Album Review: BENEATH THE SKIN by Of Monsters and Men

Icelandic five-piece band, Of Monsters and Men, unleashed their second album today named Beneath the Skin. Following their highly successful debut album, My Head Is An Animal, the band had a lot to live up to. This successor does not disappoint at all, sounding like a loyal sequel to their first album whilst still bringing something powerfully individual to the table.

Current Top 10 Albums

I'm one of those people who needs to listen to music whilst they work. So with stressful exams and essay periods, I'm simultaneously and inevitably binging on and discovering new music. With some all-too-exciting Easter exams coming up, I thought now would be a good time to run down on my current favourite albums. These are constantly changing but I finally managed to whittle them down to a somewhat structured Top 10:

10. Open Season - High Highs (2013)

I've been listening to High Highs for a while, but have only listened to this album in its entirety recently. It is the perfect album for moments of relaxation and apt for both looking outside at the rain and laying down in the sun. Their sound is made up of these beautiful soft and slightly crackly drum beats and guitar twangs that emulate a spinning record. The real epitome of the High Highs however, is the lead singer's dusty and almost cottony voice that simply wraps around your ears like an enveloping hug. A true experience of cosiness here. Favourite Track: 'Flowers Bloom'.

Concert Review: ALT-J 'This Is All Yours' at the O2 Arena, London

For one evening only, British alternative rock band, alt-J performed at the O2 Arena in London, filling the entire space both literally and with their musical presence. The performance was stellar, connecting with me on a level far more complex and metaphysical than just a pair of ears enjoying a band in a concert hall for 20,000 people. alt-J's music had me longing for hours afterwards to return to the sanctuary of their sound as each note was played and each word was sung with a haunting and yet comforting edge. 

The show began with the first support act, Gengahr. Being the first supporting act of a successful and popular band is always difficult but Gengahr fell disastrously flat in the expanse of the arena. Their instrumentals were solid and yet the vocals were completely lost in ambiguity with the lyrics being discernible and the notes rarely hit. Perhaps they would have been more successful within a more intimate venue but their performance was poor and undoubtedly overshadowed by the second support: Wolf Alice. I listened up on a little bit of their music before arriving but was still pleasantly surprised by their performance. Their sound was thoroughly pleasing, comparable to The xx meets Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Overall, it was a successful opening for one of the most enchanting evenings I have ever experienced.

Concert Review: IMAGINE DRAGONS 'Night Visions' Live at O2 Brixton

Securing three consecutive nights at London's O2 Academy in Brixton, Alternative Rock band Imagine Dragons blasted out an amazing high-energy performance that had me captivated and reeling for days after it ended. Being my first ever concert from one of my all time favourite bands - Imagine Dragons didn't disappoint and really set the bar high for any future performances I go to. Performing songs predominately from their album Night Visions, each and every song was executed to an outstanding degree with nearly all my favourites making an appearance. The music is original, thoughtful and uplifting and I left the evening feeling completely stripped bare of stressful worries. 

On the night I attended, Imagine Dragons were supported by The Moth & The Flame and Linus Young, two bands I had no prior knowledge of before entering the venue. The show opened with The Moth & The Flame who had a lovely rustic lyricism to their sound which I really liked. Feeling lethargic after an hour or so of queuing, the deep thrums of their bass and drums woke me right up and I thoroughly enjoyed their unique style. I did feel that a lot of their charm and lyrics were lost in the size of the stage and I wish I could have heard them in a quieter and more intimate place. I did enjoy them, and their set had me riled up for the Dragons. However, the second supporters, Linus Young, didn't do quite as well. Their drummer and lead guitarist were great yet the band fell short on their vocals. Again, it could have been the acoustics of the large venue, but the female singer sounded particularly pitchy. Unfortunately, being the second support act may not have been in their favour as the crowd admittedly weren't paying attention until the main act were to appear.

Finally, the set was reorganised, the stage darkened and a flurry of piercing eyes emerged within the blackness of the stage. The projected eyes glowed momentarily until a bright illumination of neon wedges overtook them. The stage rapidly burst into light as Imagine Dragons took to the stage and each member played their instruments with passion in a powerful instrumental introduction.  

