sonarmag-blog

[sonarmag-blog]

We're hiring for next year...

Sonar Magazine are looking for creative people at Solent University to take over the reins for the new academic year.

We are looking for 5 core committee members (click for job descriptions):

Online Editor

Offline (Magazine) Editor

Sub-Editor

Magazine Designer

Marketing and Sales Coordinator

Alongside this we are looking for coordinators in Fashion, Sports and Art & Music.

Nominations must be sent to [email protected] by FRIDAY 11th MAY. Nomination forms are available here.

A voting system to decide the positions will happen on WEDNESDAY 23rd MAY.

All nominees must be full-time students at Southampton Solent University, and full members of Sonar Magazine.

Any further inquiries can be emailed to Steph at [email protected]

#election #sonar magazine jobs #society solent #solent society elections #solent su #southampton solent students union

[sonarmag-blog]

Sonar Suggestion: Cave Painting

Brighton born, indie-pop outfit Cave Painting present a magical mix of ambient melodies and hypnotic vocals. Their debut EP came out last year and is available for listening below, through Soundcloud.

<a href="http://cavepaintingmusic.bandcamp.com/album/youll-be-running-soon" data-mce-href="http://cavepaintingmusic.bandcamp.com/album/youll-be-running-soon">You'll Be Running Soon by Cave Painting</a>

The band will play Joiners, Southampton tomorrow (11 March).

#cave painting #sonar suggestion #ones to watch #joiners #music #arts #steph powell #brighton music

[sonarmag-blog]

Review: Speech Debelle - 'Freedom of Speech' (Big Dada)

Words: Catherine Elliott

It’s been three years since her debut ‘Speech Therapy’ won the 29-year-old rapper the highly acclaimed Mercury Prize, beating off strong contenders like Florence + the Machine and Kasabian. Her new album is inspired by Tupac and has been produced by the same producer as Ghostpoet, Kwes. The happy go lucky tracks have gone and made way for political statements and earnest tales of lost love.

The record opens with ‘Studio Backpack Rap’ in which she samples Biggy, “it was all a dream, she used to read Smash Hits magazine”.  Backpack Rap by definition means a person that dislikes mainstream rap, “a person who raps about real life shit that matters and has experienced, rarely about pimping hoes/having millions/selling immense amounts of drugs/murdering random people for no apparent reason or motive.” This is exactly what this album personifies, and what a great note to start with.

‘Blaze up a Fire’ was written just before the London riots, and serves as prediction of anarchy. It was released just after, Debelle could obviously feel the unrest bubbling underneath the surface of society and that is something, I think, is quite extraordinary. It has appearances from fellow rappers Roots Manuva and Realism.

‘Elephant in the Living Room’ makes way for strings, and talks about a relationship that needs to end, because she doesn't feel the same about him anymore. There is a secret between them, and the elephant signifies that. She then flips the script on ‘X Marks the Spot’ where she angrily raps about a guy always talking about his ex. It’s angsty and hip hoppy.

‘Angel Wings’ is a little too sentimental for me. “I know these writers and bloggers want to hate on me.” It is very obviously an autobiographical song about her struggle to make it in the music business. It doesn't really match up with the strong sentiments that are conveyed by the other tracks, it doesn't resonate. ‘I’m With It’ gives us a taste of soul disco, its a nice blast of happiness onto the record.

So, Nicky Minaj has been given all this praise for being such a good female rapper? Minaj doesn’t have a patch on Speech Debelle. There is no need for gimmicks and fancy videos and a dressing up box; her music speaks enough power not to need them, It’s just stripped back talent. Thinking back to ‘Better Days’ and ‘Spinnin’ , which were two great tracks from her debut, Debelle has changed it up but kept her power, this album is surprisingly good.

#Freedom of speech #Speech Debelle #album review #big dada #catherine elliot #mercury music prize #studio backpack rap #Arts

[sonarmag-blog]

Review: The Fray - Scars and Stories (ColumbiaUK)

