Paul Hodgson

Surprisingly catchy songs, the kind that you know if you go to see Paul Hodgson at a venue he has played regularly, you will see people singing along. Best described as upbeat music with great hooks, Paul Hodgson radiates through his music. It seems like you can get a very clear idea of who he is as a person. And what's better then music with a personality. His songs are filled with catchy and relatable lyrics. 'Its too easy' is a steady tune that trucks along and makes you sing along with it and put a great deal of emotion/effort into whatever comes out. 'From Tyne to Thames' catches you from the first moment it begins. The chorus filled with short guitar strums and picks makes you dance as if no one is watching. This tune will make its way in and out of your head on a regular basis. ' Call Out Charge' creates a whole new genre, cross over between rhythm n' blues with various other influences. It has a very different energy then his other songs, but nonetheless the energy is still there. While listening to this song, you can't help but see yourself at some festival, filled with young people dancing the night away. Paul Hodgson, for such a young age, seems to write songs well beyond his years. They aren't simply catchy tunes, they have character and content. This may be why his stylings are so memorable, you feel as if you have had a conversation with him after listening. You can see him playing for many people and giving a great performance, and giving one in your own living-room with the same energy. After hearing his tracks you will be the first to offer your home to him if and when he goes on tour. I know I would.

Paul Hodgson (myspace)

Count Fisher

Count Fisher may just become your go-to artist for a soundtrack to summer. ‘I’ve Got a Heart’ has an addictive piano line, and you can’t help but crack a smile as they whine “ba-bop, I wanna tell you baby”. ‘Where Are You Now’ is more relaxed and has a pleasant acoustic vibe, perfect a for summertime playlist. The clunky pianos which are key on ‘I’ve got a Heart’ take a backseat to the guitars here, but the track does not feel like it’s lost anything. 'A Little Romance' is a very catchy tune, that will have you hooked from the first line. "I want to know the make of your underpants", ‘Just Go’ is the best of everything Count Fisher has to offer: simple but interesting sing-a-long pop. The sound affects (“o’s” and “ah’s”) are also good fun. Who doesn’t love music that puts you in a good mood? Count Fisher’s songs will do that for you.

Make sure to visit their myspace for downloads.

Count Fisher (myspace)

Catalan Corruption

Often, when one finds power in guitars and vocals of a teenage band, the driving force is angst. Catalan Corruption is not a victim to this trap that young bands tend to fall into. Their driving force seems instead to be ambition to craft well constructed, good music. It is safe to say that they succeed. Each song has multiple guitar parts and a rather complex construction, something you wouldn’t expect to hear coming from teens. The song writing suggests that these 13 and 14 year-olds are a bit beyond their years in that department as well, lyrics about childhood pets no where to be found. Nathan Grace’s vocals resemble a slightly squeakier Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys. The big sound of the Arctic Monkeys can be found on nearly every one of Catalan Corruption’s tracks as well, and luckily, the noise never gets clumsy.

‘The Other Stage’ grabs you from the moment it starts, and the chorus suggests a Bloc Party influence (who, if you check out the myspace, actually is listed as an influence, and in caps lock, no less).The track has the same sort of graceful panic that Bloc Party is known for, with an electricity that reels you in like a fishing rod. ‘A New Way’ has a lighter vibe but is still well constructed.

As far as a favorite goes, ‘Your Loss’ is a top contender. From the beginning it all sounds vaguely, and delightfully, dark and evil. The slightly threatening underlying chug of the track, like something may blow up at any second, has a surprisingly sexy vibe, and “Am I demented or disturbed?” is surely a stand out lyric from the whole bunch of tracks. In the second half of the song, the boys briefly break it down and present a bit of funk influence, a nice surprise that points again to the group’s maturity level. You’d think they’ve had a lifetime of experience to come up with this stuff.

The band’s age is an important thing to consider, not so you can go easy on them, but so you can realize how truly talented these guys are. Smile; there is hope for the music of the next generation.

Catalan Corruption (myspace)

Cassie and The Cassettes

Cassie and The Cassettes are a band that will brighten every crack and corner of your day. They bring sunshine to your heart and a smile to your face. Everything about them is bright and enjoyable, from vocals to instrumentation. 'I Don't Like You' is an upbeat tune sure to make you a fan from the start. I have a hard time describing just how much I enjoy this band. Cassie Layton has a voice that's light and delicate, but never seems to waver. The musicianship of this group is outstanding. There are so many sub par bands out there comprised of kids who merely pick up an instrument because it is "the thing to do". Not these kids, you can tell that they must greatly enjoy what they do, their music is punchy and unhurried. Their passion for the music they make radiates through to the listener. Cassie and the Cassettes are a contender for the ages, that in a few years you'll be saying " I knew them when they first started out"

Cassie and The Cassettes (myspace)

Burmese Days

Burmese Days is a personal favorite of this reviewer. In all honesty if I could listen to one band for the rest of my days, there would be a few contenders but Burmese Days would be the favorite to bet on. They are the archetype of British new wave, minimalist music. When delving into their pool of work for the first time, I was besotted. I can honestly say that I was absolutely smitten with this band. Their musings can only be described through their own lyrics. 'Every story has a sting and yours is impending.' Their sting will certainly have a long lasting effect on anyone that comes across them. Songs like 'Early Hours' and 'Giving Up On The Girl' will have you wanting more and more. This is the type of band that no one could truly dislike, even if it isn't your style, you will enjoy listening along.

Having heard Burmese Days' newest release 'Heaven Sent' I can say this is Burmese Days at their finest moment, and I didn't think they could get much better. This new wave-esque song is so delightfully poppy that nothing compares. The tune is so amazingly catchy, that once you hear it you will be addicted. This band is well worth the listen.

Burmese Days (myspace)

The Best Side Projects

In recent months I have come across many side projects that have kept me amused for a long while. Here is a list of side projects that are as good than any actual band out there.

▹The Country Side Project-
It doesn't matter if you like county/bluegrass or not this is simply good music in its purest form. Everything that comes from the fingertips of these lads is genius. Their music is entertaining and holds your attention, Their cover of 'Wannabe' is by far the best cover I have ever heard; it is amusing and makes you with they would cover every song ever done by the Spice Girls. In their own inimitable way.

The Country Side Project (myspace)
'Wannabe'- The Country Side Project
'The Country Side Project'- The Country Side Project

▹Police, Camera, Action!-
I think we all have out guilty pleasures, music that we know isn't good but when you talk about it, you can't help but smile. From the first moment you listen to Police, Camera, Action you won't be able to contain yourself. When first listening to this music you will go through a series of emotions: shock, confusion,stun, slightly uncomfortable, and finally the comical stylings will have you won over.

Police, Camera, Action! (myspace)

▹Rowan- Rowan Martins rendition of Dizzee Rascals 'Fix Up, Look Sharp' is one that you will find yourself going back to his page again and again to hear. 'Hailstones' and 'Tell me' will have you captivated. This is the type of music that when you need a break from everything you can turn to Rowan's musings and settle down. Rowan is a part of one of this reviewers' favorite band Burmese Days. It is not surprising that a member of that lovely band makes such amazing music of his own.

Rowan (myspace)

▹L'Homme Run- Not quite a side project, but one of the best nonetheless. Consisting of Ezra Koenig(Vampire Weekend) and Andrew Kalaidjian, this duo dabbles in the increasingly comedic field of white rap. 'Pizza Party' will have you sining it's hook all day long, it won't take you but a second to fall in love with their lyrics. "P-I-Z-Z-A P-A-R-T-Y if you got a blunt, then we can get high" there is nothing that compares to a little L'Homme Run on a rainy day.

L'Homme Run (myspace)

This Club

As a reviewer, there are three critical criteria to me.

The first is always first and foremost if the tune (or artist) I'm listening to makes a strong first impression on me. To me this means whether I can hear and feel the music, the artist's ability to reach their audience in the message or story of the tune and whether there's potential to impact others. The first criteria is, to me, the most important.

The second criteria is technical. Whether the vocals and instrumentation are strong and how they benefit or detract from the song determining if it's a professional effort or a work in progress.

The third is if the song has the potential to be a contender. The commercial market is war. I wish it wasn't so but due to the competitive nature of business in general it has, as a major industry, become a cut throat environment where artists are often supported not because of their natural talent but because of how much investment has been put into their careers, eliminating those with the most to offer as newcomers. I hate it but to exist and continue there must be either an excruciatingly commercial or revolutionary newness to the artist and or song.

This being said, this particular group This Club has a shot. I like her unusual voice (Malissa Layton), in an age where the soprano's mostly rule the songstress categories she's got a rich almost contralto fullness that blends beautifully with brilliant harmonies when they blend in the many hooks, and chorus' at the end of the verses. The only drawback is the mix isn't fully finished and the vocals waver in sound levels inconsistently at points, nothing a good mix can't fix. This Club has a very good effort going on. We look forward to hearing much more of them in the future.

This Club (myspace)
'Together Forever' - This Club