RVG - Brain Worms Review

I'm still in a kind of nostalgic hangover musical mood from 2023.

I feel that I listen to a lot of new music back on that year, but was hard to memorise new bands and to listen to full album. So, I feel I listened to a lot of new music, but not in very good way, I prefer to discover a band by listening to an entire album besides listening to isolated songs.

However, that didn't happen regarding RVG's new album, Brain Worms.

I discovered it by listening to those "isolated" songs. Can't remember how but "Nothing Really Changes" and "Squid" appeared on my Spotify playlists and I loved both songs.

Then, I went to listen to their entire new album and, it was my favourite album from 2023!

The sound of the album is a kind of dramatic but intense melancholic indie rock music (exactly my style).  

"Squid" must be one of the best rock songs I heard for ages! The song is so powerful, the chorus is extremely aggressive and Romy Vager's voice is full of despair and pain. The lyrics are super interesting, like something that came out of a Kavka book. The transformation into a symbolic squid, the agony of it, just perfect. Best song of 2023!

"Nothing Really Changes" has a natural and fantastic danceable tone, the keyboards are a climax on the song. Although I might receive some hate from saying this, if a friend asks me to describe this song I would say to him "Imagine if Michael Jackson wrote an alternative rock song. Now imagine it 10 times better and there you have it".

"Tropic Of Cancer", the closing anthem, could be something wrote by Patti Smith and "Common Ground" the opener, is a beautiful ballad, sad and hopeful at the same time. "Midnight Sun" is another powerful and fast rock hymn, and, as the rest of the album very poetic "Looking at my future through a past I'll never have" must be one of the best lines I heard last times.

The rest of the album is very consistent, the high quality standard goes through all songs, without exception. 

Happy Birthday David Bowie

Happy Birthday David Bowie.

77!

If there is life on Mars you are there.
David was (and still is) the greatest artist of all time.

We can point how he opened revolutionised music in the 70s, or he opened doors to the queer movement in music, or how good and artistically he planned his own death but today, on his birthday, let's just remember how perfectly good his songs were.

The best, the number one, always. 

Manuel Fúria - Os Perdedores

Manuel Fúria é um artista, curiosamente, quase um conterrâneo meu, o que me faz, sem dúvida ouvir as músicas de outra forma, à procura de referências a Santo Tirso ou ao rio Vizela.

Depois de alguns albums muito bons, lança-se agora, a solo num registo diferente dos anteriores.

O mais recente LP, "Os Perdedores", tem uma sonoridade muito mais dançável, electrónica e, em muitos momentos, mais alegre e feliz.

A música, na sua generalidade é menos orientada por guitarras e faz lembrar uma espécie de 80's modernos, não de uma forma nostálgica, mas mais de uma forma atualizada.

As letras são bastante pessoais (a música normalmente sai melhor quando se escreve com significado) e diria que tem como grande base dois assuntos: a memória/recordação e a religião, neste caso, católica. É um tema, talvez pouco usual na música pop/rock, no entanto válido e muito interessante. Acredito que, numa era em que o catolicismo esteja debaixo de fogo acho que seja importante ver a essência do significado de religião, uma introspeção e uma fé muito pessoal e própria e isto dito por mim, um ateu. 

O single de apresentação, tema "Os Perdedores" apresenta-se como uma das melhoras músicas do álbum. Extremamente dançável, num registo melancólico, com um super refrão cativante, e malhas muito poderosas. E como tal, mistura muito bem os dois temas centrais que apontei em cima.

"Bicicletas de Montanha", "Nem Fome, Nem Mundo" e "Malta Que Se Foi", Fúria recorda eventos, locais e pessoas do seu passado. "Malta Que Se Foi" não entrou à primeira no meu ouvido, achei-a demasiado alegre, quase juvenil, mas agora é dos momentos que mais gosto, a energia está lá, a letra é fantástica, daquelas músicas que um português ouve e tem sempre um sorriso na cara. Os amigos de Fúria devem sentir-se muito honrados por estares presentes na música, mesmo os que já se foram. 

"Blandina de Lyon", é um momento muito forte, e sombrio, relatando algumas dificuldades (ou catástrofes) sofridas por elementos da religião cristã. "Novo Normal" eu diria que é um certo relato das alterações climáticas, pelo menos foi isso que pensei ao ouvir a poesia. 

