Now you’re young , full of talent and also featuring Lupe Fiasco in you’re first single? That’s the kind of music I like! Emily at only 21 may have started off with a ballad styled beginning but now as the newest signee with J Record’s there is more goodness from where that came from. Her first single, "Walk In My Shoes," was produced by Chucky Thompson, and as abovementioned Lupe also makes an appearance on this track! With all this said her single rocks with the slow and slides with the flow.
King can't be labeled R&B, Hip-Hop, Folk, Jazz or Rock anymore and where this helps her best is she skillfully combines all five on her debut album.
For those that aren’t into the full on ‘in your face’ hip-hop I’d recommend this. It’s also suited to those that like some easy listening with the hype to get you going on long trips.
Quite evidently my favorite track is "Walk in My Shoes” featuring Lupe Fiasco, but the others that are worth mentioning are "Alright," "Colorblind," and "Business Man."
Be sure to check out her latest album EAST SIDE STORY! It may have taken her almost 5 years to deliver something new but to our surprise it’s here and instores now and I’m a fan.
This year’s underdog is ready and snarling, once the mongrel’s let loose, no leg will remain unmarked…
Formally the drummer of Gold Coast based, alternative funk collective, Jacob's Well, The Revel is no stranger to the stage, supporting the likes of Jebediah and Nancy Vandal, the group performed well received shows at the Coast's seminal venue, The Playroom. Now, following a two year hiatus after the band parted ways;
...Revel8 has returned with one, clear purpose: to take the piss!!
Keeping things short this time FREESTATE is a combination of raw power and melody, with all this seen as they launch their debut album 'Surrender' now scaling Australia's heavy rock scene to new heights.
With integrity and musical abilities akin to The Butterfly Effect and Karnivool and riffs that would make any Wolfmother proud, FREESTATE bring a presence which bridges the gap and pushes the boundaries of rock music genres.
Surrender is as solid a debut as you are likely to see from an Australian act. With strength in tracks like Twice Alive, hooks galore in tracks like Man Who Couldn't Lie and experimental sounds in Necessary and Phoenix, FREESTATE show themselves to be a band assured of both where they are and where they are headed.
It may have taken these guys sometime to develop their craft and define their sound, but we are surprised with the results. The Melbourne three-piece act, Tin Alley offers a stripped back, harmonic and melodious rock taht fits somewhere between the Aussie rock icons like You Am I, the grunge era of Stone Temple Pilots, Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam, and early U2.
With us now presenting another aussie rock album debut 'Every Turn', featuring the band's debut single “In Your Hands”, an energetic song about responsibility. The is certianly an incredible amount of work within this album. Dont forget to check them out at www.tinalley.net
Alright here we have it, I absolutely LOVED this CD! You've probably heard the first single WE GET AROUND already,so why did I ask? Solely because it is getting around! With High rotations on The Edge and Triple J it's no wonder the song gets stuck in my head, The track doesn't escape from other community radio stations either rotating on their nightly shows, as well as receiving some night spots play on Nova!
After much anticipation for the last 3 weeks I finally got a chance get some deep listen time and I was NOT at any point.. dissapointed! Because I've already introduced you to one song I also HIGHLY reccomend listening to the rest of his tracks. The Signal is a dramatic follow-up album to the highly acclaimed Distant Sense of Random Menace(2004). The Cd Features collaborations with the blues femme Mia Dysonq, Hau (Koolism), Muph (Muph& Plutonic), Ozi Batla, The Tongue, Indigenous soul-man Radical Son and singer Mark Pearl. I think you'll be pretty pleasently suprised. As I'd call it, pure Aussie Hip Hop with an energetic twist.
So now you wanna know when or where to get it? The shops have got it for you to check out now! The Cd launch is August 18th in Sydney at the Annandale Hotel. Get your tix asap for the launch as of Thursday morning there are only 50 or so left - purchase HERE now.
