Sigur Rós – Heima

Last year, Sigur Rós decided to play a series of concerts in stunning locations in their homeland of Iceland. Totally free to the local residents, crowds flocked from near and far to see what can only be described as ‘jaw-dropping’ performances.

The film is possibly one of the most beautiful collections of footage I have ever seen, and with Sigur Rós’ mysterious and magical, unique sound, it makes Heima (translation – ‘Home’ in English), an absolute must-see for all.

If the Icelandic Tourist Board had any sense, they would use this amazing film to advertise their picturesque and magical country as it shows the side of Iceland you don’t normally see, steering well clear of the brushed-steel, modern health spas and developments, and instead taking our breath away with the magic of what is a beautiful country, complimented perfectly by one of my favourite bands, the immensely talented Sigur Rós.

I really couldn’t recommend any film more highly than Heima, definately a 10/10, perfect in every way, the only critisism being that it had to end.

You can check out the trailer at the Heima website at www.heima.co.uk

Tom Gauld music video

Created with the help of animators ‘Dirty UK’ for Ed Harcourt’s new single ‘Visit from the dead dog’.

Its brilliant!

Featured Artist – CASS LOWE

I had the pleasure of attending Kate Walsh’s gig at The London Arts Theatre on the 2nd March 2008, and although had only bought the album on the recommendation of a friend, I loved every minute of it.

Kate’s performance, and the whole night was really set in a quite intimate atmosphere, helped to some extent by the small theatre itself, but mainly due to the sheer ‘nakedness’ of the musician’s work. Every strum of the guitar, every screech of a inaccurately-struck chord was heard, and this blurred the usually-quite-obvious barrier between musician and audience, stripping them back to an existence usually forgotten by most mainstream artists or bands.

Of the night however, one of the main highlights for me was the very first supporting act. Up onto the stage strolled a tall, soppy-haired guy who looked to be in his early twenties, guitar in hand and a great choice in footwear I also noticed (A pair of silver high-top trainers).

He introduced himself as Cass Lowe, and instantly the crowd seemed to warm to him.

In the crowd were young and old, but all seemed to connect with the ‘cheeky’ stage presence, and his music didn’t disappoint.

Accompanying a free-flowing, quite organic-sounding style of guitar-play was a great voice. Deep and honest (by that I mean, not one of those fake, put-on voices some musicians seem to adopt as their own!), it echoed out through the theatre and had everyone transfixed.

Of the songs performed, I particularly enjoyed ‘Wrote You A Song’ and his brilliant rendition of The Cure classic ‘Lovecats’, which was played expertly.

I got the chance to meet with him in the bar afterwards to buy him a drink and congratulate him on a great performance, and he was a really nice guy there too, so really hope his career takes off, I shall definately be keeping my eye out!

Check out his myspace at http://www.myspace.com/casslowe where you can listen to some of his music, and there is also a link for 2 free track downloads.

…ENJOY!

Crank up the volume…

…Spent a short while putting this collection of Alternative/electro tracks together. Enjoy!

MP3: “Little Bit” – Lykke Li

Billed as the next Robyn, Lykke Li is younger, better looking, and is going to be huge!

MP3: “11h30″ – Danger

The latest challenger to Justice’s throne, mixing everything thats great in electro at the moment with Klaxon-esque vovals, they are definately worth a listen.

MP3: “Sleep Deprivation” – Simian Mobile Disco

A sensory overload of bass and electronic genius.

MP3: “Circle Square Triangle” – Test Icicles

Listen out for Devonte Hynes on guitar, now frontman to ‘Lightspeed Champion’.

MP3: “Still Fond” – Cut Off Your Hands

New Zealand’s latest export, highly energetic and damn good.

MP3: “Amylase” – Cajun Dance Party

These guys are just 16 years old and pretty new to the music scene, but seem to be onto a winner.

MP3: “Love Is A Number” – White Rose Movement

A London-based Post-punk/electro outfit. They take inspiration from Joy Division and Depeche Mode, but with a more modern electro sort of vibe.

MP3: “Feel Gold Inc.” – Erol Alkan vs Klaxons vs Gorillaz

…The mix of artists speaks for itself, one of the best remixes I’ve heard for a while.

MP3: “Harder Better Faster…” (Alive 2007) – Daft Punk

Taken from their already-legendary ‘Alive 2007′ sell-out tour.

Have been waiting ages to find this…

MP3: “Cryptic” – Pin Me Down

…Russell from Bloc Party (The amazing guitar player incase you don’t know names), has started his own side project with a young female vocalist from New York, and they have put together a few songs, ‘Cryptic’ clearly being the best, but as yet there isn’t any news on albums or any mainstream releases.

So if you love Bloc Party (…and who doesn’t!?), check out Pin Me Down, you’ll definately be able to recognise instantly the Bloc Party guitar-sort-of-feel going on. Its sheer electro-genius!

…If you’ve had a listen and want to hear some more of their great music, check out their Myspace;

http://www.myspace.com/pinmedown