Live Review: Band of Skulls @ Rock City [29/03/14]

Band Of Skulls are a no-nonsense kind of group. While many bands stutter – relying on flashy lights and theatrics – the Southampton trio thrive off nothing more than snarling guitars and explosive, killer riffs.

This is the band’s last date of their current tour before the imminent release of third album, Himalayan. New material like Asleep At The Wheel, although still largely foreign to the Rock City crowd, maintains an instantly familiar appeal synonymous with the band. This is down to their keen ear for an impeccable hook.

Adopting a brand of provocative blues rock inspired by the likes of the White Stripes and the Black Keys, there is a confident, arena-aspiring air to the band.

Guitarist and bassist, Russell Marsden and Emma Richardson, deliver delicious vocal harmonies entwined with piercing melodies on numbers like Bruises and I Know What I Am.

The band’s sucker punch of an encore is visceral, culminating with the euphoric Death By Diamonds And Pearls. At this point, the venue becomes a cesspool of gnarling feedback, orchestrated by Marsden’s exquisite guitar playing.

They may not be anything out of the ordinary, but Band Of Skulls prove you don’t need gimmicks when you’ve got good old fashioned rock and roll.


Read more: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Review-Band-Skulls-Rock-City/story-20881830-detail/story.html#ixzz2xTMN4Pf0

Live Review: Dan Croll @ Bodega [24/03/14]

At the tender age of 22, Dan Croll has already been tipped for great things – even receiving a nod of approval by Paul McCartney whilst mastering his trade at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. Last night, at a rammed Bodega, the Scouse musician proved all his critics right.

Following the release of debut album Sweet Disarray, this is Croll’s first ever headline gig in Nottingham. The bespectacled singer, however, takes it all in his stride.

Croll’s exotic, feel-good vibe takes note from Vampire Weekend’s twitching guitar melodies, while maintaining an afrobeat splendour reminiscent of Paul Simon’s Graceland. Compliment Your Soul’s triumphant and orchestral chorus rings sweetly throughout the intimate venue, capable of lifting the limpest of spirits.

Although being master craftsman, a lot of credit must be given to Croll’s backing band. The four-piece provide textured melodies and spot-on harmonies to perfectly accompany the lead-singer’s swooning vocals.

Home, an inoffensive ode to family life, is the night’s best received cut and induces a sing-along from the otherwise reserved audience. The song’s twee lyrics, politely asking you to remove your shoes at his door, cuts close to forgettable, landfill indie-pop, but is saved by a warm, stirring finale.

The night’s most impressive moment comes in the form of the immense From Nowhere. Here, Croll fires on all cylinders – delivering his most accomplished songwriting and a dynamic, electronic edge.

He may not be the finished article just yet, but if Dan Croll continues riding this current wave of success, greatness will surely be within reach.

Read more: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Review-Dan-Croll-Bodega/story-20849038-detail/story.html#ixzz2xTKmB0bK

Live Review: Drake @ Capital FM Arena [16/03/14]

A curtain rises to reveal an innovative stage setup consisting of a sleek, galactic-inspired runway backed by ethereal, mesmeric imagery. Aubrey Graham, better known as larger than life superstar Drake, wants his show at the Capital FM Arena to be nothing but a spectacle.

The Toronto-born rapper ascends through a sheet of mist, accompanied by dazzling lights and pyrotechnics. Currently on a massive European tour in support of latest album, Nothing Was The Same, Drake is here to cement his status as the biggest name in hip-hop.

Although technically flawless, there is a jarring nature about the Canadian. Raw, bravado-fuelled tales of wealth and sexual conquests on tracks like The Motto are a million miles away from the introspective sincerity of Too Much – where Drake discusses family issues and personal anxiety.

The shift between themes may be bizarre, but the juxtaposition works – allowing Drake to trawl through his extensive back-catalogue.

Waltzing around the sparse stage donning a vest, the 27-year-old is on the charm offensive – regularly flirting with the Nottingham audience. The clichéd, “you’re the best crowd in the world,” is one of his many chat-up lines. The love-in can be overbearing at times, particularly when he takes to a platform hanging over the crowd, complimenting members of the audience.