From them through us to you - the title is exactly what it's about,the lyrics speak words that we all wouldn't be brave enough say in when in those certain situations but well interpreted by Madina lake. The tracks are amazing this album is so catchy and it's much better than I'd expect! Not being too 'pop' or 'rock' and fitting all in between certainly pulled it off for me. I haven't listened to it long enough to get the songs stuck in my head but overall it's the first impression that counts; it was a good one. And obviously it's not just me alone who's digging this mix of genres.
Seen in the press release Madina Lake has played shows in just 10 short months of touring. They are selling around 100 copies of their EP a night and have amassed a loyal fanbase who sing their praises on myspace.com, various blogspots and fansites. They have toured in the United States with 10 Years, Halifax, Red Jump Suit Apparatus and in the U.K. with Paramore, Cute Is What We Aim For and Gym Class Heroes. Currently climbing radio airplay charts in the US, Madina Lake are here to stay.
After playing the first few seconds of the first track, you will discover that it's actually just an intro to the album with good atmospheric sounds creating mood for the rest to kick in. The intro did scare me abit with what I was thinking to expect from the album as there were no lyrics involved deciding on what kind of music it will be was still uncertain.
Following this I played through the rest of the tracks and it wasn't a one off play with a followed rejection to the shelf.
Madina Lake is here to stay! First off I heard Here I stand and it is one of the many good songs on this album along with house of cards listening to them in order these were the ones I picked out to be most revealing. And ending it off, the other songs That caught my attention through the listening were 'One last kiss' and
'Me Vs The world'.
All in all this album is awesome from lyrics to the nice tunes they fitted with. Highly recommended for someone who want's something different to listen to. From someone from them to us is what's presented and done well.
Final Verdict : 4/5
To listen to their tracks online visit their Purevolume page
WIN WIN WIN! We have five copies of The Amity Affliction’s latest EP, High Hopes, to give away.
Simply tell us in 25 words or less about your most ‘hardcore’ experience and send your answers to Jace@hot4s.com.au Good luck!
Brisbane bad boys The Amity Affliction have definitely come a long way since their debut performance back in ’04, here breaking new ground with their sophomore EP High Hopes.
Certainly, we had a lot of the latter when we spied the hottie on the front cover, but such an image is really juxtaposed to what you’ll discover when you spin up the silver disc, with nothing but pure, stripped-to-its-bones hardcore.
Specifically, this release shows a great deal of evolution within the group thanks to the addition of keyboards and samples into the music, as well as dual vocals, used to great effect on heavier tracks like Straight Up and Cut It Out, which is precisely what your folks will be yelling when you wind up the volume dial.
There’s a new presence in the melodies, and emo/hardcore fans will relish in the release’s lyrical content and chain-strong riffage.
There’s also a DVD included with various live performances and the odd practical joke, which is always useful when trying to put faces to the music and so forth,
This is a truly strong release in more ways then one from some of the hardest-touring bands out there, and we can easily see the guys moving into the ranks of Alexisonfire and beyond. High Hopes is out now through Sony/BMG. Do your ears a favour and pick it up.
Final Verdict: 4/5
<<click for full view
ICECREAM HANDS – THE GOOD CHINA
ICECREAM HANDS – THE GOOD CHINA Format: Album
Review: Jason Round
There’s something disturbing about the phrase ‘icecream hands’. Don’t ask me why. There is nothing disturbing, however, about this great little compilation of tracks, made for nothing else but mellowing out and kickin’ your hair out.
Their first album in over five years, Icecream Hands have been around for almost a decade producing great music, with ARIA nominations, TV performances, BDO tours and more. Those familiar with the band might soon discover that this release is not as guitar-pop focussed as those of the past, with a much wider musical influence, and that’s all for the better we say and something that makes this a truly memorable release.
The press release states that this is an album “full of glittering,
guitar-soaked, harmony-laden rock ’n’ jewels”, and really, we could not have said it better ourselves.
Standout tracks include the up-tempo, spring-in-its-step Say That You Want Me Some More, as well as In the Back Seat of a Car and Holding On.
If you’re a fan of great Aussie rock, get thou ahold of this most regal of releases from an Aussie music icon. It’s delicious.
