ITUNES LIVE REVIEW: The Little Ones, Peggy Sue and Ava Leigh

ITUNES LIVE REVIEW:
The Little Ones, Peggy Sue and Ava Leigh.
Last night, THE ANTI had the pleasure of sneaking into Koko Camden, despite our, ahem, invalid IDs. The beautiful venue that night payed witness to the 23rd gig of this month for the Itunes Live festival, which this year hosted massive names like the Ting Tings, Sam Sparro, CSS and Paul Weller. Last night, however, they opened their doors to a very different corner of the musical spectrum; the lesser-known, up-and-coming artists.

The night started off with the wonderful girls from Peggy Sue, which I think were formally known as Peggy Sue and the Pirates. Now, imagine Kate Nash and Florence and the Machine do an acoustic set. Now imagine their lyrics are more interesting, throw in a few harmonies and make it a little more down-tempo, and you'll probably have a sound in your mind very close to Peggy Sue's cute sound. One of the best new acts I've heard this year, Peggy Sue bought their bin along, which they used for instrumental purposes, along with a keyboard you blow into. It's different to everything circling the music scene right now and these are definitely expected to do well, as they have had big support slots next to artists like Kate Nash. Check them out because they're ones to watch.

Next up was Ava Leigh, who played an acoustic reggae-pop set. We have matching haircuts, Ava, high five. Ava herself is stunning and carried the show along well, although acoustic isn't ideal to dance to, nor to jump around to which is pretty much THE ANTI's ideal gig-watching state. Her cover of Mas Que Nada is a nice track to check out, along with Rollin'.

Finally, The Little Ones took to the stage for an immense set. If you haven't heard of The Little ones, they sound like Vampire Weekend, Band of Horses and a pinch of the Shins all put in a blender and sloshed around a bit. A nice beat and pretty vocals makes this ideal jumping and dancing music, which is pretty much all that one can do in the front row, and it must be said they have shit loads of energy for a band who sounds so laid-back. The great thing about The Little Ones is that even if you don't know all the words to their songs, you can still sing the backing vocals in the chorus, like in Morning Tide, which they opened the show with. I seriously recommend you buy some of these guy's stuff because it's very summery and sweet- get on it now on their Myspace.

One last thing before I go- if you're going to the Itunes festival, which is coincidentally being FILMED- why the FUCK would you just stand there like a boring sod? What's the point? The bands feel less accomplished and it brings down the tone on the whole thing. If you want to get mentioned by the band, as ahem, the ANTI might have, dance crazily and scream constantly.

Note: I will put pictures up to accompany this when people have uploaded them

Let's all listen to Surrey Power-Pop

What do the words 'Power-Pop' make you think of? Jumpy kids at a disco? Being 13? That's what I thought when I discovered the latest in the long line of London/Surrey-based up-and-coming bands. We Are the Ocean, You Me At Six, Consort With Romeo, Tonight is Goodbye, and my newly-discovered WeHaveAGetaway. I must admit I was a little skeptical on first hearing WHAG, but it pleasantly surprised me. A little bit Cute is What We Aim For, a little bit of a fake American Accent and a little bit of a summer feel. If you haven't given them a click already, I suggest you do. This band are bound to support someone huge and slowly rise to fame, like the rest of their breed have done. Cute electronic sounds, harmonious backing vocals and cool effects make downloading one of this band's tracks for summer a must-do.


Now if you haven't heard the pretty sounds of Consort With Romeo, where have you been? Have you heard of Myspace? Are you alive? They're pretty massive, and deserve it too. They have a nice vibe, jumpy rhythm and a pretty frontwoman, I'd like to see them live some day. I'm not going to bother pouring over WATO's Myspace for information to draw you in; all you need to do is hear one track and you're hooked. Or you could always watch the video of the epic anthem Nothing Good Has Happened Yet, the band's first single, because they are simply so cute it's hard not to sing along. As for the rest of the up-and-coming or up-and-come post-emo bands around, you'll probably find them a click away from any of the bands in this post so far, as they are all in each other's top friends.



