The Year Indie Rock Broke

I can't look at this photo without thinking of the Azaria who was a contestant on Popstars (ironic, I know) during the 90's, the Azaria who was at first praised for his individualism and eventually cut down by it's double edged sword. He was the first person in the mainstream media I felt I could identify with, and showed me that it was okay to be the loner kid who listened to "wierd" bands.

So will I hold The Follow in contempt now that they are in the public eye? No. I will not disown them if they find success or a new legion of fans via association, because good music deserves to reach a huge audience, no matter how disingenuous that audience is.

But will I cry myself to sleep at night, thinking of him with her? Goddamn right I will. Because he was mine, goddamnit.

The Follow - Smashed Heart

Yeah that festival what we went to in March...

So it's like been nearly a month since Playground Weekender and I still haven't written anything or posted any pictures etc. I WILL post some of my better pictures but I shall be scant on words because I'm kind of lazy and shit at reviewing gigs [imo] so enjoy...

I Heart Hiroshima [they played lungs omg]

Dappled Cities [love x infinity]

Ben Lee [we stayed for 2 songs, didnt have anything else to do]

Cocorosie [Not sure what Sierra was wearing but much love for these girls]

The Wombats [this is when I ran out of money to buy drinks]



Local stage thing was my favourite place in the world and/or festival grounds [didnt take any good pics of these guys sorry]:
Cloud Control
Reptiles
The Holidays
Belles Will Ring
Cassette Kids
The Jezabels


Also saw Bluejuice [Too much Vitriol LOL], Ian Brown [lost the F.E.A.R replaced it with S.H.I.T] Maximo Park [applied pressure, was an acrobat]... I'm sure there was more...can't remember...

I'll mention these guys too coz I was so so cut at missing their sets for various reasons [mostly clashes] though I've seen TDF a few times but still....
The Lovetones
John Steel Singers
The Devoted Few

Give In Give In

All of us here at tune adore our band merch and I know I've already done a 'Tune Approved Merch' post this week but The Holidays t'shirt is just too good not to mention. Teegs, Celia and I only just saw The Holidays play at Playground Weekender last month and we saw these shirts but were unable to buy them due to funding issues but it's basically all we've been able to think of since. So if you want to check out these fantastic shirts then head on over to their myspace >> here <<
Argh! wants one sooo much!
*falls over*

yeah, uhuh. indeed.

In fact I think i'm going to go buy one right now!

WWWASD?

As you all already know We Are Scientists, Brain Thrust Mastery is this weeks feature album on Tune!fm.
So in honor of the amazing-ness that is W.A.S I thought I'd check what interesting merch I could find for myself in order to celebrate.
And while there were many options, including pocket squares, tote bags, badges and underwear(?), my fav item by far would have to be a wristband with the inscription WWWASD? which stands for what would We Are Scientists do?
A question I find myself constantly asking in any given situation. So if you feel the need for some W.A.S guidance then by all mean check out these amazing wristbands >> here <<

The V Festival

The Presets - Are You The One? (Van She Tech Remix)

SnoopDogg & Robyn - Sexual Eruption (Fyre Remix)

CSS - Alala

Cut Copy - Feel The Love

The Tough Alliance - Silly Crimes

OH EM GEE

Total ROFL fest. Gotta love Adam Green. Oh yeah this is clip of the week.

Feature Album Review - We Are Scientists: Brain Thrust Mastery

Having released an incredible debut LP with, With Love And Squalor it was always going to be a trial for We Are Scientists to come up with a follow up which could top it.

Since the release of their new album, Brain Thrust Mastery I’ve given up on the idea of them being able to “top it” and resigned myself to the fact that the once distinctive We Are Scientists ‘sound’ is no more.

It’s difficult to say what brought about this change in the two years between releases but the one obvious difference is the loss of drummer, Michael Tapper. The abrupt change in style could be due to his absence or his absence could have been because of the style change. At the moment it’s really just a matter for the chicken vs. egg court.

Despite any initial disappointments I may have felt upon hearing Brain Thrust Mastery I can’t seem to help but be drawn into it’s many charms and favours. Even without the addition of Tapper the boys from Brooklyn have a certain quirky appeal which set them apart from the others.

Remaining members Keith Murray and Chris Cain’s new found appreciation for the 80’s does not go unnoticed with many tracks having a distinctively Duran Duran-esque vibe. Including current single ‘After Hours’, which has managed to stake it’s claim as one of the albums highlights.

Other noteworthy tracks include the addictive opener, ‘Ghouls’ as well as ‘Lets See It’, ‘Impatience’, ‘Spoken For’ and ‘That’s What Counts’.

During an American tour last year Murray and Cain were seen to be taking the stage before each set, testing out their stand-up comedy routine. It’s antics like this which guarantee We Are Scientists remain one of the more interesting bands on the indie scene. Their wit and humour keeping them from fading into obscurity.

If you’re already a WAS fan then by all means check out Brain Thrust Mastery but be sure to keep an open mind. I promise you it won’t be what you expect.