Drake is really at his most impressive when the sole focus is on performance. Intimate, standout track, Hold On We’re Going Home, showcases a vocal prowess that can be easily forgotten nestled between mammoth beats and angry rapping.

Although disguised under conflicting styles, a hunger for greatness is the one constant theme in Drake’s work. Set-closer, Started From The Bottom, outlines the star’s explosive rise in the industry. The success is more than deserved. As shown tonight, Drake is a committed and hard-working entity, constantly propelling to newer heights.


Read more: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Review-Drake-Capital-FM-Arena/story-20819028-detail/story.html?mnb#ixzz2xTIrvVNP

Live Review: We Are Scientists @ Rock City [13/03/14]

Indie dancefloor classics, comedic quips and even a marriage proposal resulted in an unforgettable evening as Rock City welcomed We Are Scientists last night.

After opening with the brooding Return The Favor from their new record, TV En Francais, the American trio up the ante with a flurry of old favourites including After Hours and an infectious rendition of Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt.

Keith Murray and Chris Cain, the charismatic figureheads of the group, display and maintain an energy defying their strenuous touring schedule.

The metal-inspired Dumb Luck is testament to this – with both members frantically thrashing through the song in spectacular fashion.

Almost doubling as a comedy act, the pair take plenty of time between songs to interact with the audience, riffing on topics like Miley Cyrus and Robin Hood.

The New York-based band, evidently thrilled to be back in Nottingham, are a breath of fresh air amidst an industry brimming with detached, brooding frontmen.

Just before the set’s conclusion comes the night’s most unexpected highlight in the form of a marriage proposal, greeted with rapturous cheers.

Madness ensues when the band tie proceedings up with breakout hit, The Great Escape, and the venue’s hall is transported back to a raucous, indie disco circa 2005.

Their songs may not be compositional masterpieces and they’ll probably never sell out arenas, but We Are Scientists real charm lies with the fact they never take themselves too seriously.

For them, the night is all about pure, unadulterated fun – and that’s not rocket science.

http://www.nottinghampost.com/Review-Scientists-Rock-City/story-20810745-detail/story.html#ixzz2wDWAW97y

5 Of The Best Burgers In Nottingham

5. Chiquito

This Mexican chain creeped its way onto the list with its offering of tantalising double burgers. Served with their homemade coleslaw and a choice of skin-on-fries, a fresh house salad or Mexican spiced rice, the two-patty burger packs a mean punch. My weapon of choice, the BBQ pulled pork and cheese burger, came with a pile of delicious, tender pulled pork and enough prime beef to tame the biggest of appetites. Although pleasing on the eye, the wallet may not be as pleased as a hallowed double burger will set you back about £15. Even with 25% off for students, the price will be off-putting for many.

6/10 

4. TGI Friday’s

America is known for many things. Barack Obama, MTV and an unhealthy sense of patriotism to name a few. My favourite Yank import by far is the humble burger. Therefore, you’d expect TGI Friday’s, an American eatery, to come up trumps with their offerings. After coming across The Monster on the restaurant menu, I knew I had to have it. A 12oz burger heaped with crispy bacon, cheese and onion rings – what’s not to like?! When the burger arrived, engulfing the table, I knew it would be a hard feat to accomplish, but I fought through the meat sweats and came out victorious on the other side. Only problem was that the quantity outweighed the quality. The burger, for all its size and glory, was dense and hard to enjoy at times. The burger does make fourth place, however, for its amazing TGI dipping sauce.

6/10

3. Horn In Hand

The setting may be a dingy pub that plays some truly awful music at times, but the Horn In Hand’s Scream burger is the real deal. Probably my most consumed food since coming to Nottingham over a year ago, the burger contains a healthy amount of bacon, cheese and onion rings. The quality may not be of the highest order, but it always hits the spot. The Scream burger doesn’t try to be something it’s not – in fact, it laughs in the face of a gastro-burger. It’s cheap, hearty, cheerful and is always there for you. At £6.95 with a pint included, the world needs more burgers like the Scream.