Swinging over to the indie world, there's a whole new breed of up-and-coming/come bands over there too. Blasting out Cajun-style chords with simple but effective vocals, there's super-cute Lo-Fi Culture Scene, pictured right at a press shot on Hamstead Heath, shot by Joel K Crisp, apparently. Now complete with music video and soon an official single launch, LFCS are set to be massive, I'm predicting late 2008/early 2009. They're really young too, being 13/14, they're really sweet! Their launching their first single, Abstract, at a really good lined-up night at the Barfly in Camden. With support from Dash Delete and Flashguns, this looks like a night not to be missed. Dash Delete and Flashguns are two bands to check out very soon as both are taking the indie world by storm. Dash Delete have laid-back riffs and vocals that make you feel like lying in the sun, and Flashguns have Maccabees-style vocals and pretty, dancey tunes. If you're in or around London that night, I highly recommend you check out this event because it's set to be brilliant.

So this sadly draws an end to my small-band post, check back and add THE ANTI's myspace,
http://www.myspace.com/theantimusicblog

Alive with the glory of emo/TRANSGRESSIVE YAY

Ok, I have an embarrassing secret to reveal. Instead of listening to indie and new music podcasts, reading other music blogs and checking around myspace, like I usually do, I've been listening to old skool emo. My Itunes Say Anything collection has grown from 4 songs to 51, and I've started to listen to Yellowcard and Taking Back Sunday, again. Christ, I had this phase! What is happening?

For all you sane music freaks, I suggest you check out the Transgressive (the label Foals, Young Knives ect are signed to) new signings. Guaranteed big hit for any of the bands in the next six months. I'd especially recommend looking at Jhonny Flynn, who is getting indie feet tapping everywhere. Everyone seems to have praise for this guy. Bringing folky-tunes back in skinny jeans, just the way we like it. Another amongst the new signings is Esser, which is actually blessed music. 'I Love You' was featured on the latest Filthy Few Podcast, and its sounding pretty good, reminds me of a mix between Dan Le Sac and Dizzee Rascal's one where he nicked that bit in the chorus. Sounds too vague? Listen to the song and perhaps it will ring a bell. While you're on Transgessive, have a look at Liam Finn, I'm loving his track called 'Lead Balloon'. As I said before, have a look at all the new signings because they will be hot shit by the end of the summer. That's it for now, sorry guys... Sing it with me now! 'Alive! Alive! Alive with the glory of love...'

A late review of LOTP.

If you haven't heard of Late of the Pier, you must have been living under a rock. They've been around for a while and have got a fair amount of airplay and music channel play. They're the sort of band you can't listen to without moving your feet or singing along. These gorgeous boys from Nottingham have that addictive nature which makes them such great listening. The new double a-side The Space and the Woods/Focker is bound to become massive and the album promised at numerous interviews with the band is becoming more and more anticipated.
Since the first release of The Space and the Woods, almost a year ago, it is amazing how far the band have come. They've evolved from a bedroom band to a record label-signed ballad band. I recommend anyone reading snaps up what they can of Late of the Pier and brings it where ever they go. Best thing to come out of 2008 so far is definitely Late of the Pier's increasing notoriety.

May has so far seen the release of some great albums. Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip's long-awaited debut album 'Angels' was released on 12th May and is looking at a top-10 place in the charts, which is well deserved. The album has obviously had alot of time, work and thought put into it. It's had 4 singles released so far off it, and it is clear that they have come far from the first hit single, 'Thou Shalt Always Kill'. Get this album how ever you can, it's worth it.
Hadouken! also released their debut album 'Music for an Accelerated Culture' this week. Sadly, they haven't quite been able to achive the greatness of past tracks, and the hype surrounding this album seems a little wasted. Anyway, its worth getting if you've been a fan over the last 2 years, just to remember thinking they were really cool.

Remember, if you are in a band or would like to reccomend one, don't hesitate to leave a link or comment on THE ANTI's Myspace, www.myspace.com/theantimusicblog

Having a go at her Madge

Not the Queen of course, just Madonna. Yep, that's right, good OLD Maddonna, queen of Pop. I'm pretty sure that there's nothing natural about a 40-something-year old with a body as good as Kate Moss. You could say 'if you've got it... flaunt it!', but bear in mind, this woman has kids.