KWITS – they are one of the new young bloods of Aussie hip-hop. The name KWITS isn’t a bunch of letters jumbled together from a scrabble bank; it has meaning and represents the heart of the crew; Knowledge, Wisdom Intelligence, Terror and Strength.
The six members, Dseeva, Sceptic, Count Bils, 2Far, Kaoz and Micky D, all grew up around their local area, and as time moved on, formed the group as we know it. As performances at local parties and venues became a regular occurrence, the guys then set about catapulting their music style and talent onto one of the biggest stages of modern Australian music.
Exploiting a vast range of hip-hop styles and combining it with lyrical rhymes and body-bouncing beats, you can find the six artists performing at clubs and entertainment venues around Sydney. With their first mix-tape (Solid Objects) and second (Psychiatric Evaluation) now complete, the tracks are available to download direct from their MySpace page. www.myspace.com/kwits.
With upmost respect for hip-hop, its culture and all in its presence, keep as eye out for KWITS as they start to emerge as one of the big names in Aussie H-hop.
If ever there was a track that was destined to become a chart-topper that has crossed my desk here this year, this would be it. Bouncing with energy and funk-pop, Take It Off inspires you to do exactly that – much to the displeasure of my fellow Hot4s team members…
For those not in the know, Brielle is national Australia Day Ambassador, a Young Australian of the Year nominee and the youngest-ever nominee for a golden guitar, so it’s been quite a hectic period for the 21-year-old.
With overdriven, thrashy catchcries and super-sticky lyrics, this single was born to be a hit, and that’s backed up even more so with a variety of colourful remixes, including a soulful acoustic mix of previous single Serial Thriller.
Out of them all, though, we liked the Mobin Master mix the best simply because it just propels your body into thrusting action with its ‘bleeps’ and ‘blips’, for all the world sounding like pinball machine on acid. Electro pop ho!
Final Verdict: 5/5
www.brielledavis.com
<<click for full view
ATHRON – TAMING BUTTERFLIES
ATHRON – TAMING BUTTERFLIES
Format: Album
Review: Jason Round
Taming butterflies sounds like a bloody hard thing to do, but there could be no better title for this release, which manages to pull all the emotions of human experience into just five well-played tracks.
Almost reminiscent in some ways of JBT, Taming Butterflies takes an acoustic sound and backs it up in layers with highly emotive vocals – vocals that truly take the listener on a journey, and although ‘butterflies’ might be part of the title, not all the tracks are happy places. That gives this five-tracker maturity, though, and that’s something sadly lacking in Australian music these days.
Writing and performing since he was 15, Athron throws a variety of styles and flavours at this release, and once you’ve got the taste for it, you just want to keep coming back to the fountain for more. Our personal pick is title track Brother To Sleep.
As a bit of a side note, this is also Aussie’s first carbon-neutral release with environmental company Easy Being Green offsetting any carbon waste generated in the recording, manufacturing, marketing and even distribution of the album.
Indie-pop is not my thing. I’ll get that right out of the way now, but I was oddly entranced by this release from little-known Aussie-based singer-songwriter Simon Morel.
With a strong British influence, Simon’s songs are kind of ‘pub-pop’. That is, rockin’ tunes without the drunk idiot spitting a pint down your ear. Rather, your ear can expect to be gifted with some of the best hooks and melodies around, and although these tracks may differ in style from those you’ve come to love from Songs From The City, the harder-edged #2 is sure to please your listening palate.
Of course, you have to hand it to the production prowess of Michael Carpenter, whose skill is immediately obvious in tracks like As Time Goes By and Tomorrow’s Maybe, with every element of the track giving wide berth to ring through loud and clear.
And that’s precisely what this release does, which is especially important in a sea of pop that’s been polluted with some rather less-gifted talent of late.
Personal fave tracks included the softer Saving Grace and Sadness in a Small Town, and no, I’m no just favouring those songs that start with ‘S’, though the album itself can be summed up with just one – superb.
There are albums that you just cannot not help moving to. You know, the beat drills its way into your brain and soon your buttocks are twitching in syncopation. That was precisely the effect Siege Mentality had on us.
