Provincials - Ascending Summer EP

Hello and happy near the end of the weekend thank you very much where did it go I want my money back etc. Long time no speak. Well, its been about a week or so - so I thought it was about time I brought you another Super Blog Sunday.

Today's post features a band I've been lucky enough to post about before - Provincials. If you missed the post the first time round and want to check it out, you can read it HERE.

They're now back with a brand new EP and I'm lucky enough to be featuring it on these pages again, courtesy of the ace bods at PinDrop.

First of all, here are the necessaries:

You can find the band on Twitter here:

twitter.com/provincials_uk

You can find them on Facebook here:

facebook.com/weareprovincials?

You can find their bandcamp page (which is where to download their new EP from) here:

provincials.bandcamp.com/

Now then, if you want to watch the video for the song "Landing on Water" which is the opening track of the EP, here is the link:

This is another lovely EP from a band that have such a delicacy of sound and pure beauty to them, it makes them perfect, breezy summer listening. The songs have a jazzy, airy feel to them and vocalist Polly Perry has a stunning voice, which seems to run in perfect harmony with the instrumentation and complement the brightness of the music. This is an EP which is quite different to the type of music I usually feature on here, and is very welcome to listen to.

Also worth noting if you're a fan of Flights of Helios (and why wouldn't you be?) that tracks 3 and 4 of the EP are their remixes of an earlier Provincials track called "When The Light Changes" - both are really worth a listen if you're into both bands.

If its easy, warm, bright summer music you'd like - get this EP on your playlists now!

The Dreaming Spires - All Kinds of People

All hail Tuesday afternoon, a time for a tea break and a chance to unveil some more really great music on the blog.

I'm once again playing catch up - but today, happy to be bringing you another stellar review from my compadre theexistentialist, who has put down his tea mug to put finger to keyboard and bring you a feature on another brilliant act from my friends at PinDrop Publicity, The Dreaming Spires. I hope you'll agree that they're as good as we say they are.

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The Dreaming Spires – All Kinds of People

Back in the day, when thegeneral and I were kids, a coveted slot on TV meant an appearance on Top Of The Pops. Well, TOTP has gone. But, The Dreaming Spires have gone one better… they’ve had an appearance on BBC1’s The Andrew Marr Show! Get yourself over to this link to see them performing live on Sunday 7^th June on said weekend programmage:

Further information on the band can be found here:

Their Twitterz, Facebookz, Soundcloudz and websitez:

soundcloud.com/clubhouse-records-uk/all-kinds-of-people-radioedit-the-dreaming-spires

twitter.com/dreaming_spires

facebook.com/thedreamingspires

thedreamingspires.co.uk/home/

Their performance on Andrew Marr is utterly superb, and totally justifies Marr’s introduction of them as “one of the best live bands in the country” – a truly brilliant live performance. The Dreaming Spires open their live performance of All Kinds of People with a fabulous, pounding bass line. This is a song that is chock-full of wonderful, chunky 60s guitar riffs. They are a band that owe a lot to the BritPop of the 90s. But they are not merely derivative, and embody all the best bits of the 60s nostalgia that provided the basis for the genre that me and thegeneral grew up with, and leave aside any of the more run-of-mill bits. You definitely do need All Kinds of People on your current play list, or a playlist of “the best live bands in the country as recommended by Andrew Marr"

You can find a link to buy the band's second album "Searching For The Supertruth" below and the single itself will be released on 10th July - review of the album will follow very soon:

clubhouserecords.co.uk/shop/show/searching-for-the-supertruth-cd

Blast From The Past: Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible

Welcome to a special Tuesday afternoon blog post. Today, it's another in thegeneral's occasional "Blast From The Past" series in which an album or artist that really means something special, is put under the musical microscope and probed, for reasons.

Today, I'm once again handing over the relay baton to my compadre theexistentialist - who wanted to write a piece about an album that is, unbelievably, 21 years old this year - Manic Street Preacher's "The Holy Bible". Thank you, once again for another brilliant post and for talking about a record that means a lot to anyone who grew up in the early 90s.