Fair enough her music is good. A duet with JT is hardly a bad thing, but does the belief that 'if you get your body out, you can sell your music' that seems to have infected the Hip hop/Pop industry have to extend to 40-year-olds?

I just don't think it's natural she's got her body everywhere and she's so old. Twiggy gave it a rest, and is now basking in the sophisticated M&S advert's limelight, can't Madonna PLEASE do the same?

Sorry for not blogging in so long and also sorry for this being a very short one, the ANTI is currently seeking out new bands fresh out the studio.

I'd like to take this opportunity to satirise the gem of a band which is Emmy the Great, they've been around for a while but they haven't had a lot of coverage lately. I hadn't realised they had a track up on their Myspace page, which they do. It's a really lovely Pixies cover, give it a listen and it might lift your mood, also you can download it for free.

If you're on Emmy the Great's page, it's just a click away from younghusband, a one man band with a sad, mopey but still good feel. French Grammar sounds very Beatles-inspired, and a few tracks are available to download.

A final apology for neglecting this blog, it will be back and packed as ever over the next few weeks.

Oh, and a final note- feedback is appreciated, this is why THE ANTI have a Myspace page, which you can leave comments on, rather than in my personal truth box. It's quite cowardly, and I'd appreciate people leaving feedback where it's wanted.

DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I think I've found 2008's Big Summer Anthem. It's the cutest thing since last year's summer anthem, which was of course the Holloway's brilliant 'Generator' (unless you're going to credit Rhianna's EH EH EH as an Anthem).
Yes, it’s here, even if summer isn’t. It is of course Black Kids' ‘I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You’ (single cover pictured right). I know it’s been kicking around for quite a while but this uber-cute band are just becoming known. Recently appearing on Later With Jools Holland, Black Kids are truly headed for the top. They’re signed and they’ve got a few decent songs under their belts. They have a cute music video and sound a little bit like a mix between Late of the Pier and Joy Division (you’ll see what I mean about them sounding like LOTP when you hear their brilliant track Hurricane Jane). How can they NOT become massive? If you haven’t heard this track then get on their Myspace right now, seriously. There's also a brilliant dance-mix up on their page of 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You', mixed by The Twelves. Definitely check that out if you're into Justice's mixes or this band.

When speaking of summer music, there is one immediate thought which springs to mind. Festivals, festivals, festivals. However, which ever festival you're headed to this year there seems to be quite an odd lineup. Glasto's got Jay-z headlining the main stage for one night. He is also playing at 02 Wireless in July. Seeing as last year's Wireless lineup was so good, it was surprising to see such a bleak lineup. It's the sort of lineup which makes you shrug and look out of a window, rather than pounce on the £40-45 day tickets without a moment's notice. Reading's lineup is, as always, the cream of the crop. It's too painful to re account the lineup, as I'm sure other non-Reading-goers will agree. Have fun if you're going. Have fun with the lovely little NME stage. Peh.

A festival which is much more of a Pounce-fest rather than a Shrug-fest is this year's Camden Crawl. It just seems to have EVERYONE decent on the music scene right now, whatever you're into. With a lineup including the likes of Crystal Castles, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Florence and the Machine, Operator Please, The Ghost Frequency, Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong, Robots In Disguise and so many more. It's across 2 days, and at £49.20 for a 2 day ticket, it's not that much for unlimited access to all Crawl venues, after show parties and daytime activities.

If you're into something a little quieter, try looking at the Redhill Redfest festival in Surrey. It's a small festival, with only 5,000 tickets. Prices are at a mere £64, including parking and camping. The lineup sees the likes of The Maccabees, Late Of The Pier and Lightspeed Champion, and for such a low price in such a small festival, this truly is too good to miss.

If you're not going to any festivals this year, you're probably wiser than the rest of us. You're saving the money and probably the tent too. I'm praying the Strokes will miraculously get back for a final album and decide to headline Reading next year. Never going to happen? Ah well.

I'd like to finish this 3rd edition of THE ANTI with it's first ever gig review. The gig took place on the 9th April and was of course the Teenage Cancer Trust comedy night presented by Noel Fielding. But no, I will not be reviewing the comedy, nor Noel's hair (which was nice, just a little too short), but I will be reviewing the music!

