Revisited - 6 Feet Beneath The Moon

If you're were a intrepid internet explorer in the late 2000s, you might have stumbled across a certain somebody's bandcamp account. At that time Archy Marshall was working under the moniker Zoo Kid and he was beginning to generate buzz with his lo-fi style of music. A couple of years after this, he adopted the name King Krule and began creating a full-length album. This he called 6 Feet Beneath The Moon. 

In his teens, Marshall suffered from insomnia. He would regularly stay up all night listening to bands like The Pixies and The Libertines. Doolittle by the former he claims is his favourite album. Listening to these bands allowed his to create soundscapes. After creating and mixing a series of singles and EP's in his bedroom under various aliases, King Krule released 6 Feet Beneath The Moon  on August 24th 2013.

Right from the off, Marshall has you hooked like a fish. The album is draped in genres, making it almost impossible to pin down. That in itself makes this album a very intriguing concept. Album opener 'Easy Easy' sets the tone. A basic guitar intro paves the way for Marshall's gritty, distinctive voice. It's like nothing you've ever heard before. The tone he generates is incredible and at seemingly minimal effort, because as the song builds his voice gets louder and emotive. The tone is set for the album, putting Marshall's voice at the centre of everything and the instrumentation is there purely as support. 

Easy Easy (Live)

The second track is the slightly bluesier 'Border Line'. Compared to the opener, it's mellow and to an extent soothing, until about one minute in when a hip-hop beat kicks in and completely changes the dynamic of the song. In fact Marshall's voice is a perfect fit for hip-hop. The way he croons over everything is just a perfect fit. The early mid-point of this album completely changes the mood set by the opening two tracks. 'Foreign 2' is full of weird little sounds that meander like sound-waves. It's a very spacey song aided by the echo effect plastered over Marshall's voice. Combine this with the little splutters of sound and the song is quite uneasy and eerie. 'Baby Blue' is a real jazz-inspired track during which Marshall talks about missed chances and the want of somebody's company. "Edging closer, you swim my, girl I've got no chance and nothing to say, girl but stay here for a little while". This is the first time we get a real sense of emotion on the album. There is soul behind that voice. 

'A Lizard State' is where we see King Krule in full flow. It's one of the only songs on the album that feature - what sounds like - a full band behind Marshall. And boy does it sound great. It has a slight whiff of The Last Shadow Puppets about it in the way that it sounds like it's been lifted from a British spy film. This is helped by the addition of a brass section which really add texture and depth to the song. Then as soon as you think that the album is going in a new fuller direction, the mood is restored with the beautifully simple 'Ocean Bed'. It's also one of the most positive sounding songs, at least instrumentally anyway. But once the album draws to a close, King Krule bring out the big guns. 'Out Getting Ribs' is without doubt the track that stands out. From the moment the intricate guitar riff slides down the guitar there is real feeling that this is something special. The high pitched wails of a second guitar really bring it all together and that voice, still on form from the first song just grabs your ears. There is a a slight touch of The Pixies within this song too (as mentioned earlier) not musically, but in terms of structure. There are parts which are quieter than others and then everything is lifted for the ending.

If there is ANY criticism of this album, it's that it could have been the album dreams are made of had it featured a full band. But, that's where this albums beauty lies. In it's simplicity. All you need is the voice, a guitar (or two) and minimal production which allows the true emotion to shine through.

9/10
Best Songs: Easy Easy & Out Getting Ribs

 Out Getting Ribs (Live)

Palma Violets live at The Coronet 5th December 2013

Palma Violets live at the Coronet (review)

At the very beginning of 2013, Palma Violets were tipped to be one of if not the most explosive band of the year, especially having picked up the best new band at the NME awards early in the year and beginning the year on the NME awards show tour. 

Having played Glastonbury, T in the Park and Reading & Leeds festivals the 4 piece from Lambeth South London embarked on their Rattlesnake Rodeo tour which saw them play all over the UK and Europe climaxing at the Coronet in Elephant and Castle just up the road from where it all began. 

The air is full of anticipation as the queue begins to take shape outside the Coronet, the talk is of course all about the Palma Violets and whether or not we can expect new material, then out of nowhere Will Doyle (the drummer) strolls past the queue with no thought of arriving early as he walks through, the crowd begin to slowly move forward.

