nicki minaj / gig review

We all know her for her fake 'larger than life' bum, her silky blonde wigs and her tendency to use the word 'pussy' and 'hoe' at least once in every song. She's one of the most loved, and one of the most hated, in our every tiring music industry today. But there is no denying the fact that Nicki Minaj is one of the best American female rappers around; even if she says she's got it 'cracking like a bad back'.

From the release of 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded' 6 singles have already been released, including 'Starships', 'Pound The Alarm', 'Beez In The Trap' and her more recent single 'Va Va Voom'. The 19 track album has been credited as 'a mediocre rap album' leaving you with the feeling of wanting to 'drive off a cliff'. Given a 5/10 from NME magazine; it seems as if Minaj has created an album nobody wants to hear or think about: wrong.

The number 1 album in 4 countries has made the mark Minaj wanted. Proof? Her Roman Reloaded tour of the UK has been completely sold out, extra dates have been added and it's the tour everybody has been whinging and raving about... So what really is the fuss?

In Newcastle Upon-Tyne Nicki Minaj's support had come from Ex-X-Factor hopeful Misha B; who has lost the 'diva' edge to her voice and has started to mould into a more 'real' Nicki Minaj. With a snap-back and Doc Martens, Misha B looks stylish on stage, prancing and bellowing out the only two songs she will ever have in her career, which surprisingly the whole crowd videoed on their mobiles. With the lack of material Misha B also decided to throw in her own style of murder: in the form of Adele's 'Someone Like You'. Support was also given by rapper 'Tyga' (pronounced Tiger) where he - (also with lack of material) sang his one-and-only-one-hit-wonder known song 'Rack City Bitch' twice in five minutes. His gimmick of finding women in the crowd with big boobs and getting them on stage also set the mood for the rest of the concert - the starstruck feeling of happiness and excitement was fading - quickly.

The diva herself was late to her own slot - nine o'clock turned to quarter to ten before the superstar appeared on stage in a pink space rocket. The new elegantly named song 'Come On A Cone' was preformed first on a stage set which has been modeled on Minaj herself  (a haunted house stage set) followed by 'Roman Reloaded' and a song that is simply so sophisticated and brilliant the only words are 'Beez In The Trap'.

Surprisingly, only five costume changes, including a long pink dress and a stereotypical black rapper costume; customised with a jewelled snap back, were the outfits for Minaj in the night. Although The 'female weezy' has been credited to mime her way through sets: Nicki Minaj really sang every note, in every song to real perfection. With her 'real' voice (may it have been Martha, Barbie, Roman or Nicki) she preformed to a high professional standard of singing.

Burlesque dancers, a pink convertible car and real fire burning when Minaj sang 'Fire Burns'. The concert may have been gimmicky; but it really showed off Nicki Minaj's ability to look past lyrics of 'Stupid Hoe' an create something she could be proud of. Finishing on the springy hit which was 'Starships' Minaj's atmosphere she created was one of love and bouncy electrifying excitement.



Still not convinced Minaj is your favourite rapper yet?

Bloc Party live / gig review

The twelfth of October. Stood outside the O2 Academy Newcastle (formerly the Carling Academy) in the freezing cold anticipating the doors opening at half past six. This night was the night of something special. The first venue, the first show, the first night of Bloc Party's 8-city tour promoting new-album 'Four'. It was going to be special.

Hand-picked support was shown in the form of London quintet Theme Park. Having played on the bill earlier at Reading and Leeds festival and Newcastle's Evolution Festival; Theme Park couldn't of been a better support for the four indie-rockers.

Theme Park (to the right) were simply flawless. A mix of Hawaiian influences and breath-less vocals really got the crowd of 15-21 year olds shoe-gazing while mimicking the snake-hips and moves being trusted on stage. Songs such as 'Milk' and 'Jamaica' creating the most amazement and excitement from the well-dressed crowd. Theme Park supporting Bloc Party is only the start for this indie-rock band; watch this space - they're going to be huge.

At half 8 we were greeted with a dark blue light covering the stage and heavy dub step-influenced music. We could all feel the tension rising and rising until and enormous cheer had erupted from the crowd of brightly clad young-adults... Kele Okereke, Russel Lissack, Gordon Moakes and Matt Tong had walked out onto the stage: Bloc Party had arrived.

A light-show spectacular flashed from blues and greens while Bloc Party played an almighty set of 18 different songs; all of which were preformed to high standards and magnificence. Starting the gig with 'So He Begins To Lie' a slow, paced song to set the atmosphere for a night and slowly rolling into 'Hunting For Witches' and 'Positive Tension'.

