EP REVIEW: The Caligaris 'Neon Light'

The cover art on this 4 track EP depicts a scene on a rainy night on the Paris equivalent to London's M25 called the Peripherique. If you have ever had the misfortune to travel on this particular road then you will know that it's often rare to get above pedestrian speeds due to density of traffic competing for what is essentially a finite amount of road space. Stay with me people I'm getting to the point, and the point is unfortunately for the Caligaris, a problem.

Firstly when you are competing in a crowded market, in the Caligaris' case the Indie pop scene, then you are really going to have to do something special to stand out from the crowd. Being a talented musician or singer is not going to cut it. Now I haven't seen them live so can't comment on their shows but the EP Neon Light - first mistake being an overused and unoriginal name for EP - left a lot to be desired.

The lead singer Nicolas Belloin does a good impression of Morissey on opener 'Mr Nobody' and nearly hit's the British accent perfectly but if you listen closely you can still tell. If I want to listen to Morrisey I will just listen to him not an impersonation no matter how good. The second problem is the sound. Although the band are tight it's just a sound I've heard a million times before and does sound dated.

Does that mean I don't like it? No, actually I did rather enjoy the 4 track EP but it didn't stick in the memory banks and nothing stood out enough to make me want to listen a 3rd time so who knows what the future will herald for this Parisian band but they are gonna have to step it up to survive in an international market place, and I hope they do, and that they can make it on the tough road ahead.

3/5

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EP REVIEW: Black Market Serotonin 'Deadbyfiveoclock' Out 11 April on Superstar Destroyer

First off I'll begin by congratulating the band on their extremely well chosen name. My hat is well and truly taken off for you. Secondly, I would also like to extend my congrats on what is a far from bad EP. What can be described best as Muse with Slash-esque 80's guitar riffs all over it, this EP is a delightful fusion of old school and modern rock. Each track carries a confident air of individualism with subtle similarities to bands such as Radiohead, Pixies, Muse (as mentioned) and maybe just a snifter of Kasabian. 

You might disagree upon listening but this is the kind of musical fusion that allows you to implant you own influences in the rock spectre onto your ear and draw you own conclusions. 'Deadbyfiveoclock' is a mini triumph and with 5 tracks spanning half an hour a generous and ambitious offering of top quality rock!

5/5

DLS

EP REVIEW: Alexandre Navarro 'Black Bird' out now on SEM Label

Black Bird is essentially a live guitar session split into three parts. I love this project because of it's originality as well as the sound. There is little to distinguish the three parts which are called Part.1 (Envol) / Part.2 (Survol) / Part.3 (Resolution).

The music tells a story as you can guess from the titles. This kind of atmosphere that is generated and the feeling it created inside me is very hard to describe with words. The best I can come up right now is that it made me think of the start to the movie 'Paris, Texas' - at the beginning when the guy is walking on his own through the desert. If you don't know what I mean find it and watch it. It's a great film.

I hope this comment does not offend Mr. Navarro it's just that I really believe this piece of music was made for film and I hope one day to be able to use it or watch the film created that does (use it). It's difficult to create a work of such pureness and Navarro should be commended for his dedication to the art. The only drawback for me was that it was all over too quickly and I was left like an unsatiated vampire wanting more, more, more!

5/5

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VISIT SEM LABEL PAGE TO BUY

LISTEN:

Part.1 (Envol) / Black Bird EP by alexandrenavarro

EP REVIEW: Drugg 'Shackled EP' out 7 March on Less Music

Debut EP Shackled from dark electro unit Drugg featuring 3 original tracks containing haunting electro vibes over laid with tortured vocals sat on top of a deep bassy cacophony make for an all together pleasant yet terrifying listening experience. Best described as well produced but with very dark undertones hopefully provide an element of clarity to my previous contradictory statement. And with two additional awesome remixes from minimal dub producer Pole and Vision of Trees thrown into the mix to add a more uplifting and driving edge to proceedings, making this a must have for a late night DJ’s record collection, or MP3s or CDs or whatever the hell the kids use nowadays.

4/5

DLS

EP REVIEW: Brendan Campbell 'Twilight Bird EP' out 16 June

Originally posted 29 May 2008:

25 year old Glaswegian Brendan Campbell cites Bob Dylan and Davie Graham among his influences. One thing is for sure that no matter whom he has been influenced by his sound is completely his own.

'Burgers And Murders' is a beautifully constructed work of folk art that simply secretes class from start to finish. If you like acoustic country folk then this will certainly appeal to you. It's hard to tell where exactly he comes from when you listen to his vocals, especially on 'Twilight Bird'. I couldn't tell where he was from but he certainly has his own style and he's easy to comprehend unlike many Glaswegians (just kidding, but no seriously).

So the EP is a success and is a nice blend between tradition and contemporary which should broaden his appeal even further. Another plus is Campbell's lack of self indulgence which has ruined many a fol song in the past.

3/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Kid Harpoon

Citizen Vain

EP REVIEW: Tyrrell 'Robofucius EP' released 3 March on Etage Noir

Originally posted 7 February 2008:

A diverse three track offering from DJ and producer Tyrrell that should go down well in the clubs, both main room and chill out.

'Robofucius' is a Balearic funky house affair, not the most original song I have ever heard and as instrumental offers very little in the way of excitement. That said I'm sure some clubbers and DJ's will no doubt enjoy it. 'As I listen' features the vocals of Nanar and is a decent attempt at a chill-out track.

My favourite was the dirtier electro house vibe found on 'LaLaLaLaLaLa'. Again it hardly made me want to get up a groove and there was no spine tingling going on but it will appeal to some. Might be worth downloading from Beatport but probably wise to save your cash for a more worthy 12".

2/5

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Just Banks

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