Once inside we are greeted by none other than Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) who is doing a surprise DJ set before the first support band, which was incredible, just to say that I have seen Jarvis Cocker one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century in the flesh is brilliant. 

I'm not going to talk about the support bands, who were Telegram and Childhood, because, and this may seem harsh but they were instantly forgettable, they may release an album each next year, but until then I am just going to talk about the brilliant Palma Violets.

Palma Violets are due on stage at 9.30pm and as the clock ticks closer to 9.40 Harry Violent, the mascot of the band walks out on to the stage greeted by cheers from the crowd, he introduces the Palma Violets on to the stage and they run on, jumping around and jump straight in to the brilliant rattlesnake highway which gets the crowd jumping around like madmen, the things that's brilliant about Palma Violets is that they make you feel like you are part of their gang, and their music is not bad either! As the thumping sound of rattlesnake highway ends, Chilli (bass) stands up on the monitors shouting at the audience to give it their all! which they duly oblige as they begin "all the garden birds" a personal favourite of mine, a perfect mix of synth and guitar, and the chord progression for the ending of the song is mesmeric. Palma Violets have an almost cult following, the audience know every single word almost as if the gig has been pre-rehearsed, the audience also seem to jump up and down in unison and exactly to the beat, it was a very unique experience.

All members of the band have such great stage presence, they are a thrill to see live almost like getting a fix of a drug. Once the gig is over you want to get back in there. Not only did they play the whole of the superb 180 album they also played 3 new songs entitled "Gout Gang Go" "Green Fuzz" and "Scandal" all of which have very similar blueprints to 180, they sound raucous and exquisite you can't help but jump around to all the songs, something changes in your body and everyone begins jumping around uncontrollably, its a fantastic experience!

A standout track for me was Johnny Bagga Donuts. The song sounds absolutely superb on the record but this is amplified to biblical proportions when played live, the song takes on a life of its own and its clear to see the band enjoy playing it live, not only that song but throughout the whole show the casually spoke to the audience and smiled throughout.

Album number two is on its way and if it lives up to what it sounds like live then I'm sure it will be fantastic. 

 Meeting and speaking to Sam wasn't bad either!                                     

Stone Roses Finsbury Park June the 8th 2013 Gig Review

Stone Roses Finsbury Park June the 8th 2013

Alongside the Stone Roses, where Miles Kane, PiL and Johnny Marr

Saturday the 8th of June 2013 is one day that will go down in the memory of every Stone Roses fan young and old as that weekend was the weekend the Roses returned to London to play two sell out gigs in Finsbury Park North London.

Upon arrival you could sense this was the start of something spectacular, the local pub was full to the brim of people young and old from all over the UK, awaiting to see one of the most influential bands of the 20th century and beyond. As you walked around the park you can sense the anticipation, people are enjoying the early summer sun with a few drinks in preparation for what was to come. 

As the opening time arrived a sea of people began moving towards entrance one of many inside Finsbury Park, and as the gates opened and the the first glimpses of the stage came into view people rushed to the front of the viewing area where Miles Kane's equipment had already been set up and I went to the very front to have a look at the stage and as I am a huge fan of Miles Kane it was great to see his guitar already set up and primed.

 (i do not own this picture, all credit to who took it)

As the park filled up a sea bucket hats of all colours appeared in front of me which of course is one of the iconic things about the Stone Roses and in particular Reni, who made the bucket hat famous amongst Roses fans. And then music began to play over the tannoy, which suggested that first support act Miles Kane was ready to go! and then the first cheers of the day erupt as Miles struts out on to the stage looking as sharp as ever in white trousers with a black stripe down the side wearing a black turtle neck sweatshirt, "Hello Finsbury Park" he shouts before picking up his guitar and beginning his set with Give Up off his latest album which gets the crowd jumping. There where obviously many Miles Kane fans in the crowd but I was surprised at the amount of people who didn't seem bothered that Miles was there, I know they weren't there to see him but his performance deserved more than that. He knows how to work the crowd regardless, and he regularly interacts with the audience "Its great to be here alongside Johnny Marr, PiL and the Roses" he says after his third song Better Than Yet he also says "What a Fuckin beautiful Day" which gets a big cheer from the crowd as he begins his classic Rearrange which gets the crowd belatedly moving and jumping! All in all it was a brilliant set from Miles which has left me wanting to see him again and he was second the the Roses in terms of performance!

