Review: The Broadcasts // The Broadcasts

If you've spent enough time going to gigs in Cardiff you'll have inevitably stumbled across The Broadcasts. In only the last few months they've supported the likes of October Drift, The People The Poet and more, and if you were lucky enough to catch them, you'll know their first album could be a force to be reckoned with.

Their self-titled debut opens with the energetic and catchy blues rock of Down The Line and The Future. Both songs get the blood pumping before the album takes a breather on Western Lands; the first 3 songs on the album demonstrating The Broadcasts ability to write songs at any pace not only with a common sound but with an infectious one too. The simple but interesting style to their music will have you singing along by the second or third listen.

The fourth song on the LP - 'This Is Life' - is the lead single of the album and it carries a more country feel and demonstrates further the bands ability to write an infectious and yet a musically sound song. With the kind of chorus' that you would happily shout along to throughout the album, almost any song could have taken the lead single slot.

However The Broadcasts are not a one dimensional band and are not just about those sing a long catchy tunes. In 'The Road Goes On', 'What It Meant To Me' and the closing song 'What We've Become', the band shows a more delicate and polished touch to their music. 'What We've Become', in particular, shows a more sombre sound to the band - a sound you here in glimpses throughout the rest of the album - and is really developed in the closing song. It's by no means a stretch to call the closing to the album an epic, with delicate piano parts building into an anthemic chorus it brings the bands sounds together and ties up the album brilliantly.

An exciting and well-rounded debut from the Cardiff band; catchy, thoughtful and epic all at once. (8.5/10)

- Luke

You can catch The Broadcasts at their album release show at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on 17th June

Preview: HOYfest // The Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff // 18 - 19.11.16

Cardiff festival HOYfest is taking place in November this year and even with only 11 bands announced at this early stage HOYfest 2016 is looking like must for any Cardiff-based music fans this November.

Cwmbran based A/M/B/E/R and Cardiff based Himalayas bring the local youth to the lower end of the line up with Himalayas recently gracing top local venue Clwb Ifor Bach as part of the line up for Xpresstival. Bringing cracking bass-lines and stunning indie rock to the ground floor of the venue, there's no doubt they'll tear apart the stage at HOYfest too.

Cardiff band Tibet headlined Xpresstival on the same day and are also appearing at HOYfest and with a EP ready to launch and upcoming dates which include supporting Kaiser Chiefs, they're a band ready to just take off.

More welsh talent comes in the forms of Bandicoot and Rainbow Maniac, both bringing their own very different sounds to the stage. Bandicoot's distinctive vocals add substance to a well travelled indie sound and could be compared to Swindon based Nudybronque. Swansea band Rainbow Maniac bring some thumping blues rock to the festival, with funky riffs and dancy tunes, they'll have the whole festival off their feet.

The Cradles bring a melancholy indie rock that echoes of bands such as The Big Moon; certainly a style which is popular in the current musical climate. The band have a highly anticipated single out later this year and it'll definitely be one to catch on the stage of HOYfest.

Judas from London bring chilled-out indie to the stage and are definitely for fans of bands like Coasts and Catfish & The Bottlemen. Along the same lines we have Cupid who released catchy single 'Kickin' In' in March and will be another act not to miss in November.

The Bulletproof Bomb are a Sutton based band that reek of indie bands old and new combining a mish mash of sounds. Imagine somewhere between The Clash and The Courteeners and you'll arrive at The Bulletproof Bomb. With such a big sound, they deserve a place high up the line up and will grace the main stage at HOYfest just below the headliners.

Friday Headliners - The Milk

The Milk are the Friday headliners for HOYfest and it's a seriously good capture. Their second album 'Favourite Worry' was released in 2015 to high critical acclaim including being runner up in Stereo Brain's Album of 2015 award as well as being chosen as one of BBC Radio 6 Music's albums of the year.

Their funky, soulful style incorporates catchy hooks and pop beats as well as excellent song writing and indie elements. While being excellent on record, The Milk also have a formidable live reputation which means they are a must see in November.

Mental Health Awareness Week // Heart Of Oak Interview

We recently reviewed Heart Of Oak's (aka. Jimmy Broomfield) début album 'E.P. | One' and as he's been touring Germany with the brilliant The Lion & The Wolf we've been discussing over email mental health, his record, life and a bit of politics for good measure.