Words: Kirsty Summerford

Platinum selling US rockers The Fray are back with a brand new album, ‘Scars and Stories’ High school friends Isaac Slade and Joe King formed The Fray back in 2002 after bumping into each other in a guitar shop. The release of their single ‘How to Save a Life’ hurled the band onto the music scene and brought the group worldwide fame, as their second album debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and led them to receive a Grammy nomination. Following their success, the band is back with their third album, which was recorded at the legendary Blackbird Studios in Nashville. Helping to hone The Fray’s sound, producer Brendan O’Brien who has worked with Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam, worked alongside the band. Scars and Stories leads with ‘Heartbeat’, which was inspired by lead singer Isaac Slade’s travelling. “I travelled through South Africa and Rwanda with a buddy. I ended up meeting so many cool inspiring people, and all these ideas for lyrics and melodies just started rushing in.” The song is a great opener and makes you want to carry on listening to what else The Fray has in store. ‘The Fighter’ starts off slow with a gradual build up to the rocky chorus, which gives you a chance to really listen to their lyrics. Followed by ‘Turn Me On’ with cheeky lyrics and a good beat that is easy to listen to. Slade’s vocals are excellent on this track; you can really hear the raspy rock tone to his voice that overpowers the beat, in a good way. The next track ‘Run For Your Life’ is very catchy. I love the use of the piano being the main instrument you can hear. ‘I Can Barely Say’ and ‘Be Still’ are my favourite songs off the record. They are both beautiful tracks, lyrically and musically. The album gets better as you listen to each track, but becomes slightly repetitive with the same type of sound, which isn’t a bad thing if you love the kind of music they make. Overall it’s a great album, and a very easy listen. Throughout the record you can hear in each song how the band has transformed their real life experiences into a collection of songs that are reflective but still maintain that pop/rock vibe. The single ‘Heartbeat’ and album ‘Scars and Stories’ will both be available on March 5th.

#album review #kirsty summerford #new music #review #scars and stories #the fray #Arts

[sonarmag-blog]

Live Review: Howler, Joiners, Southampton

Words: Laura Nicholls

Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down. I’d like to take a minute just sit right there and I’ll tell you how I saw a band called Howler.

In Minnieopolis born and raised, in the basement studio is where they spent most of their days. Chilling out, maxin’, relaxing all cool and playing some tunes outside of the school. When a couple of guys, who were up to no good, and started making bands in their neighbourhood. They got in one lil record deal and they all got scared and said, “Indie-rock’s cool and we don’t care”. They played and played day after day, and packed their suitcases and went off on their way and sold many-a-ticket. Drank outta the bottle and thought they might as well kick it. First tour yo’, this is badass. Drinking whiskey out of a champagne glass, is this what the people of Howler living like? Hmm this might be alright. But wait I hear rock, hipsters and all that. Is this the type of place SONAR sent this cool cat?! I hope they're prepared for the noise of Howler. Well I had a pint and Howler came out. There was a dude that looked like a goof standing with a guitar out. I aint messin yet I just got here. I two stepped with the hipsters like lightning disappeared. I whistled for a tune and when it came on the chorus played FRESH and it had an indie in the mirror. If anything I can say this band was rare. But I thought naw forget it yo big-up to Howler. It got to about song 7 or 8 and I yelled to the band "Yo homes smell ya later" I looked at my kingdom I was finally home to sit on my throne and review Howler.

#laura nicholls #howler #live music #music review #the joiners #southampton music #arts

[sonarmag-blog]

Review: Goldfrapp - The Singles (Astralwerks)

Words: Catherine Elliott

Goldfrapp starting making music just over a decade ago and is made up of Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory. They have attracted a huge cult following that has spanned their career, and what a great time to remind the world of just how good they really are. The album highlights how musically skilled and versatile the pair are with a collection of their most successful tracks, and two additional ones; ‘Melancholy Sky’ and ‘Yellow Halo’. The album artwork is a collage of their previous album covers artistically placed over one another. The album kicks off with the huge glam rock sound of ‘Ooh La La’, which is a perfect opener, followed by ‘Number 1’ both taken from their ‘Supernature’ album and are a strong representation of their finest electro moments. Swooping into the trashy techno sounding ‘Strict Machine’ this song showcases the beautiful union of Alison’s seductive husky vocals and Wills synths. Could music be anymore perfectly engineered? It’s eerie. ‘Lovely head’ is heart breaking sad, strange and was uber sophisticated for its time. ‘Utopia’ is another glowing moment and a reminder of how daring Goldfrapp were throughout their career, constantly changing their sound, but never losing their personality. ‘A & E’ is an absolute favourite of mine. ‘Happiness’ is a dreamy almost hypnotic in parts beauty of a song. ‘Train’ is the ultimate in electro-sexy. ‘Ride A White Horse’ is disco pop, and their most successful single to date. ‘Rocket’ is pure and flawless pop music. The euphoric ‘Believer’ is followed by ‘Black Cherry’ which is just mesmerizing. Words cannot describe how much I adore Goldfrapp. ‘Yellow Halo’ is just unbelievably emotive, and what a great way to finish off the album. It’s upbeat, but emotional like someone’s funnelled life into music. ‘Melancoly Sky’ is nice, but I’m not overly fond of it. All in all, thank you Goldfrapp, for reminding us just how wonderful and iconic you really are, and what a glimmering career you’ve had.

