediocre and more often than not horribly amateur musicians trying to re-hash what Zeppelin did years ago. So it's a more than welcome change to hear something that genuinely makes me want to attend live shows in sunny Suffolk.

Local trio Its a Traps new 09 demo has proven that they're still progressing musically to a more melodious and epic sound.Which is a far cry from most of the towns regulars.

Departing from the sharper sound the band had in previous years, the songs are based more around their use of melody. These seasons, shows the bands new found sound not to be just face value, but also backed up by smart lyrics from Andrew Majors' panicked, Robert Smith style voice. Finishing with live circuit favourite familiar Columbian Courage, maybe their homage to the more modern end of the indie spectrum - incorporating the best parts from Bloc Partys urgent sound. Maybe the strongest efforts from a local band I've heard in a long time.

words : Matthew Bunkell
pic : Jenny O'Neill
 Cribs -Ignore the Ignorant - 06/09/2009

It's clear to see that on Ignore the Ignorant, Wakefield's The Cribs fourth record, have the inspiration a of an indie legend amongst their midst. Ignore the Ignorant, while not as jagged and decidedly punk as their previous releases has brought the band in to a whole new musical light - now exploring a softer side to their musical spectrum.

Washed with guitar effects, the record opens with "We Were Aborted", a catchy pop track with one anthemic chorus. The first single from the album is the track "Cheat on Me", to be released just before the album, and displays Johnny Marr's (former guitarist for The Smiths) biggest influences (not to mention the title tracks swinging Panic style beat) - bringing the use of effects and slide guitar to the already slow and dreamy track. Maybe a bold step that could alienate existing fans, but The Cribs have certainly stepped up their music to a whole different level.

Matt Bunkell
 Master Shortie - A.D.H.D

Master Shortie's popularity is gaining momentum in the music industry. Having received the stamp of approval from all the top guns like NME and new music connoisseur Zane Lowe, he looks set to step into the limelight with a confident lil' swagger in July as his debut album A.D.H.D is released. In his own words from the track 'Under the Moon' he's like 'a breath of fresh air/ like chewing an air wave'.

Most of the tracks on the album are mildly under-produced which weirdly doesn't give a DIY sound like a lot of stuff around at the moment and although his lyrical style is fairly predicable this does however work in his favour, and there are a few gems on the album. The synthy riff on 'Groupie Love' makes it just a little bit catchier than swine flu and it's one of the best on the album, a far cry from the Adam Ant 'Prince Charming' sampling on his track 'Nothing To Be Scared Of'. If you've been anywhere near a radio recently you've probably been listening to 'Dead End', radio type folk are set to rave about it all summer with it's hip-pop vibe and clean, Rn'B guitars. Despite his assurances that he's totally doing it old skool, he's on safe ground. Safe, but nonetheless enjoyable ground. Overall a likeable set of tracks. Master Shortie is definitely one to watch, he's certainly got potential to have potential.

Out 27th July

Words > Jeni Gibbs
 Mos Def - The Ecstatic

Mos Def's career as a rapper has been startlingly inconsistent since the release of his seminal debut Black on Both Sides in 1999. By the turn of last year his reputation as an actor had far overtaken his music; leaving people to write him off as a once-promising, now faded proposition. Suddenly in 2009 there were rumblings from the internet - after a series of incredible live shows showcasing new material, and a verse on The Roots album Rising Down, Mos Def began to look like he was making a comeback.

So after all the rumour, does The Ecstatic mark a return to form? The answer is a muffled, "maybe." Produced in part by Madlib, J Dilla and Oh No, it seems that Mos Def is wearing his leftfield credentials with pride - though it is frustrating that a lot of the tracks have appeared in instrumental form on other records ( Madlib's 'Beat Konducta' series, and Oh No's 'The Oxperiment' lp for example). That minor gripe aside, Mos Def raps passionately and with the same degree of invention that his debut demonstrated. Opener 'Superstar' in particular seems to crackle furiously, helped in part by Oh No's psychedelic guitar samples. Elsewhere he manages to invert the epic-sounding 'Life in Marvellous Times' away from the gun-slinging bravado its swooping synth lines imply. This is one of the most pleasurable things about listening to Mos Def - that his identity seems uncompromised, even when the musical bedding would lead most rappers to start pulling out generic lines about money, cars and guns.

