Tuesday, March 30, 2010

retro review #7

It's time again for another retro review! this one is from March 2008 and reading this it occurs to me that I can't remember the last time I listened to this album. Time to remedy that me thinks. Do enjoy.x

THE SILENTS - THINGS TO LEARN

Photobucket

Some bands have the ability to grab your attention from the get go, seemingly with little to no effort. Perth based indie four piece, The Silents are one such band.

From the first time I heard their debut EP, Flicker and Flames, I was hooked. Their raw garage rock resonance teamed with their somewhat psychedelic sounding lyrics and 90’s indie pop tendencies made them difficult to ignore.

Almost two years later and The Silents are set to release their debut full length album, Things To Learn and I for one could not be more excited.

The album is a perfect example of everything The Silents are and offer. This strong collection of well written and produced songs is one of the best Australian debuts of its kind to be released in a long time.

Stand out tracks include previous EP released numbers, ‘Nightcrawl’ and ‘23’ and current single, ‘Little Girl Lost’ as well as ‘Ophelia’, ‘Generation Space’ and the title track, ‘Things To Learn’.

The Silents are a band well worth keeping an ear out for. In their short time together they’ve released two successful EP’s one amazing album and toured extensively including support slots alongside the likes of Maximo Park, The Vines, You Am I and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

Where they’ll go next is anyone’s guess but there’s no denying wherever it is, it’ll be great. The Silents are Oz legends in the making and are quickly becoming one of my favourite bands to boot. So get out there and buy their album, Things To Learn (out March 29 through Ivy League Records). Chances are - You’re going to love it.

mr warhol I presume.

What can I really say about this that the picture doesn't already tell you? this is love.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

dream a little dream


a fishy find

I really don't think you can ever have too much Whimsy in your life and whats more whimsical then this adorably gorgeous (and somewhat upsetting...) bath plug. Very cute. If I had a bath currently I would definitely buy this.

perfect imagery


If I could feel the way this picture looks all the time, nothing would ever be wrong again.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

retro review #6

Another retro review. This one is from April 08 and I love this album now so much more then I did when I wrote this... enjoy.x

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.

-Lesley

best news all year!


Just found out (thanks to nme.com) that the amazing Carl Barat has finished recording his solo album!!!! There's no official release date yet but I could not be more excited!!!! YAY!

Apparently it's going to be quite different from anything he's done in the past. Less guitar, more piano. I can not wait to hear what he's come up with. I should go before I hyperventilate...

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Pretty as a peach...wait that doesn't work...hmm

Let the Apple vs Microsoft debate continue to roar on but as for myself I've never wanted a Mac the frustration level is just too high and the exit page cross is in the wrong corner I don't care what people say. But then I discovered this delicious piece of user art and found myself cursing my little Toshiba logo on the lid of my lappy wishing I too could have a wickedly tasty housing for my screen and keys le sigh..

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

in love love love


Robert Downey Jr's Oscars outift is pretty much my favourite thing ever atm! He looks so adorably dashing. Quirk factor is right up there but not in a laughable way. Chic. Tres Chic.

something is squeezing my skull



this man never fails to amaze me

Monday, March 8, 2010

retro review #5

Another old review. This one is from April 2008 and reading this has inspired me to go dig this album out and give it a spin. enjoy.x

CAJUN DANCE PARTY - THE COLOURFUL LIFE



Every now and then a new band comes along who capture your imagination and heart in equal measure. Every time you hear them you get a little thrill and you just know you’re going to love whatever they do next.

At the moment that band for me is the ever lovely London based five piece, Cajun Dance Party. They released 2 singles last year both of which I feel head over heels for from the first listen. And now, finally, they’re releasing their debut album, The Colourful Life.

As most people are aware there is an unofficial rule that when you anticipate greatness there’s always a chance you’re going to be disappointed. Thankfully my blind trust in Cajun Dance Party to release an amazing debut was not in vain.

The standouts include previous singles, ‘The Next Untouchable’, ‘Amylase’ and ‘The Race’ as well as the ‘The Firework’, ‘Buttercup’ and the beautifully melancholy ‘Time Falls’.

The Colourful Life is everything I hoped it to be - vibrant, fun, memorable and inspired. All of which is made just that little bit more impressive by one simple fact. Cajun Dance Party is made up of a group of 18 year olds.

These truly talented teens give me more hope for the future of music then almost any other band on the scene today. Their fresh, optimistic and somewhat naïve approach to music is already leading them to amazing places.

Not only are they releasing their debut this month they also have plans to release their sophomore album later in the year after they’ve finished high school. Which is, if nothing else, inspiringly ambitious.

Cajun Dance Party are without a doubt a band to watch for. They’re already proving their worth and it’s still early days. These kids could go anywhere and chances are they will. So give The Colourful Life a listen. It’ll make a fantastic addition to any indie lovers music collection.

-Lesley

colour by fashion


I love the concept of this amazing dress designed by Michiel Schuurman and Berber Soepboer. I would love to see how people have customised this dress. It's just too awesome. What colours would you choose?

Sunday, March 7, 2010

city of lights

I want want want this lamp! so pretty! if only it wasn't sold out... damn you modcloth!

I take it back... I love you!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

the holy grail of shoes

Never again will I tell myself I'm too broke to browse my favourite shopping sites. Never again will I avoid the temptations of fashion glory because due to my seemingly sensible thriftiness I have missed out on the most lovely shoes I have ever laid eyes on.

These amazing Andy Warhol inspired pieces of wearable art will haunt me until either the day I acquire a pair or the day I die. Whichever comes first... I'm going to go lick my wounds in private. Please excuse me...

oh and by the way if you're wondering where I found these they're at modcloth.com and they only have 1 pair left at the moment in a 6.5 which is certainty not my size. le sigh

sigh


Today's ideal outfit.

Template by:
Free Blog Templates