Diria que "Católico Menino Manco" seja um momento autobiográfico. Manuel Fúria pinta muito bem as suas recordações. É muito fácil virem paisagens à cabeça enquanto se ouve as suas músicas.

Todas as música fluem de uma forma muito natural, é muito agradável de ouvir "Os Perdedores" do início ao fim, quase que como um livro. As músicas têm todas um equilíbrio muito ponderado entre a complexidade (eletrónica) e a simplicidade do que é uma música na sua base. Fúria canta de uma forma sonhadora, com uma voz que transpira tanto saudade e melancolia do seu passado como alegria por ter vivido esses momentos.  

O album está excelente. Tendo por base uma ou outra entrevista que li, penso que este álbum seja um testamento muito pessoal e biográfico que Manuel Fúria tinha vontade de deixar e exatamente desta forma, falando de si mesmo, das suas cidades, dos seus amigos, da sua religião. 

Mais aqui:

https://manuelfuria.bandcamp.com/album/os-perdedores

Depeche Mode - Ghosts Again Review

 Depeche Mode just launched their comeback single.

The song is called "Ghosts Again" and is the presentation single ffor their next album, Memento Mori.

It is the first piece of music release by the band after the death of their founding member Andrew Fletcher. 

Although the song could be seen as a memorial to their former friend, all the album was written before Fletcher's death. Death, pain and suffering are really common themes on the band's back catalogue, so I would say it is a bit normal that their new single is about it. However, as Martin Gore said, the passing of Andy really gave an extra meaning to all of their new material.

Fletcher was a vital member on the band, not in a musically way, but, much more in a spiritual and balanced way. 

The song is OK but, in my opinion, nothing really great.  They have much better songs on the past, and, for example, "Where's The Revolution?" (the 1st single from the previous album) was a much more powerful song.

Dave Gahan said  that "Ghosts Again" is the perfect balance between joy and melancholy. He has a point of course, the song is too joyful for Depeche Mode. The keyboard lines, the piano, the melodies are too pop, their dark side is really missing here. the guitar intro is really simple, without a powerful distortion. The verse melody is also too simple, it's a bit basic on the flow of the instrumental. The chorus is more OK, Gore's voice gives it a deeper feeling. But I do have the feeling that this song really went on a extreme softer version of the band.

The percussion is also too artificial. I do miss their rockier times from the 90's, which seemed to be back on their last 2 albums. 

The lyrics are OK, although the verses are, again too simple, too short, the chorus is good, something like a prayer about the eternity on the after-life.

The video is also nothing special, a lot of meaningless shots of a skull walking stick, Gahan crawling on a cemetery like he as lost something on the ground and a never ending chess game deosn't really help. Although the fact that it is is black and white was a good move.

Depeche Mode are, and forever will be, one of my favourite bands from all time, but, I really hope that the rest of the album brings better songs.

New Placebo Music - Review

Placebo have release 3 new songs, that are a introduction for the new album "Never Let Me Go" due to release on 25 March.

It's kinda hard to now if "new songs" are singles, like they used to be back in day.

It's their first new songs since the 2013 album "Loud Like Love", an album that was a bit of a low point on the band's career.

However, the band seem to have found their space again. "Beautiful James" is a big anthem, with energetic keyboard riffs and a very very catchy chorus. It is one of those very simple (two chords) but very nice and direct songs. It's beautiful, catchy, emotional. A perfect comeback single and lyrically it is brilliant too. That romantic and dramatic lyrics "Take me by the hand, as we cross through battlefields" or "The silence in your hard eyes, is far too rare to give away" are pure poetry, the kind of lyrics that were being written back in the late 90's.

"Surround By Spies" is a hard and very dark song. It has some "English Summer Rain" vibes on it. The robotic and repetitive lyrics give the song that feeling like thy are documenting something very tragic and dangerous like a dictatorship or something that wants us to break free. Lyrics like "Dead fly on the national anthem" gives us even more that feeling, but again, all of the words of the lyrics fit the melody perfectly and, the song ends with a breathtaking crescendum, like a climax. A powerful song.

Their last single "Try Better Next Time", it's my least favourite song from the 3, but it is also, a good song. More commercial and a lot lighter than the previous two songs. The lyrics are about the horrible process of eating meat, a flag that Brian Molko proudly hoists. 