To the entire audience at the Royal Albert Hall (about 5,000)'s surprise, Razorlight's Johnny Borrell and Andy Burrows came on to play a two-song set including 'America' and 'Before I Fall to Pieces'. Surprising, it was actually very mellow and nice. It was an acoustic set, and although it was short, I've started listening to Razorlight again. Oh dear.

Anyway, Razorlight wasn't the music which blew 5,000 people away. It was the Mighty Boosh's first musical onstage performance which shocked everyone so much. Preforming 'Electro', 'Nannageddon' and 'Charlie' live for the first time, the Mighty Boosh were truly amazing. Noel Fielding was of course the Front man, with Barrat on guitar and later joining them was Dave Brown as a screaming backing singer. For the final song, Rich Fulcher also made an appearance in his famous Blue Suit. The gig was immense, and too good to sit down for, and a few of the audience in the Pit got up and danced.

Footage can be seen;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlRUnF72lW4 - 'Electro'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm6q-MlaoIM - 'Nanageddon' only 1/2 :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V7yuZQGc3A - 'Charlie'

Everyone who was already anticipating The Mighty Boosh's promised debut album this year will now be even more excited. I know the 5,000 people already are! The Boosh are set to play Big Chill this year, will it be comedy or music they'll be showcasing though? I guess we'll have to wait 'till summer. As if we weren't waiting for it already.

A dash of Electro.

So Myspace have put a lovely little 'Get to Know Partyshank' sign on their homepage. Great. As much as I love Partyshank, I'd really love them not to go all mainstream and do a Crystal Castles and sell out a bit and appear on Skins.

(photo credit to Mackenzie Hodge)

I suppose I shouldn't be so cynical, as I heard of the Shankers through the medium of lovely old Myspace, as I hear a lot of music. I first heard them about a year, maybe a little less ago. First of all I was like 'what is this bullshit?!' but then I realised I quite liked the bombardment of noise. You can't dance to it, sing to it or talk over it, but you can enjoy it and shout 'OLD SCHOOL'. If you've not heard of Partyshank (where the HELL have you been?) then I suggest you get on their Myspace NOW! They are one of the most original and interesting bands around and I've heard their gigs are pretty crazy.

They've done well too, creating the genre 'Toystep' and featuring in oh so many of those much-loved pretentious art magazines. As much as they really deserve to do well, and are doing brilliantly already (the band have been played by Justice and now have their own merch available), I remember a day when they would respond to your comments or thank you for profile-songing them as soon as it happened. Now they're so big, the least recent comment on their page is from two days ago, and I'm writing this in the morning!

Anyway, enough of my complaining about loosing Partyshank and lets look at some rising Electro sensations, shall we? Let's start with one of my favorite unsigned bands, Daggers. Not sure if you can actually call them electro, but hey, they have TWO synth/keyboard players!

I had the privilege of seeing this incredible band live as they were supporting Robots in Disguise. They have such a brilliant energy they bought the venue alive. The front man, Theo, was wearing only extremely tight trousers and a ripped waistcoat. Niiccee. Trust me, if you EVER get a chance to see this band live, grab it!

If you're more into poppy-electro, let's take a look at Absent Kid. The first track I ever heard was Shoot On Sight. It reminded me of Daggers, so I had a gander on their Myspace. Every song has a different feel, but it still has a little way of reminding you it's them, which I love about a band. Most of their tracks are available on Myspace for free, so what's to loose?

Also, I feel a bit bad for slagging off Ipso Facto last week, so have a little listen to them. They ain't too bad really.

Lastly, for those of you who are hating all this Electo nonsense, have a listen to Alexis Blue. I heard them on the lovely Filthy Few podcast, and then discovered that all of their music is available to download on Myspace. There are some really great songs up there. Quite Cajun Dance Party-esque but a little less uptempo. Still, great and worth a listen.

I will be making a THE ANTI blog Myspace page later this week and I will post the link on here.

Have a good week. I would love to heard from you via comments on this blog, any feedback is great, or recommendations of bands.

Stay safe, Thou Shalt Not Read NME!

The ANTI.