Childhood - Lacuna AA

August Album

This month has produced so many great albums. It has made it really hard to choose just one favourite but the début album from Childhood is definitely one of the best. Other great albums that are worth listening to are Merchandise - After The End, J Mascis - Tied To A Star and Beach Day - Native Echoes to name just a few. Overall Lacuna has a spaced out sound which is shown especially in the vocals and the guitar. The latter sound ranges from upbeat and bouncy to more of a deep and powerful feeling but always has that distinct Childhood dreamy style. I first got into this band after seeing them a couple of times live and they put on awesome performances and their live sound translates really well in this album. I have chosen to show off Solemn Skies because it is one of the longer tracks off of the album and it shows their lyrics and instrument style for all its worth. I also like how grand a track it is, to me it is bordering on anthemic which is no bad thing and the chorus is made for sing a longs with your mates. Awesome! (Below is a shortened version of the track but you get the idea)

 

Mighty Oaks - Seven Days YTV

26/08/14 YouTube Video

This is an acoustic track from German band Mighty Oaks. It is a special session with Rolling Stone featuring the 3 members and 3 beautiful instruments. Alongside the great instrumental technique shown by the band members, the other this that I rate highly from this song is the vocal harmonies that they pull off. Their voices seem to compliment each others extremely well and really add strength to the choruses and specific lines. I'm looking forward to a full LP from these boys. Enjoy!

The Lemons - Michael Lennie SCS

SoundCloud Song

This is probably the shortest track I have put on this blog but that doesn't in anyway relate to its quality. Coming in at a neat 32 seconds, it gives me the impression of a great 60's style theme song for a sitcom. Think The Monkees for a really obvious example. Singing about this mysterious guy Michael Lennie with some stunning jangly guitars and dual boy/girl vocals makes for a pretty sweet listen. I am definitely excited to hear more from these guys.

 

Kasabian Sesame Street/Good Vibrations YTV

19/08/14 YouTube Video

Such a fun video this one, with Kasabian covering the great childhood tv theme of Sesame Street. And even though the main reason Good Vibrations was included was to elongate the track, the two songs work really well together as do the dual vocals of Tom and Serge. The real highlight I have picked up from this video is the sense of humour that Kasabian have shown that previously I have not picked up on. I appreciate the fact that they can have a laugh and not always take things super seriously. It is a light hearted song and the total opposite end of the spectrum from headlining Glasto and still a great little medley guys. Enjoy!

Vango Arc DOTM

Design Of The Month

Seeing as the festival is winding down around this time of year I thought what better to talk about than an obvious must for camping out in a field. I have recently upgraded my tent after it has taken a beating and just about survived strong weather conditions at festivals, to this tent from Vango. I chose it because Vango is a brand I trust and they produce great high quality goods and the design of it isn't like your average dome tent. The two poles working to create an arched tunnel which works really effectively against wind and rain alike. The arches also gives the feel of a church/chapel-ly thing. I also like the design because the distinctive shape really stands out and proves that not always the most conventional design is always the best. I cant wait to hit the next festival season hard in this!

Jamie T - Zombie YTV

12/08/14 YouTube Video

This new track is AWESOME!!! As much a I liked the previously released track from his new album, this one has more of the sound that I have got used to from Jamie T. The video has a fun sense of humour (which I really appreciate) as through out the song, the band members slowly turn into zombies in-front of a completely uninterested standard daytime pub crowd with a bit of slap stick thrown in for good measure. The sound of the lyrics is also reminiscent of previous albums with clever hooky chorus and his talking/singing vocal style. Overall a pretty damn great song. Enjoy!

Beach Day - BFF's SCS

SoundCloud Song

Today is my 24th birthday (Woo Hoo!) and what better way to celebrate than catching up on all of the new music on SoundCloud that I have missed whilst at Camp Bestival. I am really enjoying this new track from Beach Day, it goes at a slight slower pace than their other tracks which is no bad thing. It leans heavily on the Dum Dum Girls sound and shares the honest storytelling lyrics a la Courtney Barnett and Jenny Lewis' Just One Of The Guys track. As the summer is winding down, it seems a perfect time to just chill out and listen to this relaxed surf pop rock track. Enjoy!

Beans On Toast - Can't Take Another Earthquake YTV

05/08/14 YouTube Video

I have just came back from Camp Bestival and what better choice for a video than to praise two of the artists that performed a great set at the festival. This track from all the way back in 2011 is from Beans On Toast featuring Kate Tempest. It is one of BOTs more child friendly tracks with a catchy chorus even with serious issues included that went down really well on the Sunday afternoon. It was also fun to here how he edited down some of his more adult themed songs for the younger audience but his style of song writing and playing didn't diminish and will always sound good to me. Enjoy!