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Manic Street Preachers – The Holy Bible

thegeneral’s tea-drinking buddy (well, we do other things besides drinking tea, but I’ll not mention that here in case our mothers are reading), theexistentialist has decided to do a “Blast From The Past” post (whilst drinking a big mug of tea).

For this post, I’m going to tell you about the Manic Street Preachers 3^rd LP, The Holy Bible. This is theexistentialist’s all-time favourite album… well, probably. I can think of a lot of other albums that I like a lot. But this is the one that I am always drawn back to.

The Holy Bible was released in 1994 – pub-quiz-type-music-fact-fans: In fact, it was released on the same day as Oasis’ debut Definitely Maybe. And, in 1996, the Manic Street Preachers reached their commercial zenith, with their 4^th album, Everything Must Go, which latched on to the BritPop zeitgeist. However, prior to this, back in 1994, the Manic Street Preachers were in a self-destructive mood, and released this -  one of the most uncompromising and harrowing albums of all-time. 

It was, of course, the last album they recorded with Richey Edwards, and it is impossible to listen to it, without reading it as his suicide note. But, really, that is a shame, as it means the album is not appreciated for the astonishing recording that it is, since it has become wrapped-up in the myths surrounding his disappearance.

The Holy Bible is intense, and grabs the listener, and literally forces them into the dark, fearful and bleak world that Richey inhabited. It is ferocious, angry; but behind the wall of noise, it has an all too obvious tortured and tormented soul.

The Holy Bible is a work of art; since, in some ways, it is a concept record. This is an album that could never have produced a hit single, not just because the songs are uncompromising, harrowing, and unrelentingly bleak, but because they work best, and only really make sense and reach their emotional depth within the context of the album as a whole. 

Like a concept album, the listener is drawn deeper and deeper into the world and sound of the record. Unlike a concept record, there is no overarching theme, linking each track. However, the mood and tone, and sequencing draw the listener into the tortured heart of the album. Rather than focusing on one single concept to hold the album together, The Holy Bible is held together by the sheer intensity of the atmosphere and its emotional depth.

It is the album I keep coming back to, because whatever mood I’m in, it seems to resonate. If I’m angry, the rage and fury of The Holy Bible provides a release. If I’m depressed, the bleak despair of The Holy Bible is a comforting expression of I feel. I love the album and it bears repetition, it probably is my all time favourite record. 

Octopuses/Milk & Biscuits Split Single - Pogo/Towns Are Concrete Holes

It's still Wednesday. If I close my eyes and wish hard enough, weekend will bite me on the ankle, I know it. For my third and final blog of the day, I want to bring you another really really excellent split single release. I know, I haven't had one for ages - then two come along at once...

The wonderful chaps at PinDropMusic sent this most very brilliant two track collection to me to have a listen to. Coming via Lick Music (lickyogurt.com/music/) if you want to look at their site, this lovely single features two bands - Octopuses and Milk & Biscuits, both hailing from Brighton.

First of all, I'd like you to have a look at all the necessaries for both groups:

For Octopuses, here is their Twitterz

twitter.com/octopuses100

Here is their Facebookz:

facebook.com/octopusesband

and here is their Bandcampz:

octopuses.bandcamp.com/

For Milk & Biscuits, here is their Twitterz

twitter.com/milkandbisc

Here is their Facebookz:

facebook.com/pages/Milk-Biscuits/

Now then. There are two very important videos to accompany this delicious split single. Here they are - firstly, Octopuses and their song "Pogo"

Secondly, Milk & Biscuits and their track "Towns are Concrete Holes"

In the greatest possible way, Octopuses song reminded me of Madness. Now for anyone who knows me well, they'll remember that Madness were (and still are) one of my all time favourite groups. This song follows in their hallowed tradition, even down to the brilliantly sparky video. It's got a superb catchy hook, it makes you really want to move around and it captures a time and sound that often gets very overlooked. It's a real corker of a song.