These 3 songs are promising, Placebo seem to be back to their old drama, to their old and own sound.
Let's wait for "Never Let Me Go" but these are good times for the fans of the band! 

Coming Up Celebration Postponed to November

 

We are facing a world pandemic. Most of the concerts are being reschedule to later dates.

Unfortunately (but comprehensively) for me, Suede postponed their Coming Up anniversary shows to November. 

I bought tickets for their London show and it is something like a dream concert. My favourite Suede album is Coming Up and I never saw live one of my favourite songs, the b-side "Europe Is Our Playground", which, for sure, they will play on that show.

I just really really hope that they don't have to postpone again the concert because, as Suede's bassist Mat Osman said on social media "Feels like this will be the last change."

Also, according to Mat, until November, we can expect a lot of Coming Up surprises, so, although all of the troubles, looks like exciting times for Suede fans!

The Horrors Release New Single

The Horrors have released new music yesterday.  It's their first released since the album "V" from 2017.

The song is a bit different from their previous work. I do think I told that the last 2 albums by the band were too pop. Well, they turned completely the other way now. The new song "Lout" is a hard rock industrial song. Very noisy, very aggressive. The vocals are very distorted, which makes the lyrics almost incomprehensible, and it includes some loud screams. The main guitar riff is good.  

The song gives me mix feeling. Although I do prefer their rockier version, in this song they went too heavy. I'm curious about the album, I do hope they don't go too much on the metal direction but it's always great news to hear something new from the band. 

Brett Anderson Will Broadcast 9 Songs In March

Brett Anderson, lead singer and creative force of Suede, will be part of a live (online) collaboration with Charles Hazlewood,  The Paraorchestra, Adrian Utley, Seb Rochford and Nadine Shah.

The live performance will included 9 songs (3 of them Anderson & Suede related) and will be released through BBC Cymru Wales, within the digital festival GŴYL 2021.

The songs will have an acoustic and orchestral arrangements in a darker and more melancholic orientation.

I found out about this incredible new on the fantastic website of The Insatiable Ones, Suede's most loyal and best fan group, which I'm proudly part of. 

The set list will be: 

The Killing Moon - Echo and the Bunnymen
Unsung - Brett Anderson
Nightporter – Japan
The End of the World - Skeeter Davis
He’s Dead – Suede
Wonderful Life - BLACK
The Next Life - Suede
Holes - Mercury Rev
My Death - Brel (David Bowie version)

For more information, please visit The Insatiable Ones Website

Travis "10 Songs" - Review

 

I'm a big fan os Travis. I've been following them, album by album and I really like the band. One of those bands that never disappoint you, and keep their soul and spirit intact. Also, they are, already an aged band, stabilised, with this, just like hundreds of other artists, you don't expect that they release something really new, something really different and original.

First, the album title is boring. "10 songs" for an album with 10 song is just too much lazy. The band already done this in the past, with "12 memories", which was a much better way to give the name to an album with 12 songs. I can't create sympathy with an album title like that."Untitled" would sound better.

The songs on the album lack a bit of energy. Too many acoustic guitars and strings. The first too songs are a bit slow, guided by piano riffs. Particularly, the "la-la-la" on "The Only Thing" are really annoying. The lyrics are simple, but the music sounds a bit like a pop songs from Coldplay. They lack sound and speed. A bit forgettable compared with Travis back catalogue. 

But, those 2 songs, comes the best song on the album, "Valentine" has everything that the previous two don't have. Dramatic lyrics, electric riffs, hard bass. It's a great moment of music, I wish the album would sound more like this. Then, the next 2 songs, sound again like the first two, slow, and a bit boring. "A Ghost" is, again a good moment, a danceable one. Actually, this song is a good example how the band did a great song, acoustically guided by a piano riff. It looks like a story-telling song, with e a bit a Western feeling. Wonderful. "All Fall Down" and "Kissing In The Wind" are, again, slow, but this time more emotional, better ones. Although they don't compare with Travis classic ballad songs (like Luv or Some Sad Song) they are OK. 

"Nina's Song" is my second favourite song. Although its"sugary" and Christmas sound, is a gerat one. The chorus are beautiful with all the backing vocals. Again, this kind of ballads are funny and beautiful and don't make Travis look like a pop piano sensation.