Dance-scene long-termer Chris Coe has really come up with something special here, especially in regards to some of the poignant and astute political commentary that seems rife on the album. But there’s more to it than just a few well-placed words, with a truly global flavour infusing the sound, no doubt helping along by the internal collabs featuring and the fact this album has been something of a gypsy itself, moving studio to studio, from NY to Jamaica to London.
Two tracks close to our hearts were the single I Ain’t Wid It (something we can firmly relate to) and the down ’n’ dirty I Don’t Give a F*ck featuring the Professor’s son Kar’melody on vox.
There’s a lot of feistiness and vocal punch featured, and when you slap it all together with the aforementioned beat bonanza, it really does just make you want to get up and thrash it all about – or pop someone’s head off, whatever the case might be...
Overall, it’s a fine addition to any catalogue from one of the scene’s most prevalent forces, and readers would be well advised to catch Digital Primate as they make their way around the country. For more info, tap in www.digitalprimate.com.
FINAL VERDICT: 4/5
MASERATI
MASERATI – INVENTIONS FOR THE NEW SEASON
Review: Jason Round
Maserati took me to a new place. It wasn’t a place I was familiar with, and it all felt a bit different, but I liked it. That is perhaps the best way to describe this release from the four boys from down south.
Based in Georgia USA, the group is described in the press release as a “son of a bitch hell bent on dismembering every last vestige of the so-called rock establishment before it can drive the last nail in its messenger-bag-wearing coffin”.
Now, while you all go get a Pepsi and try to decipher that last paragraph for the next few hours, let me tell you what we thought about this “post-psychedelic orgy of hooks molesting the tired cliché of math-prog.”
Well, it’s certainly psychedelic, though it does borrow a lot of influence from instrumental greats of old, and indeed, new, mashing it all together in a thick, epic sound that washes over your ears like an acid ocean.
Obviously, not everyone will jump aborad this particular train, because it’s something of an acquired taste, but like I said in the intro, it’s probably one you’ll learn to like pretty damn fast.
FINAL VERDICT: 3/5
The new album, Inventions for the New Season will be available in all good music stores throughout Australia as of March 2007. Be sure to pick up a copy or check out the live show to follow. For now, hit up www.ihaveadagger.net
PRESERVING EFFORTS
PRESERVING EFFORTS VOLUME ONE DVD
Review: Jason Round
Is hip-hop is your home-ground? Then prepare to be blown away by Preserving Efforts Volume One.
It’s a compilation of 14 international hip-hoppin’ hooligans who have taken their music to that higher plane, especially in regards to videography.
Thus what you have here is a melting pot of visual candy and world-class beats, with 13 of the 14 videos never before seen on DVD.
Two years in the making, artists include Atmosphere (US), Guru (US), Def Tex (ENG), Pete Philly & Perquisite (NED), Wordburglar (CAN) among others.
Quite the international buffet, we were happy to find that the DVD went that extra mile by providing additional info on each clip, delving deep into what exactly goes on behind the scenes, which is great to see.
Of course, you’ll find seven Aussie artists flying the hip-hop flag proudly, and it’s good to see that even on a budget, we do it just as well, if not better, than the rest of the world.
If you’re a fan of hip-hop, film, music – whatever, check it out. It’s certainly a refreshing change from the mainstream muck.
FINAL VERDICT:5/5
For something a bit extra, Hot4s asked six of the artists featuring on Preserving Efforts what message they were trying to get across with their clip.
“I guess we were trying to say "the book's full" or "remember where you parked your car" or maybe "I'm not sure of much since the carbon monoxide robbed me of all those brain cells."
- BVA from Mnemonic Ascent on their ‘Hold Back’ video clip
“The song's only purpose really is to make people feel good, excited, tough, scared or what have you. People get different things out of the music and the clip need only have the same effect. It's just a fun thing, simple as that.”