You just released 'E.P. | One', could you explain the struggles you faced releasing the record?

"It's taken me the best part of eight years to make this record.

There are many reasons it’s taken so long, but the main one is that a voice has permeated in my head almost every day telling me that I will never, ever be any good, that nothing I do or make will ever matter and that I'm a fool for trying. I listened to that voice for so many years, I let him win, and I didn't record anything. I dreamed of making a record, of the day I would hold the CDs in my hand, but it was always that, a dream. Instead, I joked around, I didn't take it seriously, when I went on tour, I burned many terrible, awful demos that I'm embarrassed about and I didn't take it seriously, how can you when everything you do makes you feel like a fool?

But there’s another part of my head that needs to create, to write songs, or write words. The times that I'm singing seems to be about the only time my very, very busy head goes still and quiet, and I need that more than anything.

So many times I thought about quitting, but then realised I had to do it, I had to make a record. I was turning 30 and I’d dedicated so much time and effort into writing and playing these songs. I needed something to show for all that hard work. So, effectively, I tricked my brain. I moved faster than my thoughts could, when I got a message that my friend Bob Cooper had a cancellation, I went to Manchester and in one night we recorded seven songs in one hit, mixed them the next morning and left with a finished record. 26 hours from start to finish. I was nervous and there were a few wobbles in the studio, but I knew I was committed, I HAD to do it.

I won’t lie between then and the release I did everything in my power to sabotage the process, I didn't do things in time, I wasted days panicking about whether it was any good, or anyone would like it, I probably should have done a PR campaign, there were so many things I should have done, but the “lizard brain” as I call it, took over, to the point that, in the last few weeks/days before it came out, I couldn't answer emails or messages from my friends, I hid, so scared of being found out.

But, just a few weeks ago, the CDs arrived in the post and I achieved something I’d dreamed about for a long, long time.

I got to hold the finished CDs in my hand, with the most astoundingly beautiful artwork by my friend Vera Ickler, and I'm so, so proud of 

So when things are going pear-shaped, what coping mechanisms do you employ?

"I’m still learning how to cope, I’m not sure if there is such a thing as a fool-proof coping strategy, but I’m a big believer that when your head is in a bad place, stop denying it the things it wants. Providing what you want, or what brings you comfort is safe and that you have a little spare money, then buy yourself a present, just a cake or something little, or bury yourself in a favourite show, just do something relaxing and comforting that brings you a little joy. I understand if you’re not so good at self-control, those situations might not be the best idea, but it works for me though (admittedly the cakes are starting to show, maybe jogging is the better idea).

I think the one thing I have learned is to be more vocal, to talk about my problems and issues. For the longest time I kept my problems buried within myself and that only made things worse. The old “a problem shared” cliché is totally true and I'm so lucky to have friends and family who are the first to tell me the truth when my head is on the wobble, even if it takes a little while to believe them/for things to sink in.

When they don’t work or if things get too bad, I think the other blessing I have is the knowledge that, when things get too bad, I’m never more than a phone call or two away from my counsellor, but thankfully, I haven’t needed him for quite a long time. I went through a long period of counselling when I was at uni in 2008/2009 and again last year, and I can honestly say it’s the best thing I’ve ever done in terms of learning coping strategies and looking after myself. It’s also great comfort to have an emergency button/safety net, should things get too bad, it is expensive and I’m not sure how I’d afford it right now, but the knowledge that it’s there is a great safety net. I know I’m lucky in that sense. There are people very, very close to me who have struggled to find appointments, counsellors, or any help at all and I cannot believe how inadequate the NHS (and from the sounds of it Germany and several other places I’ve been), can be at getting people the help when it’s needed, I wish I knew what I/we could do to improve that, but alas, with the pretty shitty government we have right now, I’m not sure if anything will change for a while."

Is there any music you turn to when you're feeling down?

"I don't have too many records I rely upon when those days happen. For the most part, if the bad voice is winning I can't listen to anything because every great lyric or awesome melody I hear is more fuel to my lizard bastard brain that tells me everything I do is rubbish and I could never make anything as great as this. BUT, right now, as with everyone in the whole world, I'm deeply in love with the new Pinegrove record and just like everyone else, I will forever and always be utterly in love with the way John K Samson writes a song. His solo stuff and his work with the Weakerthans are probably my favourite “song-writing” of modern times, his ability with words is like some Indiana Jones holy grail shit."