Despite this, the sequencing of tracks is troubling - the music itself isn't flawed, yet you don't get a sense that the songs were chosen to compliment or contrast one another. Rather than an album it feels a collection of odds and ends - and given that its predecessor Tru Magic screamed 'contractual obligation' it's a shame that Mos Def didn't feel more inclined to provide an album that hung together better. Mind you, this criticism perhaps would be better levelled at the whole genre, given its propensity to treat albums as 'product' first and 'art' second. With the current cultural shift towards consuming music in increasingly fragmented bits and pieces, The Ecstatic seems to signify the curve - a high quality set of songs, but as a whole devoid of a thematic singularity. It seems a shame as Mos Def has often been billed as Hip-Hop's renaissance man; but what we have here is akin to Da Vinci's sketchbooks, rather than the Mona Lisa.

Words > Andy Spragg
 Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum

So, the crucial third album - make or break for any band intent on maintaining their identity while trying to progress into a new territory of creativity. West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (Out now, Columbia Records) is a different Kasabian, but thankfully, it is a strong one. Underdog is a powerful, electric opener more epic in its intro than Empire in its entirety, though at this stage no great changes in sound register. However, Where Did All The Love Go? borders on the realms of the hippy, but you'll soon forgive them this when you hear how well arranged it is. Fast Fuse, much like the album itself, is an altogether 60s affair; with yet another fuzz-driven, infectious hook from guitarist and co-producer Sergio Pizzorno we are thrust in to a track that would lend itself well to a Tarantino film. Much more psychedelic and organic (well, for Kasabian), they could easily have disarmed themselves, dampened their edge, though instead they've focused their compositions and seem to have broadened their sound by simplifying it. Thick As Thieves moves to a steady Kinks beat and is complimented by perfectly balanced continental and vibrato driven guitars. The single Fire has been doing the rounds and is, as you'll have heard, three belters in one. Heavier tracks like Take Aim and Vlad The Impaler will remind us that they're still capable of producing the sound we love. The pounding beats, the twists, the shifting time signatures and boisterous licks are all still evident, only they're more concentrated. Similarly to the 2006's Empire, West Ryder careered to the top of the album charts. It's a bold move but it's a move not just another album with a few cool tracks on it. Purist fans may have difficulty digesting this retrospective Kasabian but to quote the band themselves: "Gonna see the signs of a real change comin'."

Words > Ben Wood
 Erik Hassle - Hurtful (ep)

Born and bred in what was once voted the most boring town in Sweden, you might expect Erik Hassle to deliver a dull EP, which doesn't deserve a listen. Thankfully, this is definitely not the case. Erik Hassle, who is 20 years old and has the most incredible hair in existence, delivers a promising album, which shows he has true potential. Influenced by soul that he listened to as a child, his songs offer emotional, melodramatic lyrics sung over guitar riffs in the style of acoustic-synth pop.

A talented songwriter, each of Hassle's songs are extremely romantic, and can also be linked back to significant events in his childhood. My personal favourite is "Don't Bring Flowers" which is Hassle's debut single here in the UK, and contains emotionally powerful lyrics driven by catchy guitar riffs, such as "Don't bring flowers after I'm dead, save your givings for the living instead" and "so deep into the shit I can taste the earth". Other songs, including 'Bump in the Road', 'Hurtful' and 'The Thanks I Get', are equally strong.

After success in his home country Sweden and attracting attention from UK record companies it seems his rise to fame in the UK is inevitable. This talented young singer/song-writer does deserve a listen and yes, his music is as extraordinary as his hair. Hassle's debut single Don't Bring Flowers is released on 24th August 2009 through Island Records.