Similarly, Milk & Biscuits tread a really delightful 80s sounding path. It's a track which has a super vibe to it, cracking organ vibe in it. If Octopuses reminded me of Madness, these guys put me in mind of what might happen if Squeeze met with Stereolab in the pub one evening. It's another really great listen, slightly more muted - and provides a great contrast to the first. 

The split single is out in June on the previously mentioned Lick Music. Check it/them out. I highly recommend both!  

Moonbabies - Wizards On The Beach

Hello again. It's still Wednesday, I know because I've just checked. I hope you're ready and waiting for some more brilliant music, because that's what I have for you. I've sent my compadre off for a sit down with a cup of tea and I'm going to take you through this next piece.

So for today's second offering, I'm going to share with you a band I've been aware of for a little while - called Moonbabies. I was thrilled when Ola from the group asked me to put together a little something for them (guys I'm sorry for the delay) I'm happy to be finally featuring them now.

Their new album "Wizards on the Beach" is out now (it was released on April 28th) and as always here are the necessaries:

Here is their bandcamp page:

moonbabiesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases

Here is their Facebook page:

facebook.com/moonbabies

Here is their Twitter stream:

twitter.com/The_Moonbabies

And here is their website:

moonbabiesmusic.com/

What can I tell you about this album - other than "you need it". Well, you need it if trippy, vibey, feel good electronica is your thing - and it is mine. The album opens with "Pink Heart Mother" a smashing mix of gentle harmonies and great beats. Title track "Wizards on the Beach" follows and is a corker, which really mixes (and speeds up) the proceedings. It's got a brilliant, cute sounding guitar in it, which just elevates the sound. Standout tracks for thegeneral are the aforementioned first track - and "Bird Lay Frue", "Playground Dropouts" (opening reminds me very slightly of The Magic Roundabout!!) and final track "The Ocean Kill" which is a super, super way to round the album off.

The husband and wife duo mix the vocals up on the tracks which means that nothing really sounds samey, and they have a very distinct, stacatto and upbeat style to their sound, which is really charming. If you like bands like Discopolis (and if you don't - we can't be friends) and you also loved my review of Cantaloupe's new album, "Zoetrope", this should also be right up your street too. Get it in your collection now!

HOT HEAD SHOW / Ay! : Split 7 inch Single

OK, now - how about this for a total, utter and complete (yet still fabulous) departure. We're taking a blog path that deviates so far from what you're used to reading/hearing on here that some of you might possibly need a steadying cup of tea to bolster you.

I have a total treat for you now - especially if you'd like your head messing with (musically).

It's rare I get to feature a split single these days - with two bands to review for the price of one, but today I'm going to remedy this with a really brilliant release from two bands I'm very new to - the first of these is HOT HEAD SHOW from London. The second is the beautifully nuts Ay! from Roma, Italy. Both come hot from the desk of PindropPublicity, who never fail to send me the best stuff to get my teeth into.

First of all, some necessaries - for HOT HEAD SHOW:

Here's their website

hotheadshow.com/

Here's their Facebook:

facebook.com/HOTHEADSHOW/timeline

...and now for AY!

Here's their bandcamp:

aytheband.bandcamp.com/

And finally, here is the link to the new split single release on the soundcloud page:

soundcloud.com/hot-head-show/sets/hot-head-show-ay-split-7inch

I don't think I've heard anything quite as barking mad as this in a long time - and I love both these bands for it. HOT HEAD SHOW are described as 'avant bang!' and, yep, I don't think I'd argue with that. Their track "Medication, A Success Story"is batshit insane. It's totally impossible to sit still and listen to it. It's got the most chippy, infectious guitar and drumming LIEK EVA U GUISE. The lyrics/vocals are just as wonderful too. This is one of those songs that boxes you round the ears and demands you listen to it at least twelvety bajillion times. I just have done. I'm totally in love.

To follow this, we have a complete contrast in Ay! - well, (aye, well?) Well, not a contrast in that this is a complete departure too, but after the insanity of HOT HEAD SHOW, this is a mellow, jazzy speed calypso interlude with a funky drumming bit and some rootin' tootin' saxaphone.

