P H O T O S

   greenman   

N E W      M U S I C

The xx

The xx have released the third song 'Sunset' of the forthcoming record 'Co-exist' which is set for release come the 10th September. Another classic take on their immersive and transcendent style and a great glimpse of what looks to be another top-selling, award-winning album. Other tracks 'Chained' and 'Angels' both worth a listen.

listen below

 N E W    M U S I C

black moth

Leeds foursome 'Black Moth' have released two debut tracks for free via their website. A band that combines rock, gothic, metal and are labelled as 'Mothic Horror' and for those who love Pulled Apart by Horses.100% worth a recommendation, plus an added organ on top with female vocals makes for an original take on a often controversial/inconsistent genre. Two songs entitled 'The Articulate Dead' and 'Blind Faith'

visit:

http://blackmothband.co.uk/

for downloads

G  R  E  E  N  M  A  N

Greenman 2012 delivered once again amongst handfuls of rain, mud and vegetarian cuisine. 

Picture courtesy of buzzmag

top 10

1. Alt-j

Alt-j delivered a outstanding performance of sheer perfection. The foursome tore apart the Far Out tent leaving a crowd filled with pumped-up joy. An incredible polished performance playing throughout their debut album 'An Awesome Wave'. A witness to a masterpiece.

2. Feist

Feist's playful and powerful performance to close the final live performances of the festival topped off another outstanding performance. Her sheer enjoyment and passion to perform her own music encouraged a crowd into uproar. A set filled with songs to tug on the heart strings and those to jump and scream.

3.The Staves

An example of pure perfection vocally. The three-piece Staves delivered a perfectly polished performance. Songs such as Mexico and Motherlode sent the crowd into cheers/claps. As well as their playful and casual persona on stage, they gave a truly mesmerising performance.

4. Stealing Sheep

Stealing Sheep have grown and grown in the music world. There unique style and powerful performance can feel like it's missing from their latest record, yet when they begin to perform on stage with their energy and sheer talent is something not worth missing.

5.Kwes

Kwes offered a totally unique style of electronica to a folk-orientated environment. As darkness fell on the Greenman Pub stage, Kwes accompanied by two shy and timid females gathered a large crowd for this small stage. Witnessing a genius of electronica was something entirely unique and fresh to the rest of the festival.

6.Tallest Man on Earth

As expected Tallest Man delivered, just to bare witness to Kristian Mattson in his element alone with his acoustic guitar offered a spine-tingling sensation as his uproars of passion flooded the Far out tent. There is something truly unique to a guitar and a voice, and one as strong as Mattson's offered an inspirational performance.

7. The Bees

The Bees offered a powerful, well-constructed and incredible performance that forced a packed far out tent into a frenzy of claps and cheers. The talent of The Bees lies in their way to adapt and multitask to multiple instruments and each time provide a professional performance. A real mix of folk,blues and jazz combined into a single band.

8.Michael Kiwanuka

Its impossible to not love the sheer soul of Michael Kiwanuka, accompanied with a large percussion section and backing band Kiwanuka offered a polished performance which could have easily been mistaken as listening to his record. A sheer example of pure talent in voice and song-writing.

9. The Wave Pictures

The band that don't look like a band - but could potentially be some of the most talented musicians to bare witness. Not a band that focuses on image or style but the sheer love and desire to play incredible music. 

10.Metronomy

Metronomy headlined the Mountain Stage for Saturday night and the whole performance was a sight to bare witness, with an incredible lighting display paired with a strong performance by the band themselves, Metronomy finished off an action packed Saturday line-up.

Other notable candidates:

TOY

Van 'the Man' Morrison

Gang Colours

Dark Dark Dark

Jamie N Commons

Savages

Slow Club

Ghost Poet

N E W     M U S I C

Nottingham based band 'Kagoule' have caught my interest due to their unique and sometimes dark take on music. An amalgamation of punchy drums and drone rock paired with trembling bass and vocals creates a unique sound. At present they only have demo's released but a band to watch out for the future.

listen below

M A R A T H O N

Today saw the launch of my own band 'Marathon'

Please feel free to like, listen & share via

http://www.facebook.com/marathonUK

listen below

N E W    M U S I C

wild nothing

paradise

Wild Nothing/Jack Tatum has released another single track of the forthcoming album 'Nocturne' entitled 'Paradise'. The previous single 'Shadow' was an insight in the droney tones of chillwave, yet new the new record mixes in a 70s synth and drum sound. However Jack still delivers a calm and tranquil sound. New single 'Paradise' encompasses all that is 'chillwave' and has added a seaside feel.  Both singles are on the new record set for release on August 27th. 

Wild Nothing have also released a lunar calendar to accompany the album

be sure to visit it at http://wild-nothing-nocturne.com/

listen below

N E W      M U S I C

the xx

chained

The XX have began their return to music with the release of their second single 'Chained' from the forthcoming album, 'Coexist'. The previous single 'Angels' and now 'Chained' are both classic examples of the immersive, simplistic and creative sound we know and loved about the self-titled debut album. On 11th September I am fortunate enough to be seeing The XX at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff, the day before the record is released. After previously seeing them at the break of their debut album at Glastonbury 2010 I am thrilled to be able to experience the XX live once again, and with the support 2:54, it's sure to be a gig to remember. 

listen below

N E W     M U S I C

grizzly bear

'Yet Again'

Grizzly Bear have revealed their second single of their forthcoming forth album 'Shields '. The new record entitled 'Yet Again' combines the classic orchestral elements which we know and love about this New York foursome.  Be sure to check out the previous single 'Sleeping Ute' for another beautifully constructed sound. This new record, 'Yet Again' holds the classical elements of Grizzly Bear we know and love yet adds a wave of psychedelia to finish.

listen below:

Shields track list:

sleeping ute

speak in rounds

adelma

yet again

the hunt

a simple answer

what's wrong

gun-shy

half gate

sun in your eyes