The Moth & The Flame

(From left to right) Ben McKee (bass), Dan Platzman (drums), Dan Reynolds (vocals), Wayne Sermon (guitar)

The whole atmosphere and set up of the gig was incredible. From the psychedelic lights to the beautiful projections on the screen behind them; with a scattering of multiple heavy drums and a golden guitar; Imagine Dragons filled the venue with their presence and every second they were on stage was exciting. Dan Reynolds (lead singer) in particular had such strong stage presence and it never felt like a separated viewer/musician performance but rather a fully involved connection. There were plenty of opportunities for the crowd to sing along - however out of tune it may have been - and we were encouraged through every drum beat to fully enjoy ourselves. With this positive attitude permeating through the audience, I couldn't help but jump up and down with all the enthusiasm my athletically-challenged body could muster. 

"And now it's time to build from the bottom of the pit right to the top, don't hold back."

Amsterdam

The set list was well constructed with a good amalgamation of their faster songs with slower counterparts. They opened with the brilliant Round and Round which blended perfectly into one of my personal favourites: Amsterdam. The timings and order of the songs created a good complementing experience. Specifically, after a energetic run of It's Time and Imagine Dragons' surprise cover of Blur's Song 2, the contrast of a beautiful acoustic and emotionally-fuelled piece set a poignant tone. The highlights of the night have to be It's Time where the upbeat instrumental had everyone clapping and stomping in response. This was also where several large confetti-filled balloons floated down to the crowd which just made everyone happier. On Top of the World was similarly as uplifting as the whole audience were encouraged to jump together and just let go. Of course, Radioactive has to be given an honourable mention and hearing it live felt truly apocalyptic. If it were possible, they were even better in the encore with Nothing Left To Say where they really made themselves heard. The encore song choice  in my opinion, was perfect as it closed the show in a bittersweet but powerful way. The intensity and energy poured into this last song showed the dedication and passion the band has for their music.

I also really liked how every member had a portion of the show to rock out their own solos which allowed the audience to see every facet of the band's talent. I have no doubt that Imagine Dragons will go far with their extremely skilled musicians, meaningful lyrics and emotional resonance. This is a night I won't forget.

(Concert photos taken by me, The Moth & The Flame and band photo not mine)

Album Review: MY FRIENDS by Paper Lions

Summers. Memories. Nostalgia.

Canadian indie band Paper Lions' My Friends screams the above; marking every drumbeat and guitar riff with a gentle probe in the memory bank as they manage to illicit mellow connections with childhood and first discoveries.Whether it be through their catchy and radical melodies, or through the humble and at times humourous lyrics, Paper Lions have managed to create a collection of songs that will summon a smile from any listener. 

"I know you are my friend. And if I never met you, I would be different."

I've been a firm supporter and appreciator of Paper Lions for the last year, and was delighted to hear of their new album release. I was even more intrigued when I discovered that a lot of the featuring songs would be rebooted versions of the tracks on their acoustic EP At Long Creek. Although At Long Creek has a special place in my heart with its gentle simplicity, My Friends didn't ruin my love for the songs, but strengthened them instead.

Beginning with ironically light-hearted and catchy "Bodies in The Winter", the album immediately begins on a quirky note. I can't really describe Paper Lions' style other than it being a mixture of The Strokes with Jack Johnson in a bouncy castle with sunglasses and tambourines. The tempo remains cheerful and energised; "Sandcastles" showcasing a more vintage, grainy sound followed by two joyful songs which perfectly capture those warm affections for family and friends in "My Friend" and "Little Liar". The album eventually draws to a close with "My Friends Are Leaving", a slower, bittersweet ending to this carefree childhood of music. However, although I know I can never physically return to those days of youthful smiles, I can replay this beautiful album which transports me back there nevertheless.

As well as being enjoyable on the surface, the lyrics always make me chuckle when I listen to them. Being a band of brothers and childhood friends, the songs and their emotions feel honest and personal. But I also feel like anyone can relate to the story of those early childhood trips to the country and seaside with family friends that My Friends narrates. The lyrics are also artfully imaginative, letting me escaping to "Balance on the rail ties" whilst "The brook runs through the broken arch".

I adore My Friends and I'm glad that it arrived in my hands just when I needed it. Through all my current worries about higher education and adult life, it's elating to be able to take a break from it all and return to the corners of my memories.

Images from Paper Lions' facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/paperlions). 

You can listen to My Friends for free on their website at http://paperlions.com/