Words > Anna Spencer

 Alayna Salter - I Love you Like a Fat Kid Loves Chocolate (single)

Alayna Salter's new single release is an infectious poptastic ride. The illegitimate love child of Willy Wonka and Elvis gives us a joyous romp through her sugary sweet world with songs such as Fat Kid and Smacked. Her songs reflect her feisty and vibrant personality with electro pop beats and candy coated lyrics. She's smashing the boundary between cool and even cooler by appearing on many well respected media stations such as MTV, BBC and Channel 4 as well as having enough time to squeeze in a tour with the Disney High School Musical Team.

We here at Maddog particularly love the track Fat Kid with quirky, fun lyrics such as 'I Love you like a fat kid loves cake' that are helping to increase her ever growing fanbase. Smacked is also top tuneage and a song that'll really make you want to dance until you get chronic blistering on the soles of your feet! This is one sassy songstress who loves to party! Thankfully, her talent doesn't stop there, her own line of jewellry, Punky Allsorts is a funky feast for the eyes. Her designs, based on pick 'n' mix sweets have been seen on the fabulous bodies of celebrities such as Katy Perry and Paris Hilton. Yummy! And here's a fun fact for you: Alayna's also recently broke the World Record for the longest chain of beads in January 2008, she threaded 80 metres of the stuff, now that's dedication for you folks! So check out this hot to trot cheeky singer/designer now.

www.alaynasalter.com

Words > Anna Spencer & Jeni Gibbs
 Engineers - Three Fact Finder

With influences ranging from Cocteau Twins to the sounds of Dream pop bands of the mid 90s, this record is rich in instrumental texture and heavy on the droning melody, with the vocals kept soft throughout. While not particularly catchy, Three Fact Finder uses the old trick of shoe-gaze, by slowly putting you into a trance like state. For anyone who is looking forward to the re-issue of 'Loveless' should give this record a spin.

Words > William Aldous
 J Dilla - Jay Stay Paid

It is impossible to write a review of any new J Dilla album without a) mentioning how this seminal musician and producer died prematurely at the age of 32 and b) noting Hip Hop's propensity to strip-mining its dead icons. Thankfully, despite the trends, the Dilla legacy itself has thrown up some high-quality posthumous releases (BBE's Shining album and the Stone's Throw re-releases for example) and Jay Stay Paid proves to be a coherent and compelling album. Comprised on unheard instrumentals that span most of J Dilla's prolific career, the project was overseen by the legendary Pete Rock - who has selected a broad palette of MCs to provide vocals over a collection of tracks. One of the most striking things about the choice of rappers is that they manage to demonstrate how versatile Dilla was - yet there is no sense of disparity between each stylistic turn. In this respect, he is one of the few Hip Hop producers who managed to develop a signature sound without becoming formulaic. While Jay Stay Paid may not be the best introduction for new comers (I would recommend the seminal Doughnuts in that instance), it certainly reinforces why J Dilla's passing was such a loss, not only for Hip Hop but music in general.

Words > Andy Spragg
 Cornershop - Judy Sucks a Lemon for Breakfast

The record opens with the oddly named 'Who fingered Rock 'n' Roll?', which sounds like the love child of Mick Jagger and Ravi Shankar. Keeping the sitar prominent throughout their music, Judy sucks a lemon for Breakfast is organic rock 'n' roll circa late '60s with Conershop's traditional Asian influence mixed in. After trying to shake off their name as the band that was re-mixed by Norman Cook, Cornershop have made a strong effort in qualifying themselves as a reputable rock band.

Words > Matthew ‘Dungeons’ Bunkell
 Famine - Every Road Leads Back Here

The Irish quintet, Famine (formerly Forging Friendships), have just released their first full length record on Hurry Up Records and are already making a name for themselves, including being championed by Bridge Nine Records. Every Road is 12 tracks of blistering melodic hardcore with enough mosh to get any room fired up. The songs are cleverly written, mixing vocalist Ian Kelly's gruff vocals with chugging guitars and the throatiest bass tone known to man.