This kind of stuff is a music reviewers dream - it grabs you by the lapels, shakes you up and makes you want more.

LISTEN NOW AT ONCE OTHERWISE THERE WILL BE TROUBLE WHEN YOU GET HOME TONIGHT.

Here's To The Heroes - American Lights/Have Faith In Me

Super Easter Blog Saturday continues apace with a two for the price of one offering from me, your genial host, thegeneral.

So for my second offering of non-chocolatey Easter goodness (I'm drinking a cup of tea now and not even remotely considering chocolate. No. Not me. No sirree Bob). We're actually going righhhht over to the other side of the world to feature a brilliant band from the USA called Here's To The Heroes.

Again, the guys very kindly contacted me and asked if I'd give their new video offering a bit of a plug on the old blog, which I'm very happy to do indeed. However, I thought it would also be nice to bring their last EP to your attention too, while I did so.

First of all, as always with me, here are the necessaries.

Here is the group's bandcamp page:

herestotheheroes.bandcamp.com/

Here's their Facebookz:

facebook.com/htthband?_rdr

Here's their Twitterz

twitter.com/HTTHohio

So firstly, here's a bit of something on their last EP - "American Lights" which you can find by following this linkage:

herestotheheroes.bandcamp.com/album/american-lights-2

I have to say, this is an absolute corker of an EP. The guys have a fantastic, raw and energetic sound which is breathtaking in it's speed. The opening track "American Lights" is a total joy and leads nicely into the very pacy "After The Rain" - wonderfully harmonic guitars and vocals are present throughout this whole collection of songs - and the nice thing about them is that although they're fast paced and frenetic, they know just when to slow everything down and control the pace to stop it becoming too "one note". I've been lucky enough to review some cracking albums/songs just recently and this is up there with them and a must own for anyone who wants some charged, pacy rock in their collection over the Spring months.

And now here's the link to their sublime cover of "Have Faith In Me"

This is just lovely. It's faithful enough to the original, but equally beautiful in it's own right and the band have put their own spin on the guitars and vocals to make it sound like it could be one of their own original songs. Well worth adding to your long weekend playlist. (**Gargoyle features, if you're reading this...look at the lyrics and believe them**). 

So, there you go - another excellent band to get your teeth into this Easter weekend. Go on, you know you want to...

Richard Lomax & The Tontine - Down There For Dancing

Howdy bitches. What is this skullduggery? It's Wednesday and yet, here I am, posting a blog like some out of control, mad as a biscuit wench - drunk on weak herbal tea and a lack of power. Actually, the last bit isn't strictly true as I've just been to the corner shop to top my electric meter up, so I've plenty power thank-you-very-much.

What can I offer you today?

Well, I can offer you something jolly brilliant, cheers for asking.

Today, I'd really like to introduce my readership of at least one person (Hiya Mum!!) to the very wonderful Richard Lomax.

Say hello to Richard everyone.

First of all, here are the necessaries - the link to his bandcamp site and the album I'm about to review for you:

richardlomax.bandcamp.com/album/down-there-for-dancing

You can "like" him on The Facebookz:

facebook.com/lomaxmusic

And you can follow him on The Twitterz

twitter.com/LomaxRichard

Finally, here is his The Websitez

richardlomaxmusic.com/

Here endeth the linkage.

I'd urge you to buy the album. I'd strongly urge it. I'd demand it, but I know that would be awfully forward of me. But seriously, this is a brilliant collection of songs. It opens with the slightly-slow-burning, but shiny and excellent "Glamour" and continues apace. One of my favourite tracks on the entire albumen is "Set Me Free" which has a super super bit of riffage in it, is brilliantly paced and catchy and had me dancing round the flat like a woman possessed (only the second time in my entire life that's happened - the first time was after a glass of Um Bongo at the school disco when I was 6).

Other stand out tracks are the wonderfully titled "Every Fucker Fucks You (so why not fuck them first?)" which has a cracking downbeat, morose quality to it and the final track on the album "Wellness" a gentle and lulling way to end proceedings - it has a quietly aching charm to it.

