Music Reviews: April 2015

Juga‐Naut

Stolen Art EP

EP (Self‐released)

The mean‐mouthed chef delivers another spellbinding EP to add to his illustrious collection in the form of Stolen Art; a combination of eminent sampling and sharp production to get even the most obscure crate digger’s mouths watering. Paying homage to the forefathers of the jazz and soul generation of the early seventies, Jugz adds his vicious slice of socially conscious, lyrical wordplay to make a mixtape of genuine beauty. The spectrum of his rhyming is something to behold, from “The peanut buttercups in the ripped jeans” to “Margaret Thatcher, iron lady, might snatch your rent”. The fact Jugzy Malone remains an underground entity even in his own city, never mind nation, shows the ignorant view British society has towards its own original artistry. Plant this in the harsh streets of NY or Chicago, and it would go off louder than an atomic bomb through a siren. The catalogue of influences delves the listener into a whole new ballpark of music outside of the EP, respecting the heroes of his past while synonymously creating authentic, incisive tunes that tug at the conscious mind. The mesmeric Everyday Visions, with an ingenious, sped‐up sample of Stevie Wonder’s Visions, takes it back to the golden days of hip hop; catching rays outside a Brooklyn front porch as hydrants spray out water over school kids. Juga‐Naut manages to create these pictures and memories that we can envisage with such ease, a true wordsmith in every sense. Salute. Jack Garofalo  

 

Antronhy

Cicake Zi Putihi

Album (NGland)

Following his Uncle Sweetheart release, the ex‐Bivouac musician returns with another collection of experimental musical musings. Where his previous release was a world of dark, claustrophobic funk, here Antronhy brings his percussive sensibilities to the fore. Split over four tracks, this instrumental release opens with eerie whistling before breaking out into ominous drums and synths. It’s the second half, however, where things really get going. A blast of crumbling electronics make way for the album’s centrepiece, the lengthy final track 2:2. Over nineteen minutes and forty seconds, a repetitive drum pattern slowly builds into a meditative, krautrock workout. More elements are drip‐fed into the mix, with the piece unfolding into a loose rhythmic jam that has shades of a spaced‐out Can to it. With Julian Cope listed as a contributor, that’s a sure‐fire sign things are going to be a little bit freaky. Paul Klotschkow

 

Babe Punch

Snake Tongue / Fixation

EP (Self‐released)

They’re young, they’re punk and they sweat cool, for Christ’s sake. Stupidly talented, their tunes are tight and their lyrical ability knocks the socks off the entirety of the pop chart assembly. Comparisons will be made to The Runaways, both on their sound and purely for the fact that they’re women, but Babe Punch stand up as a band in their own right. This two‐track EP isn’t quite enough to satisfy my new‐found girl crush on them. Snake Tongue is a hissing, punching, reverberating, fist‐to‐the‐face track, with deep vocals and a persistent, hammering rhythm. Fixation, though, is my favourite of the two. It’s faster, more aggressive and the high‐pitched vocals form the ultimate girl‐power jam. “You gotta fixation on me” forms the refrain of the song, forcing its way through my headphones with the might of a band on the cusp of summat grand. Lucy Manning

 

Bowman, Hull & The Instant Band

Dirty Shuffle

Album (Self‐released)

Finding music to make you smile can often prove a difficult task. This bunch of rock and rollers, however, have managed to create just that. With a bouncy feel to their mix of rock ‘n’ roll and blues, you’ll find it pretty damn hard to sit still while listening to this album. Dirty Shuffle gets the record off to a winning start, while Bobby Thumbnail and I Can’t Find a Friend carry the energy through to the very last note. Toe‐tapping beats, fiddly guitar sounds, and infectious lyrics make it impossible not to want to join in, and as soon as you hear the melodies, you’ll find yourself singing along too. Their musical talent is found not only with instruments and vocals, but also with how tight they are as a band ‐ all adding to the infectiousness of the album. Hannah Parker

 

Duke01

Steroid Stereo (Orange Edition)

Album (Uncommon Records)

Duke01 has long lived in the shadows of Nottingham’s more prevalent rappers and wordsmiths, but Steroid Stereo is sure to change that with an album of politically‐charged, well orchestrated rhyming and sharp production. From the kaleidoscopic chopping of Ellington Binary to the hard‐hitting, jazzy rock orientated The Power of Cow Meat, Duke01 sets himself apart from other rappers with thought‐provoking originality. A concoction of grime, grunge and hip hop, it’s difficult not to make comparisons with Zack De La Rocha and Chuck D circa It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. Countdown To Armour is a seven‐minute masterpiece of finesse and popular culture referencing, standing as the plat principal of the LP. The album surely has brought Duke01 a plethora of new listeners and fans, but it makes you wonder: Where the hell have we been since this guy’s been making this stuff? Jack Garofalo