- Danielsan from Koolism on their ‘Adrenalin’ video clip
“I wasn't trying to convey a message with the clip, but more present the mood and vibe of the song. The song makes a lot of references to the ocean, so although I try not to make obvious choices, it just seemed like shooting at the beach would be the best backdrop. As far as the isolation, it's just me on an empty beach. I think that further captured the whole point of the song.”
- Muphin on his ‘Better Man’ video clip
“Always employ trained actors. The Optimen might know how to act... but we don’t know how to act. I guess the message was that much of society is having many of its freedoms compromised at the moment, with the US using its war on terror and the patriot act to keep its people living in fear under the guise of “homeland security”.
“It’s just a future-spective that shows where this sort of dictatorship disguised as democracy might lead to. Plus the block stay hot and the streets are watching and all of that. That’s what’s up.”
- The Optimen on their ‘Give It Up’ video clip
“It was really about trying to match the energy of the song with movement and clashing, disorientating shots.”
- Urthboy on this ‘Come Around’ video clip
“The message of entertainment.”
– Wordburgler on his ‘The Wordburgler’ video clip
Preserving Efforts Volume One is out now through Jasmatuph Creations / Shogun.
DIAFRIX
DIAFRIX – IN THA PLACE EP
REVIEW: Jason Round
Dripping with African heritage, soulful rhythms and great MCing make this release an instant dancefloor hit.
MCs Azmarino and Momo (cool name) rap in English, French and the Senegal tongue of Mandingo, making this a truly diverse listen and a refreshing change from all the recycled pop (or should that be ‘poop’) radio seems to serve up these days. On the topic of radio, though, the guys, and girl, took out Triple J’s Next Crop act for ’05 and were finalists in the Noise SOYA awards, so they’re definitely doing something right.
Do they have flow? Like Niagara, buddy, and every track just seems to get your head bobbin’. We couldn’t go past the single In Tha Place, but One Love and Shake Ur Body were also office faves. Now,
about that C-walk…
FINAL VERDICT: 4/5
Rhombus
RHOMBUS – ONWARDS: REMIXES AND ARCHIVES
REVIEW: Jason Round
To be honest, I have never heard of Rhombus before, but it’s just as well I had their breezy, good-vibe tunes to chill me out in peak-hour yesterday, otherwise I just may well have snapped.
A kind of hip-hop/roots collective, Rhombus’s sound can only be described as mellow, but that’s not to say they aren’t diverse, with a range of sounds from dub to electronica to jazz all finding their way onto this compilation.
And a compilation it is, featuring some of their best work from the first two albums as well as rare and revived hard-to-finds, such as the 12in DJ Fitchie remix of Mile High – a perfect description of the feeling you’ll get when you slap it on.
It really is a very cool collab of both artists and sounds, a kind of musical journey if you will. Come take a ride.
FINAL VERDICT: 3/5
Behind Crimson Eyes
BEHIND CRIMSON EYES – A REVELATION FOR DESPAIR
REVIEW: Jason Round
Coming at you like a wrecking ball is Behind Crimson Eyes with their debut album A Revelation For Despair. Of course, with a title like that you cannot be expecting rainbows and lollipops, but you will find some truly kick-ass ‘riffage’.
With a large underground following, the band’s latest effort seems like a much more polished affair, particularly in regards to production value, which has really been turned up to 11 on this release. Indeed, that’s about the volume I had it cranking at, with the opening track, Shakedown, a particular fave.
It’s also good to hear the ol’ rock solo making an appearance once more, and for those who like to sing along, you won’t be short of anti-authority jingles.
If you like things a little on edge, perhaps even radical (no affiliation to the Ninja Turtles), then this is for you. Rock on!
There is a lot of great rock around Australia, and we ain’t talkin’ about something you walk over or stick up your nose. In that sense, it takes a lot to stand out, something that five-piece independent rockers Dead Day Sun manage to do with ease.
You could describe their sound as a little Creed-ish with maybe a coating of Pearl Jam, but thankfully the band manages to dodge pass rock stereotypes to deliver a 10-tracker full of guts and raw musicianship.