Earlier on this week I reviewed the new Thomas Truax album, if you're keen on him, you'll LOVE Richard Lomax. Clearly I'm developing a penchant for artistes who end their names with an "X".

So, in short, please do yourself a favour and get this record - give Richard your support. It's a lovely album and I'm really looking forward to featuring him a lot more on these pages in the future.

The Whereabouts - Money and Fame

Howdy. Howdy one and all. It's Sunday and that can only mean one thing. It's Sunday. That message was brought to you by the Ministry of Stating the Bleeding Obvious. However, meaningless statements aside I do have some absolutely brilliant music to bring you that will hopefully shake you all out of your lie-in lethargy.

People who frequent this blog regularly (about 3 of you), will remember that last year I featured a brilliant act called The Whereabouts. If you should so wish to, you can go and read my previous post on them and bring yourself up to speed on what they're all about (hint: you absolutely won't be disappointed).

Read my previous post HERE

The group are now back with an absolute corker of a track and I'm really pleased to be featuring it (and them) again on these pages. The new song is called "Money and Fame" and you can listen to and watch it via the wonder that is The YooToobs - so follow the link below:

The Whereabouts - Money and Fame

You can find out more about the band here:

thewhereaboutsofficial.com/

You can Tweet them here:

twitter.com/TheWhereabouts_

But you really do need to get their new song in your lives, like, pronto. This is such a great number, it's got guitar riffage and raw vocals to die for and it's so full of sparky energy it could light up the National Grid for totes ages and stuff. I said in my previous post about the band, they were one to watch over the coming 12 months and I think this new song further cements my belief.

Another stellar outing from a brilliantly talented group. More please!

Richard Earls/Thierry Audousset - Older, Wiser, Harder

Sin-day. The day that really feels like it's kicking you in the nadgers as we wait for the new week to creep up, goosing us in the shower when we least expect it.

What can I offer you to make the pain of the weekend go away? Well, I can offer you this...

"PREVIOUSLY...ON THEGENERAL..."

Eagle eyed followers of the blog will remember quite some time ago I posted about a sampler EP from the frankly marvellous Richard Earls and Thierry Audousset - which, if you'd like a refresher, in case you've forgotten, you can read about here. Richard said he would be back in touch to let me know when the EP was fully ready to be released and true to his word, he was - and here is my review (Richard, I'm sorry it took so long, better late than never!!)

First of all, the necessaries - if you'd like to buy the CD then you can go to this linky here and maketh your purchase thereof:

http://www.handsandarms.com/fr/indie-pop/5468-older-wiser-harder-cd-volume-one-before-that-long-hot-summer.html

The sampler EP I received was beautiful, and I remember the beautifully melodic and intricate "Expressionless" as my standout track. Again, here, in the finished recording it remains so. The haunting piano combines with a vocal performance that starts out gently lulling and breaks into something quite powerful and moving. The main difference between that and this final release of course is that the tracks are mastered and polished now - though it does not detract from their simple beauty.

There is a nice mixture of styles, themes and ideas on here and it feels like there will be something to interest you whether you like pop, indie, ballads - or genuine, honest to goodness decent pop music. Lyrically, the duo offer a gentle kind of moroseness (if that is possible!) and there is a downbeat feel to the music - however, it does not turn the songs into depressing paeans at all, rather they remain very moving and thought provoking instead.

This is a welcome collection of songs - of which I hope there will be more to come and I heartily recommend you add this to your collections pronto.

Flights of Helios - Factory

Welcome to the weekend and a brand new blog to see it in (well, technically speaking we're halfway through aren't we, but sod convention, I've been awake for nearly two days)

I have a right gem and a half for you today, you lucky buggers. Those of you who pay attention to this page on a regular basis (and I know there's at least one of you, and that you do have all your own teeth) will remember that way back in December last year, I featured a mini-series of acts from PinDrop Publicity, based in Oxford. One of those was the frankly awesomesauce Flights of Helios. I adored their last single and was so pleased to get an e-mail this week asking me to feature their newest gramaphone recording.