7/10

2. Spanky Van Dykes

If you can wade past the hipster crowd, there is a mighty burger to be had at Spanky Van Dykes. The bar/restaurant doesn’t play it safe, either. Among the delights to be sampled are a halloumi and chorizo number, and even a peanut butter and fried egg burger! I, for one, wasn’t feeling too adventurous, so opted for the pulled pork and sweet chilli jam. There was a wait, but the effort that went into the burger’s creation was immediately noticeable in its appearance. As for the taste, the smoky pulled pork and the quality beef patty combined extremely well. If there was once small concern, the sweet chilli jam was hardly noticeable, but beggars can’t be choosers. What’s best about Spankys, though, is the 2-for-1 offer on a Tuesday. Take a mate and get stuck in.

8/10

1. Annie’s Burger Shack

This is it. The big one. It’s the daddy of all Nottingham burgers – none other than Annie’s Burger Shack. Recently relocated to a prime spot in Hockley, this is the place to be for all the self-confessed burger addicts. What first strikes you is the insane choice on offer at the restaurant, with around 30 different burger variations ranging from the weird to the wonderful. It has to be seen to be believed. I chose the Delta – an Adonis of a burger topped with cheese, onion rings and jalapeños. From first bite to last, it was a transcendent experience which I still struggle to put into words. What’s more, it will only set you back around £10 for probably the best burger you’ve ever had. Annie’s Burger Shack has changed the burger game. All praise Annie and her fine establishment.

10/10

Live Review: Bombay Bicycle Club @ Rock City [07/03/14]

Indie band Bombay Bicycle Club brought their chart-topping album, So Long See You Tomorrow, to a sold-out Rock City last week. Having previously played the venue in 2011, the London group marked a fine return to Nottingham with a set based heavily on their latest release.

New tracks such as Luna and Whenever, Wherever go down a storm with the excited audience as lead singer, Jack Steadman, is accompanied by a set of talented backing vocalists. Fan favourite, Always Like This, is also given an extra twist with the inclusion of an upbeat brass section.

Not famed for their outspoken side, the band do little in the way of crowd interaction, instead letting the music do much of the talking. Bombay, never afraid to reinvent their sound, constantly invigorate the audience with an array of styles – from the riff-heavy indie rock from their debut record to a new, world-music inspired sound. This is attributed to Steadman’s travels around the globe whilst touring and his growing affinity with Asia. Feel’s Indian-infused riff, well received by the packed Midlands crowd, is a far cry from anything done before by the young four-piece.

Fast rising up festival undercards and with an ever-growing fan base, Bombay Bicycle Club are ready to hit new heights with their fourth album – and at Rock City, they’ve come well equipped. They may have seen the world, but now they’re ready to take it over.

Three Songs Stuck In My Head

White Lies - Death

Epic. It’s a word that epitomises White Lies’ work since day one. Death, the first track off their 2009 debut album, is a storming anthem with a build-up capable of sweeping you off your feet. With a penchant for miserable themes, the band deal with the cheery issue of death with the help of some pounding guitars and synth.  It’s evident that from their very first steps, White Lies always envisaged the grandiose setting of a packed arena. Play very loudly.

Surfer Blood - Swim

If you didn’t know, the sun made a brief appearance this weekend. Many people took advantage of it, donning t-shirts and uploading their beer garden photos to Instagram. This song, however, did the trick for me. Surfer Blood’s feedback-drenched track brings up delightful connotations of a sun-tinged Californian beach and would get anyone excited for a glorious British summer. It might not be the most original of songs, but with a chorus as killer as it gets, just enjoy the surf.

Bombay Bicycle Club - Eyes Off You

Having already been one of my favourites from the latest album, So Long See You Tomorrow, the live rendition of this song knocked me for six at their Rock City gig last week. Kicking things off alone with a keyboard, lead singer Jack Steadman carries the song with a haunting falsetto. Dwelling on a lost love interest, the bittersweet track hits a glorious crescendo with all the instruments coming together perfectly. Masterful, both live and on record.

http://platform-online.net/2014/03/the-three-songs-stuck-in-my-head-alex-copley/