#goldfrapp #the singles #goldfrapp best of #album review #catherine elliot

[sonarmag-blog]

Review: Van Halen - 'A Different Kind of Truth' (Polydor)

Words: Chris Taylor

The first full studio album in 14 years emerges unto us in the form of A Different Kind of Truth. Reeling on their recent induction into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, this seems the perfect time to make a classic Rock n Roll comeback. This time around Sammy Hagar is out and David Lee Roth is once again on vocals for his first studio album since the 1984 album. Ironically that was the last time Van Halen had a number 1 song in the U.K. You may think that this will be the end of the cheesy 'Jump' Van Halen of old, complete with spandex trousers and overpowering keyboard riffs. Well, the keyboards and the spandex may be gone, but the sparkly jackets cheese in the music still runs strong. The album begins strong with new single 'Tattoo' which is classic Van Halen; full of crazy guitar solos throughout and tongue-in-cheek lyrics about having fun and pulling women. This stripped down pop-rock song almost becomes easy listening with a slow rhythm and a somewhat sexy beat. Other highlights of the album include: 'She’s The Woman' which has the same theme as 'Tattoo' but a little faster and edgier. 'China Town' is a fairly frisky song too. It is a reminder of the 80’s rock music that would not look of place on the Vice City soundtrack. The problem with the rest of the album is that the material starts to feel as though it is repeating itself, except less catchy. Each song in the second half of the album fails to make any impression, and becomes a relief that the album is only 8 songs long. The lack of great material throughout an album has plagued Van Halen since the 1984 album. It seems as though Van Halen has had its day, and we should be left with the “Jump” days of the ultra-cheesy 80’s era. The band will never have the success they once had in the days of glam rock, but they will always remain a favourite for hair metal fans and will forever be remembered as one of the most fun bands to see live. The question is; can they still cut it with today’s concert punters? Or will their shows be entirely populated by mothers and 80’s glam fans? Here’s hoping they still have some magic left in them to entertain the masses. A Different Kind of Truth is available now.

#van halen #david lee roth #a different kind of truth #polydor #Chris Taylor

[sonarmag-blog]

Game Review: Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Naughty Dog/Sony)

Words: Michael Anjos

 Playing 'Uncharted 3' is like watching a really good film but, every ten minutes or so all of your neighbours run in and bludgeon you with deck chairs. It’s not that it is bad; in fact, it’s actually quite good.  Just after a while I got the distinct impression that it wanted to be a film and not a game, and worst of all that it resented me for it. So when it did begrudgingly become an interactive experience I would find myself being punished by swarms of heavily armed, although not so bright, NPCs with a niggling habit of pumping me with enough lead to power a Duracell warehouse.

As the game’s combat sequences are primarily cover based shooting, I figured shooting from behind cover would be a pretty safe bet. But as it turns out, the enemy soldiers have some sort of pre-arranged death pact, in which they have asserted that the pros of killing me far outweigh the cons of not breathing anymore. This results in a fairly nonchalant attitude as they stroll over to my small cubby hole eating their weight in ammo as they go. Sure, I’ll take down a few of them, but it’s only a matter of time before one of them gets close enough to stick his 12 gauge up one of my nostrils and redecorate the wallpaper with the squishier parts of my brain

I can’t really blame them though, I’d probably saunter over to my enemies too if I had 300 tonnes of re-enforced steel armour on my face. I fondly reflect on the many occasions where I would fire a well aimed rocket propelled grenade at an NPC’s head, only to have him shrug it off with a sort of Devil-may-care attitude and proceed to punch several holes in my daddy sack.

But as I said before, the shoot outs don’t really do anything for the game besides distract from the well crafted story sequences and make me want to punch small animals. What really makes the game are the puzzles, which maintain the balance between challenging enough that I feel some sort of pride after working it out, but not so complex that I throw my control at the cat after my fourth aneurism. My only hang up about the puzzles is the “helpful” hinting the characters deem necessary whenever you appear to be stuck. It’s like they’re saying “Yes, alright you’ve had your fun, can we get back to the story now?” I remember one incident where I was in an old castle and had to use a pair of binoculars to spot a hidden symbol across the courtyard. One of my accomplices felt the need to remind me to “look inside the castle” every thirty seconds, which wasn’t exactly the most helpful advice seeing as there’s fuck all else to look at. Even with my team mate’s constant pearls of wisdom, it still took me about ten minutes to find the symbol and needless to say, by the time I put down the binoculars, I was already looking up ways to give my friend an impromptu colonoscopy with them.

All my nit-picking aside though, 'Uncharted 3' is still very enjoyable, although it follows the usual trilogy pattern of not being as good as the last two, it still manages to sit comfortably in the category of “not completely terrible”. The story is well paced and enjoyable, and at times it’s hard to tell when the cinematics end and the game begins, which, more often than not, resulted in me standing idly by as a group of unseemly looking gentlemen played operation with my abdomen and a rocket launcher. But again I’m just nit-picking, and once you get used to seeing the Game Over screen every five minutes the combat sequences become almost tolerable, so all in all I give it an 8/10 because I wanted to give it 7 but everyone else gave it 10 and I don’t want the other reviewers to make fun of me and take my lunch money.

#uncharted 3 #uncharted #game review #cover-based shooting #shooting game #arts #michael anjos #drake's deception

[sonarmag-blog]

Bestival adds to it's 2012 line-up with exclusives from Sigur Ros and The XX

Words: Steph Powell // Photo: Dan Dennison

Bestival announces first names for 2012, with The XX and Sigur Ros as exclusives.

This morning Rob Da Bank took to Twitter (@RobdaBank) to start unveiling the line up for Bestival 2012. Among the names announced so far are Justice, Hot Chip, Little Dragon and Two Door Cinema Club.

But perhaps the most exciting news is that The XX and Sigur Ros are playing the festival exclusively, with both bands currently working on new material. Bestival will be Sigur Ros’ only UK date of 2012.

The Bestival Line Up so far:

Hot Chip Orbital Doom The XX Sigur Ros Justice Two Door Cinema Club Soulwax 2manyDJs Nero Emelie Sande Warpaint De La Soul Major Lazer Spiritualized Inner City Azealia Banks Sub Focus Earth, Wind and Fire Rizzle Kicks Buraka Son Sistema Little Dragon Lianne La Havas Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs Gold Panda Annie Mac Dub Pistols The 2 Bears Caribou Four Tet Claude Von Stroke Justin Martin Eats Everything DJ Yoda Maya Jane Coles Jackmaster Scuba Field Music

#bestival #bestival 2012 #robin hill #de la soul #justice #sigur ros #the xx #soul wax #major lazer #emile sande #nero #two door cinema club

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Review - Marcus Collins - Seven Nation Army (Single)

Words: Nathan Genese

X Factor runner-up 2011 Marcus Collins’ is set to release his debut single on March 4th, ‘Red Nation Army’. The single has been taken from his album ‘Marcus Collins’ which is due to be released on March 12th. 

‘Red Nation Army’ is a cover from The White Strips, yet it should not be compared to the original rock classic. Marcus takes a bluesy approach, using his wide vocal range to bring his own 50s, 60s approach to the track. Now, while the backing sounds a little harsh at times, Marcus’ actual voice is soulful and upbeat and the song is definitely worth a listen.

However, my problem with Marcus’ choice of song is that on his album he has written a number of songs and for a debut release choosing a cover song may not present his best abilities as an artist. Rather, Marcus could face being seen as just another X Factor contestant who’s stumbled onto a record deal, found a popular song by a well-established artist and then torn it to pieces, rather then being given praise for his take on the song.

Marcus is on tour with X Factor throughout February, March and April and to find out more on what Marcus is up to visit his website: www.marcuscollinsmusic.com .

Rating: 3/5

#review #marcus collins #x factor #single #seven nation army #white stripes #x factor single #music #arts #nathan genese

[sonarmag-blog]

Digital Wristband Technology to Feature in UK Festivals.

Words: Steph Powell

In process that is similar to Glastonbury's current identification system, the RFID wristband's use a chip to store information about the wearer. It would allow festivals better security and would see the end of the fabric wristband.

The wristband would also allow consumers to pay for onsite food and drink without having to carry cash on them, using kiosks to 'top-up' the credit on the band. The idea behind this is to increase costumer security levels, and make people feel more safe during their festival experience.

The technology has already been successful at Coachella in the US and on practise tests in the UK, which could, providing cost-effective production methods are found, see it being used at festivals as early as next year.

But is this necessarily a good thing? Ofcourse anything that helps combat theft and touting is always good for the industry, but for me personally, the little fabric wristband left over from that weekend of music is part of the whole experience. Replacing it with a clever, chunky and frankly little bit ugly one, just won't be quite the same.

Source: http://www.eventindustrynews.co.uk/2012/02/digital-wristbands-to-feature-in-uk-festivals.html

#festivals #uk festivals #security #wristbands #music culture #music #steph powell #event industry news

[sonarmag-blog]

Read Sonar Magazine Now!

(simply click the front cover)

You can read Sonar Magazine online now at our Issuu page! Yay!

You can even download it, because we're lovely like that.

#sonar magazine #music #film #fashion #arts #student media #issuu

[sonarmag-blog]

Review - Will.i.am feat J.Lo & Mick Jagger - T.H.E (The Hardest Ever) (Single)

Words: Ollie Brown

So it seems as if the rapper and producer, Will. I. Am, has hit an all time low with this latest release. The lyrics are completely nonsensical as if Will has flicked through a dictionary to ensure everything rhymes but forgotten that the English language needs to make some coherent sense. It's set to a rhythm-less beat and a waspy synth bass that completely rips off Benny Benassi's 'Satisfaction', a song released ten years ago. Already sounding a decade outdated we then have J.Lo chanting every Lager Lad's holiday motto in the early 90's 'GO HARD OR GO HOME!' - I wish you did stay at home the day of this studio recording guys. Finally, to top it off we have Mick Jagger in what must be one of the most baffling and unfitting guest apperances in a song ever, randomly shouting about random school science lessons. Just because geology and trigonometry rhymes doesn't mean it makes any fucking sense.   There's a reason more and more people are converting to the British urban scene with American 'superstars' vomiting this garbage. If this is the future of American hip hop then in the words of Professor Farnsworth in Futurama: I don't want to live on this planet anymore.

The single is out in the U.K on the 6th February. Watch the video here:

#single #will.i.am #willpower #the hardest ever #t.h.e #j.lo #mick jagger #ollie brown #review #arts #single review

[sonarmag-blog]

Review - Ben Brooks - Grow Up (BOOK)

Words: Steph Powell // Image: Canongate

You’re always told never to judge a book by it’s cover, and so with this in mind, I decided to open ‘Grow Up’ by Ben Brooks. Flicking through the pages, my gaze was caught by the words ‘chicken nuggets’ mid-text and I instantly decided this was a book I must read.

 ‘Grow Up’ is a first person account of modern teenage life, told through the eyes of Jasper.  There’s nothing notably out of the ordinary with Jasper, he’s a typical teenage boy who’s desperate to grow up but contends with the perils of a-levels and an overly pushy mum.

 There are some pretty extreme examples of teenage life in modern British culture. Channel 4’s hit series ‘Skins’ shows abnormally beautiful teenagers burying their difficult lives under a colourful shelter of drugs and alcohol, meanwhile ‘The Inbetweeners’ is four social outcasts on their quest to get laid.

 In ‘Grow Up’, Brooks harnesses the realities of these excesses. It presents adolescence as a hub of drug-use and alcohol, assisted with some minor mental health problems.  Part of this issue is Jasper’s, almost hilarious, fixation with his step-dad.  In a typically exaggerated love/hate parent and teenage relationship, think Kev & Perry, Jasper’s convinced that his step-father is some kind of evil murder. Brooks managing to remain the self-doubt and curiosity prevalent in a teenager by being overly outrageous in Jasper’s evaluation of Keith’s past, ‘For Keith, murder is even better than anal sex.’ In fact most of the adults in the book fit under blatant stereotypes, for example, the over-the-top-Christian, Religious Studies teacher that refers to the class as ‘heathens’.

Brooks does not overlook the obvious sexual desires of a teenage boy, being little more than one himself. When he’s not preoccupied with his step-father, Jasper is thinking of ways to win over idyllic class-mate Georgia Treely or spending valuable time on ‘www.girlsoncam.com’.

