garage rock

January 30, 2013

Kodaline Cover “Latch” For BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge

Just last week, Dublin based alternative-rock band Kodaline covered Disclosure’s single “Latch” for the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge, and in doing so turned it from an edgy dance track to a painfully beautiful acoustic masterpiece.

The band tweeted prior to the event that they would be in the Live Lounge with Sara Cox at noon on Wednesday (23rd). Having been familiar with a few of the band’s singles, including the acclaimed “All I Want”, I made sure I was tuned in to hear, and by God I was not disappointed. The song was so successful that many Radio 1 fans have dubbed it “the best Live Lounge yet”, and I certainly find it hard to argue with them. Fearne Cotton also expressed admiration for the cover as she replayed it later the same day on her own show.

Superb vocals from front man Stephen Garrigan immediately give the cover an emotional upheaval compared to the original (in which the vocals have a slightly strained vibe and have been placed over an irritatingly typical dance tune). Couple this with wonderful vocal harmonies in the chorus and you’re left with an emotional and passionate cover, which feels warmer and certainly more intimate than the original.

Also, if you’re a fan of the band’s earlier singles then you will be able to appreciate the integration of the melody from “All I Want”, into the  bridge towards the end of the song.

Have a listen here:

January 19, 2013

Palma Violets To Rock 2013?

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Haven’t heard of Palma Violets? Hopefully this post will get you up-to-date with the up and coming London-based rock band, who are set to take 2013 by storm.

palmaviolets

The English rock band have gained a considerable amount of hype via the internet during 2012, especially after the release of two singles – “Best of Friends” & “Last of the Summer Wine” – from their debut album “180”, set to be released next month (25th February).

However, it’s not just among young music-enthusiasts that the band have gained a reputation. They have also been noticed by the likes of NME and BBC Radio 1, receiving NME’s song of the year 2012 for the single “Best of Friends”, as well as being nominated for the BBC Sound of 2013 Poll.

The four-piece quartet – consisting of Sam Fyrer (vocals/guitar) Chilli Jesson (vocals/bass) Will Doyle (drums) and Pete Mayhew (keyboard) – formed in 2011, and quickly snatched up a record deal with Rough Trade. Since then, the band have gained a notable fan base,  especially considering that they have only released 3 singles to date.

The band’s first 3 singles have almost been played to death on my iPod, and so I am counting down the days until the release of the album, which is certain not to disappoint.

If you are looking for a break from every day pop and want something you can chill out and listen to, i’d strongly recommend checking this band out..

Check out their single “Best of Friends”: