Philadelphia Grand Jury – ‘Ready To Roll’

It’s becoming apparent that the Philly Jay‘s might just be our new favourite band here at Who The Hell. Their last single, Going To The Casino, was only just recently featured in our last MAP post but this new offering is too good to delay.

The song is incredibly similar to Casino in both style and, most importantly, quality. It’s length is as short and punchy as it’s general aesthetic and the garage/lo-fi sound they’ve cultivated thus far is once again a great compliment to their quirky take on old-school rock and R&B. The simple, barking vocal arrangements and simple, pounding drums drive the song forward at a rollicking pace atop a guitar part that has an incredibly cool raw tone (for those geeks out there).

I really look forward to entire album of these songs. The best thing about it being under two minutes long is that I’ve been able to listen to it ten times in the last twenty minutes. And no, I’m still not sick of it.

www.myspace.com/philadelphiagrandjury

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Jackie Marshall – ‘You Want What I’ve Got’

I think it’s a crime that Jackie Marshall isn’t nationally revered and living in splendour. When she’s not writing excellent MySpace blogs about being a starving artist, Marshall writes intelligent and articulate folk songs that sound like a less country and grating version of The Waifs.

‘You Want What I’ve Got’ is from her 2006 AMP nominated album Fight or Flight. Please buy it so she can eat.

www.myspace.com/jackiemarshall

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Paper Planes – ‘Do It For The Kids’

Paper Planes – ‘Uh Huh’

January is when everyone likes to reflect on the previous year, so it seems timely that I put up something on these guys. Paper Planes‘ self-titled debut was one of my favourite Australian albums of 2008 and is a great example of modern guitar rock with spunk and a whole lot of moodiness.

‘Do It For The Kids’ is an incredible slow-burner. The song isn’t purely reliant on shifting dynamics to create tension though it does effectively employ this device throughout, with the slinking lead guitar line of the intro turning into a mammoth, striking barb when the chorus finally hits. This song has attitude and style plus the substance to back them up. It continues along at walking pace, confident enough in its stride that it need not speed up to create intensity. This is the stuff that can give you shivers.

‘Uh Huh’ is one of those songs that kinda has two choruses, and you already think the first one is pretty good so you get a pleasant surprise when the still-better second one eventually enters in behind it. This is power-chord rock in its purest form and singer Claire Birchall’s husky growl is vampy and surly enough to make her anger both palpable and entertaining.

It’s been a out for a while but seems to have flown under the radar. Check these guys out – they’re worth your time. (more…)

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The Middle East – ‘Blood’

I feel like Arcade Fire comparisons have been overused in music reviews over the past whenever, so I’m going to do my best to not compare The Middle East to Montreal’s finest.

It’s tough though, because this Townsville (QLD) collective do fit the criteria, at least initially – a large collection of musicians (at least 6, possibly 7) who create dramatic and climactic folk-ish anthems. Plus, if the Arcade Fire released this song, it would’ve got a whole lot more attention than it has so far, because it’s really fucking amazing.

‘Blood’ was released as part of Spunk Records’ ‘Singles Club’, a succession of ten seven inches from unsigned bands released weekly from November to January. They’ve all been pretty great, and should be available together on a compilation sometime in Feb.

www.myspace.com/visitthemiddleeast

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For years I’ve heard people rave about Spod and I just haven’t gotten it, but now thanks to this helpful music video I finally understand. Thanks Spod, you’re the raddest!

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Grand Atlantic – ‘Tripwires’

Grand Atlantic’s last album was an exploration of classic rock sounds and structures with a contemporary pop inflection. I’ve seen this Brisbane four piece several times and they never fail to impress during a live show.

Their latest song is a thick slice of power pop/rock and sees them inject their sound with a surprising but welcome lead synthesiser. Backed by some solid power chords and chorus full of classic staccato ‘ooo-ing’, Tripwires will surely make those indie kids get their hands out of their skinny-legged pockets their fists pumping.

Their new album is out in March and the new ideas they’ve injected into their palette here are cause for excitement in my books. Keep an ear out for these guys in a few months.

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