The last song is a piano ballad. Ok but a bit irrelevant.

I love the band, that's why I'm being a bit harsh on this review. The album is OK but it's not the band on their best shape. Their previous works were far better and if I saw them live soon, aside from 3 songs, I wouldn't like them to play too much from this album. 

6/10 

Bicep "Isles" - Review

 

Bicep, the Northern Irish electronic duo, came to me when I saw them at Primavera Sounds festival in Porto some years ago. Typically, they aren't my style of music, although I've been listening to more and more electronic instrumental music. 

I would say that Bicep are very different from the typical "raves music" or the acid techno. Their sound is very very clean, you can listen to every different timbre, they don't overlap each other (like some of their contemporaries sometimes do).The riffs are mysterious, with a lot of keyboard work and a lot of songwriting, lots of melodies. Again, however there are really a lot of different sounds at the same time, they don't mash in a bad way, they mix in a very good way. You can hear every melody, you don't just hear noise. And, their trademark, and probably my favourite thing about their music, they have really strong background bass (check their most famous song, "Just"). Some of their songs evolve around the hard bass, and although they have high riffs, it's the bass that you search for. 

They just released their second album "Isles", it reached #2 on the UK charts (which is an extraordinary result for this kind of music) and it is facing very positive critical acclaim. 

The album is very direct in their style. Everything that I wrote above, sums on the album. Beautiful keyboards, a lot of melodies, very clean, all sounds very separate from each other.

The best track is "X". I choose it because of the bass. They are amazing, very very aggressive and strong. It's the perfect background for its industrial riffs. The singer gives a soft feel to it, but, again, the bass does everything, gives soul and personality to the song. It's the perfect example way I like the duo.

Then, you have very chill ambient moments, like "Sundial" or "Lido" which are perfect for a gin tonic near the sea. Simples and spacious. "Rever" and "Fir" are for some harder long nights. "Saku" is a bit more poppy, but it is also one of the best moments of the album. Funny, I said that Rever and Fir are for long nights, "Saku" is for a long long afternoon on the beach. The first 3 songs of the album are also not so aggressive, a bit commercial too. Songs that make Bicep opened to a wider audience, and thank God for that. 

As an overall, this album is perfect to be played almost in any time of the day. It give you energy in the morning, it relax you in the afternoon, making it the perfect company for a drink and makes you dance at night.  Bicep are probably the most interesting and innovating scene on electronic music these days.

7/10

Jonathan Bree - After The Curtains Close - Review

I didn't know Jonathan Bree before. I have heard about The Brunettes (but can't remember any tune from them) but Bree appeared on a (once again) perfect tip from Spotify.

His music is very charming, very mature. It matches perfectly with his deep voice. You can see instantly that Jonathan is not a kid, is a grown up musician, an aged musician, who keeps better with the passing of the years. A bit like Lou Reed or Johnny Cash. 

Also, his image is wonderful. Always using spandex masks, keeps a very mysterious feeling to his persona and to his music. 

But let's talk about the important thing, the album, After The Curtains Close.

This album is a great, typical, indie album, by a stabilised artist but, with two super important additions. Surround almost all songs and moments of the album, there is an orchestral, classical feeling that gives an uncanny and special sound. Bree mixed all of his attributes in a perfect way. Imagine this: a singer with a charming and deep voice, accompanied by a lot of string instrumental (violins, cellos, harps), wearing masks that cover all of his expressions, playing in a misty and cloudy night in the middle of a forest. That's what this album sounds. And it takes you to a place like that.

There is a song that is a total masterpiece: In The Sunshine. It's the most beautiful track on the album and one of the best things I heard in a while. Soft, danceable, romantic, mysterious. So beautiful. The lyrics are simple and direct. Like a love poem. Actually, the melody speaks so much for iself that it is better to keep the lyrics simple. The "La's" are amazing, gives you a dedep feeling of hope and peace.

Waiting Of The Moment was wisely selected for the first single, as it is the most catchy song on the album.The strings, the overlaid voices, the high bass, a great great song. As it should be, the closing and album-title track After The Curtain Close is another great song, my third favourite for now.

Then, you have a nice collabration with Princess Chelsea and Britta Philips (Kiss My Lips and Meadows in Bloom), although these songs sound like the most different tracks of all, almost maladjusted from the rest of the album. 