 

Hot Box

The Summer EP

EP (Self‐released)

One listen through this band’s debut EP and it’s clear Hot Box are brimming with confidence. Blending the energy of Two Door Cinema Club and the charm of early Vampire Weekend, The Summer EP is stacked with bouncing guitar hooks and sweet vocal harmonies, all anchored by possibly the grooviest rhythm section this city has to offer. Anyone who appreciates an elaborate bass line will find a lot to admire, particularly on the nimble choruses of Summer and the alluring Daughter. Everything from Disposition’s carefree, Crystal Fighter‐esque jams, to the foot‐tapping, seventies funk found in See it in You, is executed with an impressive maturity – it’s great to hear a young band approach their music with this much poise. All in all, this EP is a bold debut statement ‐ if you’re looking for a cure for the last dregs of winter blues, this might be just the ticket. Andrew Harrison

 

Josh Kemp

Chatterbox EP

EP (Self‐released)

Josh Kemp would be best friends with everyone in Nottingham if he had his way. This singer‐songwriter is full of charm and passion, using his skills to create expressive music that'll weave its way into your heart long before the songs are over. Chatterbox, the title track of his new EP, showcases Josh’s style in less than four minutes. His voice is full of passion as he folds layers of music over each other to create something special with little more than a guitar and loop pedal. There's a comforting feeling of honesty as Josh Kemp tells us stories of broken hearts and bittersweet relationships; after one listen you feel you've made a friend for life. If that's not enough, Josh has included piano versions of two songs, offering a delicate alternative to the already emotional tracks. Give him a chance, you won't regret it. Penny Blakemore

 

Mixed Reactions

Nightlife EP

EP (Self‐released)

Citing influences such as Blink 182, Green Day, and Arctic Monkeys, this five‐hander rock band are certain to appeal to a large audience. Having said this, they manage to add their own distinct style to their music and clearly forge their own identity. Although young, they’ve been around for a while, which is quite clear on listening to the tight‐knit songs on the track list, beginning with Delirious. In Heroes, we hear a softer side to the band, proving that they don’t need to rely on being an all‐out, loud and proud rock band. They are a very talented bunch of local musicians, as you can tell by their guitar skills, foot‐stomping drum beats, and strong vocals. They have a knack for writing a damn catchy tune, packing this EP with lyrics that after a mere few listens will have you wanting a good old bus time sing‐along to. 

Hannah Parker

 

UJahm

Trent Town Rock EP

EP (Self‐released)

This four‐piece have created a sound that reflects the diversity of its creators. The three‐track EP jumps from dancing its way down busy British summer streets in Wannabe, to naked, beach balcony kisses in Lollipop, to getting blazed out of your face with your mates in Redder Than Red. Shylaah’s high‐pitched, babyish vocals are, at times, reminiscent of Musical Youth and occasionally flit to the more biting, rasp of Tanya Stephens’ voice. Although each tune has a different feel according to the story it’s telling, the bouncy guitar riffs and wah‐ing keyboards wind a string around reggae origins and working class UK culture alike. There’s a sense of light being shone on greyness and, with sprinkles of myriad genres thrown in, Trent Town Rock EP is a right summer jam to whack on the Minirig at the Arb’ this year. Bridie Squires

You Want Fox
Bad Girls
Single (Self-released)
The fiercest chicks on the punk block, You Want Fox have hit us right where it hurts with their debut single, Bad Girls. With the power of Joan Jett, the soaring vocals of Suzi Quatro and the kick-ass girl power of The Runaways, the duo have as much might as a full band. The single opens with a military-esque drum solo that sounds more like a call to arms than an introduction, beckoning women, like the Pied Piper, to embrace their naughtier sides. In true anarchist punk style, the guitar is distorted throughout, forcing the vocal to maintain the melody, albeit with a hell of a lot of modulation. It’s punchy and it’s fun, and I can only imagine the kind of energy this duo bring to their gigs. Book me a ticket, that’s all I can say. Lucy Manning

You can hear a tune from each review on our Sound of the Lion podcast.