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MUSIC
This issue’s music selection has been reviewed by Francis Brown of www.newsoundwales.co.uk.
New Sound Wales’ website will keep you up to date with everything you need to know if you live in Wales and are passionate about music.
Their aim is to:
■ Keep you up to date with new bands and performers that are emerging from Wales and beyond.
■ Recommend new CD’s and music downloads.
■ Let you know which Welsh gigs are coming up in the months ahead.
If you like acoustic, folk and alternative music, www.newsoundwales.co.uk is the place to bookmark and check on a regular basis.
New Sound Wales are keen to hear what you think about music in Wales, what bands you’re listening to and who you would like to see playing in Wales. |
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LOS CAMPESINOS!
Romance is Boring
Less frantic and more thoughtful than previous releases, showing a distinct and developing style. The band are now veterans of producing indie pop hits with apparent ease. However, there is also a maturity and willingness to experiment. Overall this album is a huge leap forward.
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RACE HORSES
Goodbye Falkenberg
This is a band bursting with energy, enthusiasm
and ideas and when it works well, such as the
future indie classic 'Cake' it is uplifting and full of energy. On this form Race Horses seem to be odds on favourites to succeed the Super Furry Animals as the next great Welsh band.
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JESSICA LEE MORGAN
I Am Not
The variety of styles on this debut album may
confuse some, ranging as it does from acoustic
folk to modern electro pop. However, all of the
songs are extremely high quality and memorable.
'Leave the Light on' is the stand out track and deserves to be a hit.
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THE SCHOOL
Loveless Unbeliever
The School are fast becoming one of the
principality's hottest musical properties. Channelling classic 60s pop through a 21st century filter and you end up with a glorious sound. Highly infectious and could well cross over from the indie crowd to a wider audience.
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ELLIE GOULDING
Lights
A great new talent from Wales - well Hereford to be precise. Classy electro pop songs with a folk sensibility. Following Little Boots, Florence etc this is further proof that the ladies are taking over and leading the way. Come on guys pull your fingers out!
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FFRED JONES
Feed the Fire EP
A upbeat collection of songs from one of
Wales'most talented young singer songwriters that is ideal for a sunny day. If you like Jack Johnson you will love this EP. Even better all proceeds are going to Ty Hafan and it even features a Welsh choir!
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RACHEL TAYLOR BEALES
Dust & Gold
The third part of a trilogy of releases, this album
adds Jazz overtones into the mix which helps lift
it way above the usual collection of singer song
writers around at the moment. Based in Cardiff,
Rachel Taylor Beales looks set to enhance her
reputation further with this release.
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LUCKY DELUCCI
December 1986
Part of a group of bands in Cardiff who seem to
mix and match members and ideas. This single
release demonstrates a growing confidence and
maturity in its tale of lost innocence. Their
sound is loose and relaxed and will appeal to
fans of the Gorkys and Sufjan Stevens.
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MARINA & THE DIAMONDS
The Family Jewels
Half Welsh, Half Greek is an interesting musical
cocktail and this is an intriguing album. Marina's voice is very distinctive and might grate with some being reminiscent of Lene Lovich and Kate Bush. However, this is a classy album with some strong material such as the brilliant 'Rootless'.
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THE ALARM
Direct Action
Having taken my nephews and niece to see the
Damned supported by the Alarm recently it was
the Alarm that had the most impact with the
youngsters. Somewhat formulaic? - slightly.
Anthemic? - most definately but even so, this is
a surprisingly fresh sounding album.
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