Then, you a have a lot of good tracks on it, some things in a "noir" and industrial feeling like "Children", "Until We're Done" or other more pop and conventional like "Cover Your Eyes" or "Happy Daze".

It was a great surprise to discover so late Jonathan Bree. He looks like a modern Scott Walker or Richard Hawley. A great album to hear. And, In the Sunshine, must fo directly to yor playlist.

8/10

Keep An Eye On The Playlists

Just a quick reminder to keep following my beautiful playlists:~

STRANGE SOUND

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6DmVesmictdjb65eVyZuIu?si=Md5unM3MQxW_Ho5IefMyKA

This one keeps getting updated regularly! The new playlist is here and it features Camera Obscura, Benjamin Biolay, Grizzly Bear, Jessie Ware, Holy Nothing, Acácia Maior, Tracy Vandal, Jonathan Bree, Ringo Starr and the one and only David Bowie

INDIE PENDENCE

With 430 songs, it includes of of the 43 previous Strange Sound playlists!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Yx830GzBcfMCVDa60HNx4?si=w9of7dVSRSOvDdOEl6Gc9g

Only good music!

David Bowie Is Still Making The Difference

Last week, David Bowie would have been 74 years old. Also, last week marked 5 years since his death.

To celebrate his birthday, Bowie (or who is in charge of his posthumous career) release a new single. A "double A-Side" that has the cover of Bob Dylan's "Tryin' To Get To Heaven" and John Lennon's "Mother".

Bowie was a huge fan of both of the artists and, on the late 90's recorded versions of these 2 songs. Of course that, for each on its songwriter, both of the songs mean a lot and are very important songs. 

Bowie gives a new vibe, a very "Bowish" sense (specially on the Dylan song) and, we can see work there, they aren't merely fun sessions covers, they are David's own interpretation of the songs. 

What makes us happy is that we have new music by Bowie, although that isn't only the important thing. After his death, whenever he is, we feel that David still manages his releases. Obviously this single isn't a new way of making money (it could have been launched way back). It is Bowie's vision of his career, of his legacy after his death. The same way he released "Lazarus" or "No Plan" or all of the boxsets, I believe that he also planned this. He wanted these songs to be released on 5 year after his death. 

We feel that same artists are explored after they pass away (Jeff Buckley, Nirvana, Joy Division, etc.). We don't feel this way about Bowie. This was planned, like he was alive. This is new music. This is still relevant. And this is what makes David Bowie the greatest artist of all time, dead or alive.

 

Carlos do Carmo

Carlos do Carmo é, depois de Amália, a maior figura do Fado. Sendo o Fado, o estilo de música mais importante em Portugal, o mesmo será lembrado como um dos artistas mais importantes do nosso país.

O Fado é um tipo de música muito nostálgico. Normalmente, os jovens Portugueses não tendem a consumir este género de música. Toda a gente gosta, mas, tanto em termos de espetáculos pagos ou de produtos musicais (CDs, Vinis, etc.) não está, de todo, na grande prioridade dos ouvintes portugueses. Até nas rádios, passa muito menos que outro estilo de música qualquer. 

Eu não fujo à regra e sou um desses também que goste, mas que reconhece uma dúzia de música dos mesmo. Desta maneira irei fazer um esforço para descobrir, aprender e ouvir mais Fado.

Desta maneira, e, de um ponto de vista pessoal, o que realmente guardo do Carlos do Carmo é uma voz maravilhosa e belíssima, um talento natural para cantar, e uma presença em palco inquestionável. Um arista, no verdadeiro sentido da palavra, que era o melhor naquilo que fazia que teve uma linda carreira e que soube sair e se retirar na altura certa. 

Para além disso, estando neste momento a passar imensas entrevistas antigas do mesmo na televisão, nota-se e ressalva-se uma simpatia extraordinária. 

De todos os clássicos cantados por Carlos do Carmo, o meu preferido é "Os Putos". Que maravilhosa canção.

Vamos fazer uma homenagem a esta artista e ouvir mais Fado.

McCartney III - Review

The legendary Paul McCartney has just released a new album, called McCartney III.

The album title is a continuation of his 1980 album McCartney which who had already a sequel titled McCartney I (1970). Some critics compared these 3 albums but I thinks it is a silly thing to do (the #2 was released 40 years ago, completely different times). 

