Out With The Old: Liar EP Review

Hi guys! Today I got this text from a friend, asking me to check out a relatively unknown but talented band, Out With The Old.

Harvii always has a good taste in music, so when he suggested them, I had to go and check them out. Out With The Old are pop-punk band from California. They have based their sound on a blend of old and new pop/punk music. Although I said they are relatively unknown where I live, the band does have popularity online, boasting an impressive 32.5 thousand followers on twitter collectively.  

They just released their official debut EP 'Liar' a few months ago, and I was pleasantly surprised when I decided to give it a listen. Within the first 30 seconds or so on the first song you can tell that these guys are talented, and have a knack for this style of music. They have managed to get the balance between pop and punk and alternative right, so that lots of different people with different tastes of music can enjoy the band. I'm not a huge fan of punk songs that are entirely screamo, so one of the main things I liked about this EP is that there is just the right amount, so I wasn't reaching to turn it off. You can also tell that the band are incredibly skilled at playing their instruments, with the songs being guitar and drums heavy.

Give this band a couple of years to perfect their craft and I see them playing in the big league. Their songs aren't the generic pop/punk sound, they bring something a bit different to the field. If you're a fan of punk, pop/punk or pop/rock music, I suggest you give this EP a try like I did, I guarantee you will enjoy it! 

I will leave some of their social media links below, plus a link to a YT video where you can listen to the EP in full. 

Until next time, 

MG xx

https://twitter.com/outwiththeoldca

https://www.facebook.com/OutWithTheOldMusic

http://instagram.com/outwiththeoldca/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uhiTcRqWO8&feature=youtu.be

Thomas McConnell - Crocodile Review!

Hi guys! 
Today I am going to do a review of a talented up and coming artist, Thomas McConnell. Thomas McConnell is a 21 year old singer/songwriter based in Liverpool. He has toured with Glenn Tilbrook, Ian McNabb and China Crisis. He has also supported Squeeze, Ian McCulloch & Ian Broudie and Steve Cradock. His piano cover of Paul McCartney's 'New' was released and shared online by McCartney himself in September 2013. Skip forward a year and McConnell has just released a new single 'Crocodile', which has received airplay on BBC Radio 6. 

McConnell wrote 'Crocodile' after being inspired by Paul McCartney's medley styled songs. He wanted to apply the twists and turns of that kind of songwriting to a jagged 70's-esque/Glam rock track, complete with hazy synths. It was produced by himself and Jon Lawton.

The song is extremely catchy and you can tell that McCartney influenced his sound, however there is a breath of fresh air with the track, and it doesn't feel like an imitation copy that we have heard several times before. The hook in this song is incredible, and the riff is appealing and very memorable. McConnell's vocals are to be noted as well, plus the lyrics are both relateable and clever. Plus, his talent and passion for playing his instruments shines throughout. The track also has a B-Side called 'Please Don't Slow Me Down' and after the first 10 seconds of listening to this track, I was hooked. 

There is no doubt that McConnell is musically gifted, and I think he has a bright future ahead of him. His retro sound, reminiscent of the 70's paired with his ability to write cool and agile lyrics is surely a winning success. I will leave all of his links below so you can check him out and give the single a listen to for yourself. 

Until next time, 

MG xx

https://www.facebook.com/thomasmcconnellmusic 

https://twitter.com/mcconnellsounds

https://soundcloud.com/thomasmcconnell

https://www.youtube.com/user/thomasmcconnellmusic

http://thomasmcconnellmusic.bandcamp.com/

Meghan Trainor: Title Album Review

Hi guys! Today I'm going to be doing a review of Meghan Trainor's debut album. It came out today, and I am a big fan of her style of music, so I couldn't wait to listen to all of the tracks.

After I listen to the first 5 songs I knew that I would love the rest of this album. Trainor has a very distinct style, and has managed to find a place in the music industry. Her music is refreshing from all of the other 'pop' music out these days; it's a breath or fresh air. The Intro showcases Trainor's talent beautifully. The album has a mix of slow and sultry ballads to fast and upbeat tunes. Bang Dem Sticks, Credit and Walkashame show her playful nature and personality perfectly whilst showing her impressive vocals and rapping skills at the same time. What If I, Close Your Eyes and Like I'm Gonna Lose You show that Trainor can nail the slow tempo numbers, with her silky smooth voice dancing across the melody.
Meghan has just got this right. Everything about this album is just right. The artwork is stunning, the tracks are brilliant, and her personality shines through. Trainor comes across as being a normal girl, she is likeable, and I feel like this album is the first of many for this talented young woman.
Until next time, MG xx

Who To Look Out For In 2015!

Hey guys!
With last year being such a good year for music, break out acts have a lord of hard work and catching up to do to make an impact, however here are a few people that I am tipping to take the music word by storm in 2015!

• James Bay > James Bay is a British singer songwriter, and his unique style of music has already bagged him this years Brit's Critics' Choice Award. I love his style of music, and I predict big things for him in 2015. 
  
• Years and Years > Years and Years are an electronica trio, and have already released an EP that hit number 1 on the iTunes charts. They were also in the running for 2015 Btit's Crtics' Choice Award. Their new track Desire is already hotly tipped to be a big tune, and I can't wait to see what this year will bring for them. 
  
• Little Sea > Little Sea are a four piece pop-rock band from Australia, and are signed to one of the biggest record labels around, Sony. The talented quartet are already nominated for Channel V's Oz artist of the year, and if there last EP is anything to go by, 2015 is going to be a brilliant year for this band. 
  
• Halsey > If you have read my blog before you will be aware that I am a huge fan of Halsey (http://musicglare.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/halsey-room-93-ep-review.html < check out my review of her latest EP Room 93 here), so of course I would be including her in this list. Her first EP did incredibly well, and she has just announced a headlining tour for 2015. 
  
• Troye Sivan > Troye Sivan is a popular Youtuber, however I think that in 2015, he is going to become well known for his music. His first EP TRXYE hit number one on iTunes, and his grungy sound is going to win everyone over. If you don't know who he is now, by the end if this year, you will. 
  
• Becky Hill > Becky Hill's voice has been featured in a number of huge tracks in 2014 like Overdrive, however 2015 is the year she is planning on making a break and doing it alone. She has a power house of a voice, and her unique sound makes her voice unforgettable. 
  
• Alexa Goddard > Alexa Goddard has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard, and this is why she is going to make her mark on the music industry in 2015. She has already signed a 5-album deal with Roc Nation, and managed to snag a number one in the UK Indie charts with her cover of Turn Your Swag On. 
  
• Saint Raymond > Saint Raymond is a massive talent. His new single Fall At Your Feet is bound to be a hit after receiving raving reviews from, well, everywhere. He has already managed to sell out his own headlining tour, and has just finished touring with Ed Sheeran. 2015 is going to be a bog year for this young man.  
  
• Kate Stewart > This incredibly talented young lady has already worked with the likes of Overdrive, and her single 'Speechless' was one of my favourite tunes of 2014. I predict big big things for her this year! 
  

And there we go! My predictions about who will make it big in the music industry this year! Feel free to agree/disagree/suggest anyone that I have missed out in the comments below. 

Until next time, 

MG xx