First of all, as always, the necessaries, here's the link to their bandcamp page so you can listen for yourself:

flightsofhelios.bandcamp.com/

It's a wonderful sound. It starts off slowly, but opens into an almost Neu! like Motorik beat, reminiscent of Krautrock - a driving, pulsing rhythm, in part reminding me of "Hallogallo" from their eponymously titled album. The vocal is, in the nicest possible way, delicately downbeat. It's full of pathos, it feels achingly drawn - with a Curtis-esque like sense of emotion. As the track progresses it moves into fuzzy distortion, into the realms of drone-pop, it's a track of many different layers, which on paper shouldn't work, but in reality, does. I felt as though it was really familiar after only one listen, after a few it felt like it was something I'd known for years. I genuinely love these guys and think that this is probably my favourite track of theirs to date.

There is also an accompanying video to go with the single, which I highly recommend you watch. It was shot by friend of the band Liam Martin and features members of the Awkward Actors group:

Flights of Helios - Factory

Please if you can, give this new single from Flight of Helios a moment of your time, and also go back, read my previous post and visit their last single "Star//Crows", also highly worth investing your time and money in.

The Winter Tradition - Departures

Saturday. A day of infinite possibilities and options. Hands up how many of you have spent the day cleaning up the mess in a rented flat that was apparently previously occupied by two rutting pigs..? Just me then. Always good to know I'm a trendsetter. Obviously music isn't the only place I break the mould...

It's a week since I last wrote and therefore I thought it was high time I updated to bring you something pretty fabulously special to listen to.

At the back end of last weekend, Edinburgh band The Winter Tradition kindly tweeted me the video for their latest single "Departures". Here is said link:

Have a little listen, dear readers. I think you'll really like it. I do - and you know I have good taste.

It's a song that is instantly catchy with a great hook to it, just enough to draw you in and keep you engaged without being too over the top and to me, it feels just the right side of rock without straying too far into leather trouser town.

It's a perfectly crafted bit of indie pop heaven - the chorus in particular is a little gem, where the hook of the song comes into its own and really embeds itself in your head. The keyboards are sweetly chirpy and really help to temper the song well. For me, what also stands out here are the vocal harmonies. They're beautifully and tightly constructed and give a real strength and dimension to the song as a whole

If you want to download it - and why wouldn't you? (it's released on 10th February) you can do so from the group's bandcamp page here:

thewintertradition.bandcamp.com/album/departures

Whilst you're there, take a look at their debut album "Gradients", although it was released in 2012, it actually backs up their status as purveyors of great, catchy indie tracks. There's something about The Winter Tradition's guitar sound that feels nicely warm and fuzzy. It's well in evidence in their new single, and is also there in gallon bucketfuls in the album too. They're one of those bands that you listen to and wonder why they're not much, much more well known than they are...they really ought to be.

So, if you haven't heard these guys before, you must have them in your lives. Start with their new single, work backwards if you have to - if you're a self respecting lover of new choons, then put this at the top of your end-of-winter-lets-get-the-chuff-into-spring collection.

The Ideas - Kicking Up Stones

Yo! We've made it through Monday and not killed anyone with fire. I'd say that deserved a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake, don't you? There's always time for tea and cake. Always. Anyone who says otherwise needs a right good kick in the flaps.

Monday night is a great time for discovering a new band don't you think? I do. I have one to introduce to you today and I'm proud to be doing so. In fact I think this may very well be the newest band I've written about on this blog to date. Who are they? They are The Ideas. Co-incidentally they are also the last of my features on new music from Oxford and they are ending the series on a high.

First of all, here is the link to their great new song "Kicking Up Stones"

https://soundcloud.com/theideasband

So go go go and have a listen.

Now come back to me and sit cross legged on the floor, otherwise there'll be no story before home time. Fingers on lips. On your own lips...cheeky.

"Kicking Up Stones" is a great number. It is, to my mind, a pure out and out classic with incredibly catchy lyrics and vocals. It's nicely lo-fi in feeling, it doesn't sound overly produced, it's got nicely chime-y guitars and it breaks into something that has great style and rhythm.