Paul did a very good and efficient job here. Thankfully, he didn't go far from his typical rock n roll sound. This is the kind of album that you would expect that an aged Beatle would record. Drums, guitars, bass, nice melodies, keeping it simple and raw. Paul played all instruments and all vocals, so there wasn't space for strange collaboration like he did in the past (Thank God). 

What can you find thought these 11 songs? Well, you have some "Paul's granny music" which is always nice and beautiful, there's a nice sensibility on tracks like "The Kiss Of Venus", "Pretty Boys" and then there's some catchy pop tunes like "Find My Way" or "Seize The Day". Paul's old formula is there and still works! "Woman And Wives" shows a darker side of the album, more dramatic. There are two excelent, pure rock moments on the album. "Slidin'" seems like an old brother of Helter Skelter. Raw, Agressive, Loud guitars. The best song on the album, without any doubt. It's hard to imagine a 78 years old man writing this song. The speed, the lyrics, the transitions in the song, it's perfect. "Lavatory Lil" is a more classic rock song, funny. Then there an atmospheric song, almost 9 minutes long, called "Deep Deep Feeling" that is also one of the high points of the album. It's the most complex song on the album, with a lot of variations. Beautiful and fits very well in the middle of the album. Then, you can find the sequel of Blackbird during the last song, "When Winter Comes". 

The album is excellent. I would like to see him exploring more his harder side but it's great as it is. I think it is more similar to Paul's first solo albums, like Ram, simple, direct and raw. I can put it as one of my favourite McCartney's solo albums. Its the proof that the ex-Beatle can't make bad music. 

A victory. Let's hope that Paul continues to write music like this for many many years. 

8/10

     

The Grace Of Jeff Buckley

Two days ago was the birthday of Jeff Buckley.

I usually say that Jeff Buckley was the artist with more potential that was taken from us too soon. I also say that he is the dead artist that is more exploited by the recording industry. After he died, different labels released so many compilations, demos, live performances that is almost sick. I doubt that he would approve it, if he was here to decide.

He died when he was 30 years old, and he released only one solo album, Grace.

I want to remember him by this album. It is a mixture of 10 great anthems. You have great Indie-Rock songs like the album title song or So Real, and then you have super delicate pieces of music like Corpus Christi Carol, Lilac Wine or the eternal Hallelujah. I almost never prefer a cover version from the original one, but in this album, it happens twice. Or thrice, if you count with Corpus Christi Carol.

The reason that I usually say that he is special, that he could achieve unbelievable things its not only because of those 10 songs, but also because of Buckley's own musicality. He can sing, play guitar, and write (lyrically and melodically) like a monster. Without a doubt, he was blessed. He was a breath of fresh air on the American musical scene.

Jeff was, and still is, one of the best ever. I still keep (and will forever do) Grace as one of my top 10 favourite albums of all time, one of the ones that I would take to a desert island.

Is always a good day to remember Jeff Buckley, so let's celebrate his legacy, his music. 

Two days ago, Jeff would be 54.  

Pale Honey - Some Time, Alone Review

During this week, the album that was playing on my car was Devotion, the second album by Pale Honey. I love that album, it is still my favourite from them. It's very rock, brutal and raw. Direct. Brilliant.

Some Time, Alone, their new album, is  not exactly like the previous one. That's good of course, it's good to be different, it's good to evolve. Although, it's clear for me, and I want to be honest, I do prefer Devotion.

The new album is softer, calmer, a bit more electronic and has hard beating drums and killer guitar riffs. Of course, that we can find some exceptions. "Killer Scene" is a rock and heavy song, the one that could fit better to Pale Honey's previous works, it's a great song. "Treat You Good" and "Bad Things" also has that feeling during the chorus. 

Then, the rest of the songs switch between some pop/rock classic tunes, and some electronic dreamy moments.  "Beat Me" and "Heaven Knows How Far I've Gone" (quite forgettable song) are good examples of that melancholic moments. "Trouble Is The Only Thing I Know" is also introspective and it is the most heavier moments of the album, a great depressive rock song, cheers to that. The album-title song and "Set Me Free" show an attempt of the band to be more danceable and maybe, more, "modern", which is something that the band really doesn't need to; I do believe that the band is good in doing aggressive and direct rock music.