Words > William Aldous
 A Ha - The Foot of the Mountain

Are any A-ha followers disappointed that each album takes them further from their 1990s style, what I consider their apex of musicality? The electronic poppy epic sounds that people associate with their mid 1980s fame was replaced by edgy, angst ridden (and sometimes very long) guitar and piano pieces. As one reviewer said at the time 'A-ha has gotten mature'. After their 7 year split, A-ha returned with a sound more like that of Ashes to Ashes soundtrack than something comparable to U2, which they signed out with in 1993's Memorial Beach. This latest offering is much the latter - more so than 2005's Analogue.

The album opens with The Bandstand - which instantly draws you in and lifts you up, as do all A-ha beginnings - pacy, catchy, soaring - but hails a distinct continuation of the electronic. Riding the Crest is fast and bouncy in the manner of Touchy and sounds of that era. What There Is has an anthemic chorus, again sounding like their earliest music. The title track is a little different and closer to their previous album. An orchestrated muffled keyboard soars into a strummy, happy verse and an epic stringed signature chorus that makes you feel on top of, not the foot, of the mountain.

More crafted and controlled electronics on Real Meaning, sounding more developed in style, and often softer than other tracks. Shadowside is the highlight for me - think Cry Wolf remastered in the style of Dragonfly and Thin Blue Line, ending with a dying orchestral notes like Plumb's Drugstore Jesus. Nothing Was Keeping You Here has more piano, and at last their signatory guitar sound - again, likeness to Plumb, particularly When Worlds Collide.
Further guitar, with the bouncy bass of Move to Memphis is heard in Mother Nature Goes to Heaven, with strings and the spiky synth of their Manhattan Skyline. Sunny Mystery starts with a soundtrack for a thoughtful sci fi, a little like early Beloved.

Whether you love the music or not, this sets the serotonin off and is great to uplift or dance to (not that I've yet tried the latter). Consistent and ever welcome is Morten's voice - strong and distinct. On re-listening, this grows on me and my disappointment lessens. A-ha are still mature, with complex and unexpected chord changes, but still accessible.

A-ha are playing three dates in England in early November.

Words > Elspeth Rushbrook
 Kissy Sell Out - This Kiss (single)

The problem with electro-pop is it just keeps getting better. With the newest entry to the field, The Kiss by Kissy Sell Out. They have already been one of the first bands to play at CREAM in Ibiza and have done a DJ set at Glastonbury. As persistant as the local homeless guy, once you've heard it you cant forget it. Set to be released on the 15th is their album Youth guaranteed to be bigger, better and more infectious than anything they've ever done before. It will probably turn out to be more popular than the official I HATE BIG BROTHER forum.

Words > Emma Outerbridge
 Baddies - Holler for my Holiday (single)

Imagine a band with the energy and speed of The Pigeon Detectives but with the impact of Nirvana. You have just thought of Baddies. And if they're playing with the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, AFT & Anti-Flag, they have gotta be pretty bloody good, right? Well right you are. When twin brothers, Michael & Jim, had the genius idea to start a band. With no one expecting anything of it, how they proved them wrong. Their first single reached Number 1 on the Myspace video chart with next to no promotion. Described as being 'on a mission to make Futureheads look lethargic', they are most definatly something special. A unique mix of punk and indie, like nothing before.

Words > Jamie Winters
 The Blizzards - Buy It Sell It (ep)

Rocking their way into your CD collection with their newest EP, Buy It Sell It. An exciting 5 piece from Ireland trying out the Indie world. With songs that actually mean something and have a point, they are certainly going places. With a spot at the V Festival and a jam packed schedule, it's going well for them. The song is pretty self explanitory, about the fact that money seems to be tied up with everything yet the one thing that matters the most to a lot of people cant be bought. Buying and selling love, it just cant be done, well not legally anyway. But luckily the song can be, so there's no good reason not to have this on your playlists, go and get it!...