While you're there, click on the link above and listen to "Between The Rain" a gently haunting song that will get under your skin straight away. Highly recommended listening.

The band are planning on releasing this as a single, hopefully in February 2014 through a newly formed label called "Chilli Rose". It'll come out as a digital download first, then physical hard copies will follow in March. Both will be worth the wait - and I'm reliably informed that the band are also working with Chris Brown (not THAT one...) who mastered The Beatles Anthology and has also worked with RADIOHEAD (swoooon) and Rod Stewart.

So, I heartily urge you to keep these guys in mind as I've a feeling that they will make big waves over the coming months. They've a genuinely great sound and to cap it all off are jolly nice people to boot. You may well have heard them here first - so take them and run, run like the wind my children. The Ideas. Give them some.

The August List - High Town Crow

Well well well, what's all this then? Well you know damn well what it is, it's a final blog post before we wave out Sunday and flip the bird at Monday (from behind the wall obviously, don't want to hurt its feelings too much).

Of course, you'd expect nothing less from thegeneral, but we really are going out on a high with something refreshing, different and oh so lovely.

So, for the final installment of my features on acts supported by PinDrop Publicity, please to be very much welcoming you with The August List.

Now this really is somewhat of a departure for me - because as yet I don't think I've featured a truly out and out alt-country act on here yet, something for which I should hang my head in shame, because it is a bit of an overlooked genre all told.

So what can The August List offer you? Well, how about you have a look at their soundcloud page to see what all the fuss is about...

soundcloud.com/pindrop-publicity/sets/the-august-list-high-town-crow/s-hS2by

...see what I mean? They're great. bluesy, country-y, vocals to DIE for and outstandingly clean guitar sounds, that turn into something outright dirty half way through.

I was blown away by this track and so, naturally decided to investigate them further. Here's what I found, if you can please make your way over to their bandcamp page:

theaugustlist.bandcamp.com/

You'll find their first EP from earlier this year and I HIGHLY recommend you give it a listen. It's four tracks of similarly bluesy-rocky-country-y tinged delight - there is something quite heartbreaking and yearning about the lyrics and the way they're performed. The songs all feel like instant classics, proper foot tappers - you really can actually pick them up after one listen and find yourself humming the melodies and they're a duo you feel really ought to go places with just the right break.

Standout tracks from this EP for thegeneral are "Death Penalty" and "Forty-Rod Of Lightning". They offer something intense, brooding and emotionally charged. Simply a great sound.

So, my final clarion call - please go investigate The August List, download their music and give them your time. If you like alt-country with balls, you'll love this duo.

Grudle Bay - Colder

Welcome to Saturday - and a second blog for the weekend. I know. I like you to all think I've got some semblance of a life, but the reality is quite the opposite. Today has mostly consisted of flat-hunting and trying to actually figure out what planet estate agents actually frequent (answer - not earth). So to say I'm feeling a bit fracticatiously overwhelmed is an understatement. Fracticatiously is another word I've just invented. No, there's not a thing you can do about it.

I am therefore in need of some music to really cheer me along and I believe I've found the very thing to share with you. This is the third in my mini series of posts showcasing PinDrop Publicity and it features another Oxfordian band called Grudle Bay.

First of all - here's their bandcamp page:

http://grudlebay.bandcamp.com/

Which contains their mighty fine EP called "Colder", which was released in October. So, please hop on over there and give it a wee listen.

I lamented earlier on in the week that I didn't cover much electronica on these pages - so this has come at the right time. Although I LOVE my guitar music and am a big folk fan, there is something to be said for the delicate persuasion of anything dancey tinged in thegeneral's eyes. Although this isn't entirely electronic, it has got one foot firmly in the pop/upbeat/dance category and it's a perfect example of a record that explores both genres in a worthy and workable way.

This three track EP is really great. The opening track "Colder" is so reminiscent of everything that was great about 80s music, yet retaining a distinctly up to the minute feel. Although the name doesn't suggest it, it's the kind of track I'd imagine listening to in warm Summer sunshine, lying back on the grass and feeling happy. Well, that's how it feels to me anyway...it brought a bit of cheer to a chilly, dark early evening.