 A mature and engaging coming-of-age tale about friendship, relationships, Facebook, mephedrone and cheap vodka, ‘Grow Up’ is as much about heartbreak as it is hilarity.  Ben Brooks, only a mere nineteen himself, presents you with a lead character that is a cynic on adulthood yet simply strives for nothing more than to be one, a position that will resonate with most readers.

#book review #book #ben brooks #grow up #steph powell #arts

[sonarmag-blog]

Review - Evanescene - Evanescene

Words: Sofija Hamika

It's happened! Fans of rock music can rejoice! Evanescence returned to the music scene  with a new long-awaited album called “Evanescence”, which hit everyone with it's power. I think many audiophiles will agree that this album will have much more of an impact than the previous one. It's music, lyrics and Amy's voice are beyond praise.

The first single from the album was the song called “What you want”. This single was correctly picked, as it sets the pace for the album. “What you want” sounds like evidence that Amy is invincible and she will be here with us for a long time. Now she is stronger than ever and ready to silence all envious. The difficult time, with the leaving of two band members, did not break her spirit of fighter. “I am everything you can't control”- the lyrics from the single, through which she argues that the Evanescence can not be controlled, they are invulnerable.

 This album entirely sounds like a challenge, like a statement that Amy will not stop on her previous achievements. She is a perfectionist and will fight till the end, until she will be satisfied that her music  leaves a trace in the soul of everyone. This is she-great and ''terrible'' vocalist of the Evanescence. Fans scream and haters weep, because this album received honorable and deserved first place in the Billboard music charts.

#music #arts #sofija hamika #reviews #album reviews #new music

[sonarmag-blog]

Review - The Maccabees - Given To The Wild

  Words: Catherine Elliot

After reading a mixture of reviews, some scathing (The Observer) and some raving (NME), I was apprehensive to how this record would sound. The Brighton/London based indie rock band have taken a bold new direction with their third album, working with producer Tim Goldsworthy and creating a darker moodier resonance than their previous efforts.

Their transition is similar to how Foals evolved with their second album, and has touches of U2’s The Joshua Tree. It’s a more expansive sound, ‘Feel to Follow’ is like nothing I have ever heard from the band before; ‘Glimmer’ is an instant favourite, one of those songs you play over and over.  ‘Pelican’ is a nostalgic song about growing old, it’s punchy and happy. ‘Went Away’ is jaunty and uplifting, with sparkling guitar riffs. ‘Unknown’ has some beautiful female vocals and an unusual beat behind it.

They are an example of what an indie band should be. There’s such a stigma attached to that word, because the genre has been tarnished with so much drivel. The Maccabees reinforce authentic indie music.

I was blown away at the first listen of this exquisite album, and certainly wasn’t expecting to love it quite this much. Looking back at ‘Latchmere’ and ‘About Your Dress’, which are Britpop classics, their song writing skills have shone brighter than ever on this record.  They have skilfully matured with their fans, whilst being careful to keep that twee unthreatening innocence that made them such a stand out band in the first place.

#music #arts #Album Reviews #catherine elliot #the maccabees #given to the wild #new music #review #album #maccabees fans #nme

[sonarmag-blog]

Sonar Suggestion: FOE

 Words: Chris Taylor

FOE; aka Hannah Louise Clark is a 20 year old grunge punkette from Fleet is set to release her debut album ‘Bad Dream Hotline’ on January 16th 2012.

‘Cold Hard Rock’ is the first single from this forthcoming album. It offers a more pop influence compared with the more punk-orientated EP ‘Hot New Trash’. The song begins with an instrument build-up then a low key and somewhat androgynous vocal performance on the verse. The chorus lifts into a higher gear, with a higher tempo chord progression. Sounding energetic and offering a glimmer of hope before the lyric: “Seas coming, it’s dragging me down,” returns to the dark and atmospheric theme.

‘Genie In A Coke Can’ is a perfect example of the pure fantasy worlds that Clark constructs. Originally taken from the E.P New Hot Trash, it has been rerecorded for the forthcoming album. It offers a heavier perspective on her music, delving deeper into Clark’s attempts to make sense of her reveries. 

2012 is set to be a big year for FOE with the album receiving acclaim from the music press. Clark has come a long way from the isolated 10 year old being accused of witchcraft by her classmates, but her music still resonates of those experiences combined with twisted fairy-tails.

FOE is currently touring the U.K. and will be playing Southampton’s Joiners on January 24th.

Watch Cold Hard Rock here:

#music #arts #one to watch #chris taylor #foe #joiners #review #single #new music #new talent #upcoming