Words > Jamie Winters
 Andrew Morris - Long Beach (ep)

Andrew Morris has been slaving away until the wee hours of the morning on his new EP, Longbeach, for four long months. Long enough to deserve at least one listen one would think. Well i think you'll be pleasantly surprised. First enticing you with funky yet calming melodies followed by a calmingly soft voice and meaningful lyrics - It's definatly worth a try. Something to chill to on a hot summers day. A perfect EP to have handy when your completely lost, without a map and your handheld fan has packed up. Just stick this on and all your problems just seem to float away, rather like your map...

Words > Emma Outerbridge
 Rancid - Let the Dominoes Fall

The band have returned to the sound with which they made their name in 1995s breakthrough …And Out Come the Wolves - a blend of driving Punk Rock, Ska and Reggae, topped off with the stoned drawl of Tim Armstrong. Despite bringing nothing new to their sound, the album does have choruses that get stuck in your head for hours. If you are already a fan of the band then you'll find this an enjoyable record.

Words > Jack Riddlestone
 Jamie T - Stick n' Stones EP - Released 29/06/09

Jamie T – Sticks and Stones

"When there's no one left to fight, boys like us don't shine so bright." Wimbledon scally wag, Jamie Ts long awaited comeback single has arrived, and its an absolute treat. The irresistible one-man Arctic Monkey has done it again. Sticks and Stones is a upbeat summer tune, nothing too brain-challenging; just some perfectly styled clumsy guitar, kooky synths and Jamies trademark "good boy gone bad" witty charisma. Not that Jamie needs to break any more boundaries, since his excellent debut Panic Prevention kick started the Thames-beat scene he's always sounded unique in his own self-taught right.

A lot punkier than his previous releases, the drum machine's punchier this time round, and the guitar has more bite than an up-stroke ska kick. Jamies vocals are almost as lightening quick as his wit. His comical drunken slur from past singles isn't quite as evident here as he leaps over every lyrical hurdle like a tipsy athlete, rather than a drunken poet.

"I took a train again away from shame and blame and city pain. To see a friend I haven't seen since I was drinking underage".
Like a ragamuffin raconteure he packs as many hilarious observations into his tales of naughty nights out into his bullet train verses as humanly possible. Despite its speed Sticks and Stones manages to be very catchy, this is mostly because Jamie treats us to not one but two different hook laden choruses. Despite lacking some of the charming surreal elements that were a big part of his previous work, Jamie still sounds delightfully of the wall. Judging by this new release, Jamie Ts coming back with a bang, and hes going to be even bigger and better than last time around.

words : Connor Crooks


 Client - Command - released 15/06/2009

For anyone who is familiar with the trio that makes up Client you'll already know that the band are known just as much for the outside-the-band activities as they are for their music. The electro pop chicks have seem to have had all their 60 little fingers and toes in about as much as they possibly can – including club DJing and even opening their own Client fashion range. Whether this involves their trademark airhostess attire, we at Mad Dog Hq have yet to discover.

Command, the bands fourth full-length that is now being set for release on the bands own label, Loser Friendly, and follows on from the bands 2007 record, Heartland. The band has placed together everything that you need to make a great electro pop album. Pioneered by bands like Depeche Mode and The Pet Shop Boys back when shaving half of your head was still cool – Client have brought together some of the filthiest sounding synths, simple drums beats and mixing it up between beautifully melodious vocal lines with mono-tone spoken word. Can you feel? is the first single to be taken from Command. The up-beat tempo, crunching bass riffs and swirling synth lie behind Client B's (Sarah Blackwood) whispery vocals as the track drops in and out of the beat, leading up to the climax of the looping lyric "Fucked up music sounds so fresh" that makes the track a sure-fire win for an arms raised to the lasers club environment.
The band will surely be heading to your town anytime soon with an extensive tour schedule set up for when the record drops on June 15th.

Matthew Bunkell













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