Do you think there's a link between music and mental health, whether that's playing or listening to music?

"I think a lot of people, whether they have specifically diagnosed mental health issues or not, take solace and comfort in music, I know I do when I can! I know there have been studies that have found depression and other mental disorders are far more prevalent in creative people, but I'm always a bit reticent to talk about specifically that one job or mindset. I think when it comes to those issues, it’s far more important that the walls are taken down for every profession, there are probably a million plumbers, doctors, squirrel farmers, or whatever that go home and stay up all night because their brains tell them that they'll never be any good at whatever it is they do. I’m by no means saying that one group has it easier than another, whatever job it is you do, I still think the most important, but yet most difficult and more brave thing you can do is admit to having a problem, only then can you/we start to progress and to talk about these things in the open."

You can catch Jimmy on tour supporting The Lion & The Wolf in Germany this month and grab his new album on Bandcamp.

We gave 'E.P. | One' 8.5/10 in our review, check it HERE

If you want to find out more about the Mental Health Foundation or Mental Health Awareness Week go HERE

Also check out our other articles on mental health & music HERE

Review: Modern Baseball // Holy Ghost

Modern Baseball are affectionately called MoBo by fans

A lot of people treat pop punk as blanket term for generic songs about hating your home town and missing your girl/boyfriend. It's the term people associate with 'Teenage Dirtbag', Blink-182, 'In Too Deep' and scrawny guys wearing tank tops and snap-backs. It's even a phrase which has become synonymous with pizza....

"He's been haunting my dreams at night....."; Modern Baseball's new record 'Holy Ghost' opens with a slow, sombre title track which band member Jake Ewald wrote about the death of his grandfather - not your typical 'Pop Punk' song. That's what initially strikes you about this record, it's pop punk but not as we know it, the sound and style is there but gone is the generic lyrics and strong themes designed to help the listener connect. Instead this is a very personal album from the boys from across the pond, not dealing in the vague and relatable but instead in the specifics.

With the LP split in two with the first half written by Jake Ewalds and the second half by Brendan Lukens each portion has its own unique qualities and personal touches and yet comes together brilliantly as a whole.

In songs 1 to 6, Jake takes the reigns steering the album through the style synonymous with the bands first 2 albums but a lyrical style that comes across as more personal than reflected on previous outings. The song 'Holy Ghost' feeds into 'Wedding Singer' which is what one would call a 'classic' MoBo song. The subject of the first music video of the album, the song (and video) reflects one part of the theme for Ewalds half of the album - finding someone. The rest of Ewalds half follows suit with building on a sound which the band had previously cemented as their own.

On the B-side Lukens takes over and introduces a slightly 'thrashier' sound to the band which has only been seen in glimpses on the previous albums. Each song is a short burst of a dark room, lonely night shout along. Last year MoBo cancelled a series of dates so that Brendan could go to rehab having being diagnosed with bipolar disorder - a subject which is covered in their documentary 'Tripping In The Dark' - and the struggles he has faced are covered in the second half of this album. This comes through clearly in the last song 'Just Another Face' which attacks the subject in a refreshingly honest and frank way - opening with "I'm a waste of time and space / Drifting through my selfish ways" - the song reflects how difficult it was for Lukens to open up about the subject and how facing his problems effected him and the band.

Despite Lukens and Ewalds attacking different themes in each side of the record, it somehow comes together as a whole and becomes a musical biography for the band since the release of 'You're Gonna Miss It All'. Each personal touch on this record dispels the theory that something must be generic to be relatable and will, without a doubt, grow Modern Baseball's already substantial following.  - (9/10)

-Luke

Mental Health Awareness Week // Stereo Brain

For more information on Mental Health Awareness Week, go HERE

From the 16th to the 22nd of May 2016 it's Mental Health Awareness week and It's something I want to talk about. I know this is primarily a music blog but in my experience the two things go hand in hand.

Many of you who read this blog will be unaware of the origins of 'Stereo Brain'. The name, in fact, comes from the idea that there is a link between mental health and music and for me that's true. In my darkest moments and toughest days I've always turned to music for comfort and that's where 'Stereo Brain' began. 