The second track, "Running" is mellow, harmonious and a delight. The vocals are floaty light and dreamy. In some ways, I'd compare Grudle Bay to another one of my favourite acts, Scottish popsters Django Django, especially with regard to this song - they've got that same way of creating tight harmonies that really seem to draw you in and make you focus on the lyrics.

Final track "Fool Around" is a great way to end the selection. It is a gentle, breathy effort, with a kind of circular feel to it, it's calm, its relaxing and again with a real nod to the 80s. In fact, here, have a look at them performing it live

GRUDLE BAY - FOOL AROUND

..and you'll see exactly what I mean...

So there you go. Grudle Bay. Another excellent act from Oxford to look out for on your travels. In the meantime, get on over to bandcamp, download their shizz and give them a lift...aye thank you.

Dent May - Warm Blanket

Now then. Here's something to comfort and soothe you on this fractious Wednesday evening (and it's more fractious than a toddler without Kia-ora and no Tweenies on the telly). Dent May. thegeneral thinks very highly of Dent May. If you've never come across him before then now is the time to give his lovely music a try.

His new album "Warm Blanket" came out on 2nd September and if you'd like to give the whole thing a listen before you commit to buy, head on over to Spotify and stack it up.

You can also check out his website here: dentmay.com/ and have a look at his previous stuff. thegeneral highly recommends his tracks "Howard" and "God Loves You, Michael Chang".

Dent's music is so warm, so friendly and so easy to listen to. One of his previous songs from an album called "Do Things" is called "Best Friend" and you feel, in listening to him you ARE making a new friend.

But back to the new album. 

If you like laid back, chilled out pop with just a smidge of pathos, then this is the album for you. If you don't, then fuck off and find something else. "Born Too Late" is a complete delight and is the stand-out track. "Born too late to tell you I love you, baby, but I want you to know I've been thinking about you lately", it's upbeat, yet wistful and sentimental without being vomit inducing. The same can be said of "Ready To Be Old" too. It's got a really good feel to it, slow and warming. 

It's rare you can say you have an album and there isn't a duff track on it. This is one of those rare occasions. Dent May will make you feel happy and content. That's all you need to know. 

Saint Max and the Fanatics - Saint Max is Missing and the Fanatics are Dead

Welcome to the weekend you craven sluts - no, don't bother moving from your slovenly pit on my account, though you could have hoovered round a bit before I turned up...

It's Saturday and today thegeneral is going to introduce you to a band that are very special indeed. Saint Max and the Fanatics.

Oh my, Saint Max and the Fanatics. OH MY.

This post is really a heads up in anticipation of the group's debut album "Saint Max is Missing and the Fanatics are Dead", to be released at the end of October through the frankly delicious Armellodie Records. However, if you go to their bandcamp page: (link below)

saintmax.bandcamp.com/releases

You will be able to hear two of the songs from it (Soul Surrender and She Sings a Lovely Lullaby) well before release date. The album also contains tracks from last year's frankly awesome eponymously titled EP, too - which you can find by looking on the abovementioned site. Also, before you read any further, clicketh ye the YouTube clip below and have a look at them in action:

So, why should you include Saint Max in your record collection? Quite a few reasons. You know when a band instantly make you happy? That moment when you hear an opening riff, or the lead singer merely opens their mouth, an exciting sound comes out and it makes you smile and instantly want to move yo' butt?  Saint Max and the Fanatics will do that. Last year's wonderful "A Life Worth Living" and "Let 'em Have It Sunshine" are testament to this - infectious, beautifully written and performed and just a fuckawesome sound. They're punky, they're ska-ish, they're poppy, they're indie but they're never dull or boring. It would be a crime if these guys didn't make it big - there's a genuine charisma and star quality to the band and gosh, oh gosh thegeneral loves them so. Please go and pre-order their album and give them and Armellodie Records your support. That's a giant great big cocking order, OK?