Certainly, the level of mastering and production has picked up substantially from previous offerings, no doubt thanks to the deft hand of industry legend Leon Zervos (Maroon 5).
Our pick of the album goes to the rock ballad The War and the new single Truth Kills, which managed to get more than a head or two bopping along here. As QLD winners of the Coke Live and Local comp this year, I think we’re going to see a lot more of Dead Day Sun in the future. We say, bring it on.
FINAL VERDICT: 4/5
Chaos Maths
Dope Meaning Good
We first met the boys from Chaos Maths back when they had their self- titled EP out. Now with a anther offering Dope Meaning Good, the Sydney- based hip hoppers are back with more funky “get down” beats and clever, uniquely Australian lyrics. This album certainly spells a more mature, polished sound, and it really is virtually impossible not to like what you hear as you stamp your feet and nod your head to the catchy hooks. Even if you can’t get your head around Aussie hip hop, you will be converted when you do your maths homework!
Rhubarb
Start Again
Rhubarb are one of those many Aussie groups that have received acclaim and respect in different circles, but unlike a number of acts in their company, they did it all their own way. This latest offering from the lads from Brisie marks another blending of catchy rock riffs and thoughtful lyrics, all wrapped in a very appealing sound. Triple J have already given the boys a nod on their previous efforts with their annual Hottest 100, but Start Again really is something special. Expect to be hearing plenty of Rhubarb on your radio, and reading of their continued success.
Kanye West
Late Registration
What can’t this man do? Diamonds From Sierra Leone and Gold Digger are already two of the biggest songs of last year, and with Heard ‘Em Say on the box now, there really is no telling which track will next become a smash single. Arguably one of the more diverse and creative things coming out of hip hop at the moment, Mr. West really has come into his own with Late Registration. This fortunately is one of those albums that will appeal to any number of people with varying tastes. Well produced, well written and well let’s face it, Kanye’s one of the coolest cats around at the moment.
Douglas Fir
Self Titled EP
Talk about rolling in good company! Brisbane three piece rock act Douglas Fir have released their breakout self titled EP which screams rock and roll from the mountaintops, and shares a production credit with the likes of the Rolling Stones, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Audioslave, Limp Bizkit and even Michael Jackson! Legendary Andrew Scheps put his touch to the Douglas Fir mix of this EP, and was so impressed by the boys that he has already offered to produce their follow up album! Punchy, powerful and at time oh so funky, Douglas Fir are where the Chillis were before they got middle aged and soft. Get this EP up ya!
Liam Prodigy
Back to Mine
Here’s another after- party mix that is sure to left you shocked. This latest offering in the Back to Mine series is a collection of tracks selected by Liam Prodigy. As the figurehead for one of the most influential dance groups of the modern age, this album offers some real insight into the group’s main influences. Be warned this truly is an eclectic mix, absolute anarchy with the opening track “Wake the F*&$ up” comes slamming into Dolly Parton’s “Joelene”. Luckily as with the case with all the offerings in the series, the artist explains their choices in the accompanying slip for the album, so although you may be a little perplexed by the sweet and sour medley, you will most certainly know the motivation behind it. A really good listen, but not for the faint of heart. But then again what are ya, some kind of a woose!?
The Casino Rumblers
See How It’s Gonna End…
The Casino Rumblers are sharp-suited punks who offer up an ADD-addled album that will leave little doubt that they’re indeed one grunty psychobilly engine. With beats tighter than an accountant’s pockets, punctuated with thunking, doinking double bass and thumping drums, the added bonus of a horn section could peel the paint off the side of the QE2 if you can’t peel yourself off the dance floor first.
Songs such as Dragstrip Girl and Black Holiday run the gamut of frantic and frenetic and will have you speeding down the highway at a mile-a-minute. Not only do these dapper and debonair mobsters in black execute their doctrine of style-infused punk-rockabilly with pizzazz, but they ooze so much sartorial panache that they make Don Corleone look like Don Burke. Is it any wonder they scored the national support for the terror-rific Misfits? A+ to the Casino Rumblers for being as gritty as a drifter’s lung and as smooth as triple malt scotch.