Escaping from the world and losing myself in an album, a gig or even writing a piece became a primary way of coping with the things inside my head about 3/4 years ago and to this day partly fuels my passion for music. There's something about being able to switch yourself off and lose yourself in music that appeals to me and many other people that suffer from mental health issues which makes it an important topic to discuss.

Many people who suffer from mental illnesses turn to music as not only an escape but an outlet for their feelings. Brendan Lukens from Modern Baseball, for example, suffers from bipolar disorder and it's something which he covers in his songwriting in their new album. Frank Turner, also, is known for discussing coping with self harm and depression in his work and these are not isolated examples.

I'll talk more about this later this week in a series of articles we're writing to raise awareness of mental health and it's connections with music. In the meanwhile I want to talk about '#PickCardiffUp'.

This was an idea we launched last week in which people send us their 'pick me up' playlist/song/albums to spread the word about mental health and hopefully but a smile on people's faces at the same time. If you wish to contribute tweet us (@stereo_brain) with a link to your song or playlist and we'll add it to the playlist! So far we've had contributions from Team Up Cardiff, The Young Promoters Network and Cardiff based bands; The Broadcasts, Chroma and The Fused - check out the full playlist below.

Mental Health Awareness Week Site - HERE

Review: In Requiem // In Requiem

Alt-Rock is currently a very strange scene, metal-heads and rock fans are notoriously difficult to please and have their old school favourites and generally stick to them. People still flock in their droves to see bands like Black Sabbath, Rammestein and Iron Maiden who as a trio people still flock to see despite their almost complete irrelevance to the modern alt-rock music scene.

Pontypridd based In Requiem, in February, released their debut self-titled EP and it shows how a band can reflect those legends of old but still be there own band. 

;In Requiem; was released on 14/02/2016

The 4-piece combine elements of that classic rock sound with synth in a 5 track EP that doesn't break musical boundaries but hints that there is more in this band that meets the eye.

The opening track 'Shelter (Save Me)' opens with a melodic guitar rift before dropping into a quieter synth sequence. At points in the song and the album as a whole the music, at times, reflects the music of Linkin Park. At the same time, In Requiem seem to develop their style throughout the EP, seeming to have found a comfortable sound for them and one that echos through the record. Unfortunately those stubborn rock fans may need a little more convincing than that.

'In Requiem' is a solid debut and an entertaining listen, however it hints that if the band develop certain elements in their music it can push them on to bigger things. 7/10

-Luke

#PickCardiffUp

With Mental Health Awareness Week coming up, we figured we should do some stuff for it! The first of which is #PickCardiffUp playlists!

We want your best pick-me-up songs; the ones that make you smile and the ones that make you dance!

Send us your suggestions on our twitter and facebook! All the playlists from Artists/Venues/Promoters in Cardiff are going up on our Spotify!

Review: Heart Of Oak // E.P. | One

At times, there's nothing more comforting than a quiet, thoughtful acoustic album and that's exactly what 'E.P. | One' from Heart Of Oak delivers.

Heart Of Oak is a Southampton based artist solely made up of Jimmy Broomfield and 'E.P. | One' is his first release and was released on 1st May 2016.

The first song on the album, 'Faded Flags', highlights Jimmy's natural talent for song and lyric writing. His smooth tone is what keeps this album ticking; a somewhat familiar sound but with a personal edge.

Heart Of Oak is currently touring Europe with The Lion & The Wolf

At points this album seriously tugs at the heart strings; 'Skin and Bones' and 'Somewhere, Another Life Is Waiting' particularly are two very emotional songs. 'Skin and Bones' talks about being flawed but fighting and struggling through it, this almost reflects Heart Of Oak's struggle in releasing the record.

Well documented on the Heart Of Oak Facebook, Jimmy talks about the difficulties he faced gaining the confidence to release 'E.P | One' but boy are we glad he did. This album is a delicate and emotional ride and at points is truly beautiful - 8.5/10

-Luke

Small Bands at Big Festivals // Download 2016

Main Stage
Alien Ant Farm
Beartooth
The Temperance Movement

Encore Stage
The Ammity Afliction
TesseracT
Bury Tomorrow

The Temperance Movement @ Y Plas, Cardiff

3rd Stage
Black Peaks
Turbowolf
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Attila

Black Peaks are playing the 3rd Stage at Download

4th Stage
Palisades
Milk Teeth
Slaves (US)
Dead!