Favourite tracks - Rearrange, Give up, Don't Forget Who you Are, Taking Over, Inhaler. 

As Miles Kane waved goodbye to the Finsbury Park crowd there was a buzz about the place people where pumped up, and as the roadies changed the set design from Miles Kane to Johnny Marr this only added to the excitement. As I am a huge fan of the Smiths I was entruiged to know if Johnny Marr would play any songs from The Smiths, and I was not disappointed. He began his set with a song from his first solo album (The Messenger) then he kick started his set with Stop Me If you think you've heard this one before a classic Smiths song which was really brilliant not only for me personally but for most people in the crowd. After this song Johnny made a joke over the mic saying "Check Us Out" in reference to The Smiths which got a laugh from the crowd he didn't say an awful lot in between songs unlike Miles Kane which might be because it's his first solo venture. As he progressed through his set it became clear that he is one of the best guitarists around, you may already know that but seeing him do it live was amazing which is amplified by Noel Gallagher saying that " no one can play what he plays" in reference to Johnny Marr. He the proceeded to play three more Smith's songs which was fantastic! and again he joked after playing Bigmouth Strikes Again saying "thats a good one that is". As Johnny's set came to an end I was left feeling amazed and disappointed at the same time because it was great to see one of my idols perform live and play some songs by my favourite band but I felt Johnny Marr was lacking one thing in particular, Morrissey. It was Morrissey who in my opinion made the Smiths great although I enjoyed the performance it lacked Morrissey's vocals.

And again as the atmosphere began to build again after Johnny Marr's set you could see some people moving towards the bar as PiL were on next and not many people were expecting a good performance and to be honest neither was I, but I was prepared to wait it out in the spot where I was in order to get a good view of the Stone Roses and when PiL walked out on to the stage there was a ripple of excitement nowhere near the amount of the previous two acts but it was great to see one of the icons of British music John Lydon in the flesh, the performance however, didn't match the excitement of seeing him. The went through their set with little response from the crowd which led John Lydon to say "Well you lot are a bit fucking laid back" which got some jeers from the crowd. There was some movement when PiL played public image and this is not a love song, but other than that I think the crowd just wanted to see the roses! 

After John Lydon and co staggered off the stage, the attention immediately turned to the two big screens at the side of the stage, then out of nowhere, Made Of Stone rings out over the tannoy which arguably got the biggest cheer of the day and people began to sing along, this was only being played to advertise Made Of Stone the documentary depicting the career of the Stone Roses directed by Shane Meadows, and if the crowd were that excited over one song not being played I could not have imagined what would happen when the Roses started playing.

(Image belongs to the telegraph i do not own it)

The sun had set, and the clouds had rolled in, darkness was slowly descending over Finsbury park then with immense anticipation and excitement at the side of the stage you could see John Squire and Reni, the one of the biggest cheers I have ever heard erupted as The Stone Roses walked out led by Mani on to the stage, Ian Brown says over the mic "Hello Everyone At The back" and applauds said people which was a nice gesture and then the iconic bassline of "I wanna be Adored" kicked in and the place began to shake and jump furiously and everyone single one of the 40,000 people started singing "I don't have to sell my soul" as The Roses set began in fantastic fashion. The sheer ecstasy continued through the whole night with everyone singing in unison it was a sight and sound that I will never forget. As the night moved in, the lights on the stage became biblical, and lit up the night sky with multicoloured flashes there was a light show that accompanied Fools Gold which was extended by 6 minutes so it lasted 15 minutes, and it was 15 minutes of guitar playing brilliance form John Squire, he's an extremely underrated guitarist, I said earlier about Johnny Marr, and I think John Squire is just as good! The set was finished with I am the resurrection which is one of if not the best album closing track ever Reni started the song with some fantastic drum fills then again the powerful bass line kicked in. I would say that Ian, Reni, Mani and John are extremely underrated musicians, when you say name the 5 best bassists, drummers, guitarists and singers they never get mentioned which is a big shame there light shined very brightly but only for a short time. To summarise the Stone Roses set I would say it was a masterclass in live performances and abosloutely fantastic to hear 40,000 people singing along with you to one of your favourite songs ever written.

Highlight for me - 10 Storey lovesong and I am the Resurrection