The crowd participation from the start was fantastic! The fresh-faced uni students on their night out were in full swing down the front pit; literally inches away from the band striking chords magically and swooning with lyrics of destruction and love. The mosh-pits were a breathe of fresh air; who knew that an intro to Flux being Rhianna's 'We Found Love' would create complete havoc and madness in the middle of a pit?

A chorus of deep voices sprung for 'One Last Chance' (always a favourite for Bloc Party fans) really showing how much Bloc Party have been loved and missed over the years.

 "I've been watching that show... That Geordie Shore?" Says Okereke, a reply of boos was met and the front-man found himself laughing before saying:

"This song, is for all of you out there... who have been waiting a very long time to see us" the song in question was a beautifully understood version of 'This Modern Love'. Tears could be seen in many of the young adolescents eyes as Okereke blasted vocals through the whole of the O2 Academy.

Having two encores was un-familiar; finishing on 'Helicopter' the place was set-ablaze with joy. It has been a long time since I've truly felt a music high from a gig; and Bloc Party seriously gave it there all. If you've got the chance go and see them. They ask for quite a high price but the professionalism and smoothness of the band was phenomenal. A great great night.

Jake Bugg / Artist Review

He's the new face of indie-folk and country music, he's attractive and by this time next year the world will have his name up in lights: It's the one and only Nottingham-born Jake Bugg.

An European tour with Micheal Kiwanuka, a USA tour supporting living Oasis legend Noel Gallagher and a 'warm-up act' for the 1980's icons that are just The Stone Roses on their performance at the Adidas' Olympics Party, post-comeback. It's safe to say Jake Bugg's been lavished and pampered with an array of stars to accompany across seas, and in his own right he really does deserve it.

Influenced through the likes of The Beatles and Oasis, a raw influence can be heard weaving it's way through the young prodigy's guitar riffs and brassy vocals, creating a fresh view through simple rhymes and real-life stories. Bugg's definitely the one to watch when it comes to song writing this year.

The lyrics we hear in 'Lightning Bolt' match those of a younger Alex Turner (of Arctic Monkeys) writing about real time issues and his views of a certain situation today. Bearing this in mind; his lyrical messages are far beyond his seventeen years of age - he really is something special: the real deal. The lyrics to country-influenced 'Saffron' for example, have been meshed together perfectly to create a romantic love-song without the usual 'I love you' edge that most musicians today focus on. You can tell he's worked hard to create something unique.

Along with being a fantastic lyricist; Jake Bugg is a new un-discovered fashion icon. Subconsciously Bugg has brought back the classical Harrington jacket. In his simple (but very effective) music videos Bugg can be seen sporting a black Fred Perry Harrington jacket, which were big in the 1960's. Could he be bringing back the Harrington jacket and creating a fashion trend? The voice and the look go hand-in-hand with each other perfectly. Simple polo-shirts with the buttons buttoned to the top, a vintage-looking jacket and a folk guitar to match. It's fair to say that Jake Edwin Kennedy is one of the more fashionable musicians of the generation.

Bugg releases his self-entitled album on the 15th of October 2012; a date teenagers and the older era have marked, circled and crossed in their diary's and waited since his appearance on 'Later...With Jools Holland' in May time.

What can we expect from this debut album? Class. Bugg's elegant vocals and soft guitar playing will melodically entice the listener into a state of relaxation and allow the listener to get inside of the music, literally. Singles 'Lightning Bolt' and 'Two Fingers' will be featured on the album, and if those two are anything to go by; it could become one of the more iconic albums of the year, and definitely one that is going to be in your record collection.

2013 will be the year Jake Bugg rises: just watch this space.

Catch the 'closest thing we'll ever get again to Bob Dylan' on his February 2013 tour of the UK, which includes Newcastles O2 Academy, London Shepherd's Bush Empire and Birmingham's HMV Institute.

Singles 'Lightning Bolt', 'Two Fingers', 'Trouble Town' and 'Country Song' are available to purchase from iTunes now. The self-entitled album is available to pre-order and will be in shops on the 15th of October.

http://jakebugg.com/
Lightning Bolt - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY0oPg1h8fQ

Crystal Castles / Wrath Of God - Single Review

There is one woman in the music business today who can crawl around a festival stage, drink Jack Daniels whisky through a live set, smoke like a chimney and still have a cosmically magical set of vocals. This one woman is Alice Glass. And this one woman, and producer Ethan Kath; are the heart and soul of electronic music today. They are Crystal Castles.

If you haven't heard of Crystal Castles then take a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror. You've been missing out since 2006. But don't fret there's plenty of time for them to become your new favourite band. If you haven't ever felt the need to listen to Crystal Castles before now then now is your chance; with a brand-new spooky maddening song called 'Wrath Of God'.