More Small Bands At Big Festivals HERE

Small Bands At Big Festivals // Reading 2016

Main Stage
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes
Sundara Karma
Slaves (UK)
State Champs

Frank Turner @ The Railway Inn, Winchester

Radio 1/NME Stage
Hinds
Sunset Sons
Blossoms
Black Foxxes
Spring King
Rat Boy
Tonight Alive

The Pit/ Lock Up Stage
Creeper
Hacktivist
Dead!
Milk Teeth
ROAM
Modern Baseball
The King Blues

The King Blues @ The Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff

Festival Republic Stage
The Sherlocks
VANT
The Hunna
Tibet

VANT @ Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff

More Small Bands At Big Festivals HERE

The Fused // Are You Ready For A Dance?

The Fused are an indie rock band from Cardiff who are slowly establishing themselves on the live scene. We saw them support the unfathomably good October Drift and they more than held their ground on stage when compared to the established main act and other support The Broadcasts in April.

You can find the full review of that night HERE

Today The Fused released their single 'Are You Ready To Dance?' on Soundcloud and Bandcamp.

The title track of the single is an excellent example of modern indie rock incorporating elements of bands like Catfish & The Bottlemen infused with classic indie rock with a killer bassline and distinctive vocals.


The B-side is called 'The Bouncer And The Underage Teen' which is just as good as the title track. This, like the title track, reflects classic indie rock and is about, as the song name suggests, underage teens tackling a night out.

As we said in our article on their live performance The Fused have a very current and modern sound and are a band that could go on to bigger an better things. Catch them while they're hot!


The single is available to download on the bands BANDCAMP

-Luke

Radiohead Release "Burn The Witch"

After deleting all social media presence the other day, Radiohead confirm what everyone expected by releasing new song "Burn The Witch".

The interesting new song is accompanied by a disturbing music video which you can see below.

This development and the addition of a strange new profile leads us to believe a new album is on its way! "Burn The Witch" will be available to buy digitally from tomorrow.

Radioheads new profile picture on social media has raised eyebrows

Artist Spotlight // Frightened Rabbit

Members:
Scott Hitchison, Grant Hutchison, Billy Kennedy, Andy Monaghan, Simon Liddel, Gordon Skene (Past Member)

Location:
Selkirk, Scotland

Description:
Depressing Scottish indie rock.

Songs To Get You Started:
Poke (2008), Woke Up Hurting (2016), The Greys (2006), Nitrous Gas (2013), The Woodpile (2013), Modern Leper (2008)

Discography:
Studio Albums:

1. Sings The Greys (2006)
2. The Midnight Organ Fight (2008) - Stereo Brain Rating: 10/10
3. The Winter Of Mixed Drinks (2010)
4. Pedestrian Verse (2013) - Stereo Brain Rating: 9/10
5. Painting Of A Panic Attack (2016) - Stereo Brain Rating: 9.5/10

EP's & Singles:

1. Be Less Rude (2007)
2. The Greys (2007)
3. It's Christmas So We'll Stop (2007)
4. Heads Roll Off (2008)
5. Fast Blood (2008)
6. I Feel Better (2008)
7. Quietly Now! (Live Album) (2008)
8. Swim Until You Can't See Land (2009)
9. Nothing Like You (2010)
10. Living In Colour (2010)
11. The Loneliness And The Scream (2010)
12. A Frightened Rabbit EP (2011)
13. State Hospital EP (2012)
14. The Woodpile (2013)
15. Backyard Skulls (2013)
16. Late March, Death March (2013)
17. Live From Criminal Records (2014)
18. Get Out (2016)

Interesting Facts:

• Lead Singer Scott Hutchison has a solo project called 'Owl John' from which he released a self titled debut in 2014
• Scott has an art degree from Glasgow School of Art which was also the location of the bands first gig under the name Frightened Rabbit
• The name Frightened Rabbit comes from a pet tame Scott & Grant's mum had for Scott due to his extreme shyness when young
• The ban were once victims of a twitter troll but responded by printing the hurtful phrases on a shirt and selling it for charity. It read: "Furry brick built men. Ugly, hairy and built like cruise ships sinc 2006"

Social Media:
Frightened Rabbit Twitter
Frightened Rabbit Facebook

Find more articles on Frightened Rabbit HERE

Find more artist spotlights HERE