Funny enough, my favourite song of the album is "Friends" which is maybe the most commercial one. Its lunatic feeling is very sweet and enjoyable. I love it. I know it's stupid that I kinda criticised the softer songs, and my favourite one ends up being the most commercial one. But that's how music works, each tune hits you in a different way. 

So, as an overall, the album is great, a bit more relaxed then previous ones, less loud, but it has great great moments. As I said, the other albums are very direct, very plain, this one grows in you. As I am re-listening to it, I found it more and more enjoyable, specially now, in a cold Winter night.

Please, buy the album here and support Pale Honey.

https://palehoneyband.bandcamp.com/album/some-time-alone

Suede Are Coming Back To Portugal In 2021

Finally some good news about the music industry!
2020 is an almost cancelled year for music events, but things are getting for 2021.
Suede, my favourite band, are coming back to Portugal, this time for the legendary festival Vilar de Mouros.
The band is playing on the same night as Placebo, which will be a great dose of British music.
Vilar de Mouros is one of the oldest and more traditional festival in Portugal. After some years of a long hiatus, the festival came back and are raising the bar for 2021.
Suede, Placebo, Iggy Pop, Bauhaus and Wolfmother are among the confirmed acts.

Best Coast - Always Tomorrow Review

I discovered Best Coast 2 or 3 years ago, something like that.
Coincidentally, during this time the singer Bethany Cosentino was in a creative block while trying to get sober. The band was almost going to end but, however, they got back together to the studio and worked on what would be "Always Tomorrow" (between this they released a kids album).

Crazy For You is one of the best Californian chill albums of the last years. A perfect album to listen while going to the beach or having some beers. The band evolved, and went, in my opinion to a more pop sound.

However, in Always Tomorrow, they took a louder a rockier direction.
The songs have energy and they have speed. The first single, "For The First Time" doesn't really reflex the sound of the album and, actually is, for me, one of worst songs of the album.
"Different Light" is a cracker, a great opening. The same goes for "Everything Has Changed", which is probable my favourite song of the album. The opening riff is great, Bobb Bruno is, undoubtedly a very skilled guitarist and a riff master.

The main topic of the songs is the road to sobriety, how to deal with it, and how to get your life together after years of abuse, depressions, fears and hardcore life and how good it is the have all of that behind you.
Probably because of this, some songs have a very "charming" dark tone, like "Rollercoaster" or "Gracelles Kids".
"True" is also of the highest moments of the album. The latin, californian, lullaby sound of it is great. Bethany is, obviously a great singer, with a very beautiful voice, but, one thing I really appreciate or her vocals, and ou can listen well on this track, its her non-lyrical backing voice. It's beautiful, relaxing and chilling and I always loved them and really think it makes a difference and puts a great personality on their songs.
The rest of the songs flow in the same style. Fast pop/rock songs accompanied by a loud electric rhythm guitar. "Seeing Red" is catchy, "Master Of My Own Mind" is composed by 2 very different sections, "Make It Last" is also one of the best songs, with a strong message about relationship possessions (and a fantastic guitar) and "Used To Be" is the melancholic closing redeemer track.

Bascially, Best Coast are not anymore the "kids" from Crazy For You, they are much more mature now, and that is reflected in their music. Most of their songs are now heavier, darker and more complex.
And that's what life is about, changing, ageing, trying to feel better and be a better person.

Paul McCartney & Others to Play Online Fest

The world is facing probably the worst and most unlikely event ever.
We need to stay home, we need to do a social isolation and, when I see we, it's really the whole world, including politicians, actors, sportsmen and, of course musician.
The concerts are being cancelled all over the world, new music and albums are being postponed.
However, there is a huge supportive vibe all over the world. People are really trying to make a difference, and that's a very beautiful thing. Hopefully, when this crisis is over, this solidarity will continue to grow and we will be better human beings.
Musicians are doing their part. They are cancelling their gigs and, a lot of them are doing live Instagram or radio performances.
On the night of the 18th to the 19th of April, a lot of artists and entertainers will do live performances. This event will include some legendary names like Paul McCartney, Elton John, Eddie Vedder or Andre Bocelli. 
Check their official site for more information about the stream.
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/connect/togetherathome/

Stay safe, stay home.