Expand your ears...

Believe - Mumford and Sons

8/10

For two long, and I do mean long, years, Mumford fans around the world have been gathering dust, like that fair play sports trophy you won back in year six, patiently, yet eagerly awaiting to hear new material from this super popular folk rock band. And boy, was it worth it! With a slightly rockier sound, Mumford and Sons have made an almighty return to our eardrums. The slow intro reminds me of their older music, from 2010 album ‘Sigh No More’, but as soon as the guitars and drums make their gentle entrance, you know that Mumford has come back with a brand new sound. ‘Say something, say something, something like you love me’, and how can you resist the urge to love this song! ‘Believe’, is the first single to be released in advance of their new album ‘Winder Minds’, set to be released on 4 May 2015.

Homesick - Catfish and The Bottlemen

9/10

I wish I’d been a fly on the wall when they chose the name for this band. Why a catfish, and what does this catfish have to do with bottlemen? What is a bottleman? Anyway, ‘Homesick’ is the latest single to be released from album ‘The Balcony’ and these Welsh rockers seem to go from strength to strength. The plucky guitar intro sounds a bit like Vampire Weekend and for the first ten or so seconds you might be fooled into thinking it is. And then the drums kick in and you know this track is building up to something great - that, being the chorus. This single is the kind that doesn’t require full understanding of the lyrics because the chorus is so catchy it will creep up on you when you’re least expecting it, and you suddenly find yourself singing it in the shower. ‘I said I’m only looking out for you!’… Oh, sorry. And what’s better is that, with the chorus being repeated three times in a space of a minute,

this single is mostly chorus. Note to all aspiring songwriters, if in doubt, add more chorus. With sold out tours across the country, Catfish and The Bottlemen are not

to be missed.

Something’s Got To Give - All Time Low

9/10

Get your air guitars at the ready, heads prepared to bang, and grab the nearest hairbrush/microphone, because you are a rock star when you listen to this track. Plucked straight from their latest album ‘Future Hearts’, this single keeps on giving. This pop rock track has all the ‘oh yeahs’, ‘ooh’s’ you could hope for in an All Time Low song. This single isn’t too different to the band’s past hits, but the lyrics are a bit more mature. ‘Wake me up, say enough is enough/I’m dying to live/Something’s gotta give/Pull me out of this sinking town/I’m dying to live/Something’s gotta give.’ If we can take anything from this song, it’s to go out and live life to full. Plus, it’s perfect for those moments when you just really need to be a rock star. The All Time Low lads are well known for their hilarious music videos and ‘Something’s Got To Give’ does not disappoint. Spoiler alert: features lead singer and front man, Alex Gaskarth, dressed as a zombie, chasing a woman down a street. Zombies need to be loved too!

Give Me A Try - The Wombats

6/10

You know this one already. It’s one of those Wombats songs with a 13 second intro of ‘ah ah ah’s’. The Wombats aren’t short of feel good indie rock bangers and the fast paced, head bopping beat of this track means pigeon head dancing is a must – or, maybe wombat head dancing. I’m sure those critters have got some serious moves. Either way, you must dance! Typically catchy and feel good, ‘Give Me A Try’ is a great addition to any summer playlist. Plus, if you’re ever in doubt of the lyrics, the next line will probably be ‘ah ah ah’.

The Ghosts of Beverly Drive - Death Cab For Cutie

5/10

Transforming from a small time solo project to a Grammy nominated indie

rock band, Death Cab For Cutie should be seen as one of the genres greatest success stories. The Ghosts of Beverly Drive is the third single released from their 2015 album Kintsugi. Fun fact: Kintsugi is Japanese for ‘golden joinery’, which is the method of fixing cracked pottery with gold – I suppose Superglue can’t please everyone. And on that note, this single is definitely filled with musical gold. An eerie intro is contrasted with the quick beat and funky guitar rhythm and the cool, if not a little monotonous, indie vocals of lead singer, Ben Gibbard. This track is about returning to somewhere you might have lived or travelled to and finding it the same on the outside, but the feeling of the place has completely changed. If you’re to take anything from the slightly dubious lyric, it is how not to choose a boyfriend or girlfriend. ‘But if you let me be your skyline I’ll let you be the wave/That reduces me to rubble that looked safe from far away.’ Somebody should probably let Gibbard know that he’s making terrible choices with his flood prevention system and his choices in women. You’re not meant to let the water come in, Ben. That is the opposite of good.

Higher Love - Prides

8/10

Scottish synth pop band, Prides, are fairly new to the scene - releasing their first major track ‘The Seeds You Sow’ in February last year. Whatever kind of music you like, Prides provide everything you could hope for in a band. Rock melodies, 80’s dance synths, catchy chorus; not to mention that two thirds of the members boast very impressive beards. What’s not to love? The track opens with ‘I can see the difference, a difference over me/There’s something that has happened/No more cold defeat’. This song is all about conquering your fears and overcoming hard times. If you need something to motivate you through homework or revision, give this track a listen. ‘Higher Love’ is the latest single released by these highland heroes.

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