The best thing about Crystal Castles is that they're hard to understand. Much like teenagers today, they're kooky, weird, un-readable and un-predictable. But when you understand Alice Glass's muffles of pain and agony; you discover something more beautiful then you could have never ever imagined! Much like "Vietnam" from the 2010 self-entitled album; Glass' haunting vocals are difficult to interpret and find you catching for smoke with your bare hands. But they're mysterious. They're brilliant and she's like a drug to you: she leaves you craving more.

The synthesised beats and keyboard create a sense of relaxation in Wrath Of God. You generally feel like you are flying. You're soaring over the seas with your eyes closed. Glass creates the illusion that dancing with your eyes closed is cool, making you feel like you should be at a rave with a bunch of music-hungry alcohol fuelled teenagers in the grass, rather than doing whatever you're doing right now. The pound of the beat pushes you over the edge; you're exited. You're ready to dance. Kath brings you higher and higher until he crashes; making you soar higher than you could of imagine.

Wrath Of God isn't just a song. It's not a poem and it's not a feeling. It's artwork in spoken form. It's a piece of art.

It sounds as if Kath has opened up a new never-ending door in the world of Crystal Castles. A new wave of beats and a way of thinking. Bearing all that in mind. Wrath Of God is a tiny step down from the first single released from the new album, (III) Plague. When CC fans first heard Plague it sent them into a pandemonium of excitement and passion. It seems that that spark: that passion that was shown in Plague has been slightly diverted on Wrath Of God. It has been edged more towards a more free and relaxed vibe which grows and grows; rather than a hard hitting up-tempo throughout the whole song.

Wrath Of God is a step in the raving right direction for Crystal Castles. Glass' cosmic vocals echo gallantly while Kath's sound synthesizer takes you as high as you could go; then crashes you back down to earth. The wailing, strangelling cries of 'They'll strip you of your heritage' is woven beautifully in and out of the music.

Crystal Castles new album Crystal Castles (III) is out on November 5th 2012 to buy in shops and on iTunes.

Wrath Of God is available to download for free on the Crystal Castles soundcloud page;
http://soundcloud.com/crystal-castles/crystal-castles-wrath-of-god?page=4

Wrath Of God on Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ugOBCZAVk

Lana Del Rey / Ride - Single Review

A provocative GQ magazine photo shoot, a number 1 album in 12 countries and the new face of clothing brand H&M... Is there no end to the Lana Del Rey hype?

The New York born superstar Elizabeth Woolridge Grant aka Lana Del Rey has rocketed from her nobody status, to being the woman on every body's lips (no pun intended.) With Born To Die becoming one of the leading albums of 2012 she needed to pull something new and exciting out of the Lana shaped-box... an alcohol infested loneliness out on the road to no-where.

'Ride' is the new and mysteriously haunting song from the princess of baroque pop; and it's definitely one of her best. Some might say that 'Born To Die' was a beautiful train-wreck of carnage and perfection, but Ride is new; in a fresh and sublime way.

With the simple piano riffs and vexing vocals you're instantly transported to view where Lana pictured herself when she had this song only on paperwork. A long winding road through an impoverished landscape of sand, occupied only by a big blue jeep with a woman who is alone an quiet. Alone, but not lonely.

From 'Ride' we get a defined insight to Lana Del Rey's mindset. She's been travelling alone for so long that she is no longer lonely, she has 'the birds on the summer breeze' and the feeling of 'feeling fucking crazy' to keep her company while she rides on the decisions she has been making. The alcohol, the touring, the alone-ness and the joys and dis mails of being an American sensation.

The dream-like trance that is created in your ears flows effortlessly and easily through you; creating an almost in-human sense of connection to the song. What is happening in this song is up to you: it's your creation. The chorus of  "I am alone in the night been tryin' hard not to get in trouble, but I, I've got a war in my mind" leaves with a questioning mind... "Is the pressure of superstar dam getting to Del Rey?" "Is she really sick of the pain critics can inflict on her?"

'Ride' in one word is beautiful. It's magical. It's haunting. It's Lana Del Rey. It's writing that can transport you to the destination you want to go; and it's opened up a new wave of Lana Del Rey glory. To top off the dusky lyrics; we're finally getting to see snapshots of the wonderful magical world that revolves around Del Rey's head.

'Ride' is the lead single of new album Born To Die - The Paradise Edition that is to be released on November 12th by the solo singer.

You can purchase 'Ride' now from iTunes or listen to it for free on Youtube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvb8wdBglpw