The Evening's Artist - Nathaniel Rateliff

This will be the first in an ongoing series of posts on my favorite new artists, or 'The evening's artist' as i'm so wittily calling it. I'll try and keep them to small artists, as there is no point in me informing you of my love for Queen or Bruce Springsteen (of which there is much). So, without much further ado:


Nathaniel Rateliff

Image thanks to SSG Music

'Who is Nathaniel Rateliff?' I hear you ask. Well he's not just the owner of one of the finest mustaches you're ever likely to see, although this is certainly true (seriously, Google search it, it's immense). This guy was unknown to me too until a month ago, however, since that point his songs have barely stopped being played on my iPod, Spotify or YouTube.

So lets fill you in: Nathaniel Rateliff is a young, folk troubadour from Denver, Colorado. His beautifully rich baritone voice perfectly compliments the music's sparse sound. Although called Nathaniel Rateliff, this is technically a band (featuring five other members), yes, 'much like Avril Lavigne' I hear you say. However, as the frontman, singer and guitarist he remains the focal point in the music. His music seems routed in folk and country routes, with songs often revolving around bleak imagery.

His debut effort 'In Memory of Loss' was a series of recordings he made on his 8-track, which were later transformed into a full 16 song album by producer Brian Deck (Iron & Wine, Modest Mouse). It really is a beautiful album, and one that deserves considerably more success and attention (though it hasn't gone completely unnoticed). The two things that are immediately noticeable on this album are: Nathaniel's voice and the huge amount of audio space on the tracks. Nathaniel's voice varies between a quiet swoon (on the intro to 'Once in a Great While') before breaking into more of a definitive shout ('Shrowd'), drawing similarities to Caleb Followill of 'Kings of Leon'. Instrumentation is used sparsely, with most songs just featuring guitar and vocals (though piano, harmonica and drums do also crop up from time to time) but all this focuses the listeners attention to the lyrics and swooning vocals harmonies.

16 songs is perhaps a few too many, and by the end of the album the impact of these tails of heartbreak and despair is somewhat lessened; however, there are some really incredible, heartfelt tracks on this album. It is available on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon and I would highly recommend you give the below a listen and if you like what you hear, buy the album.

For fans of - Bon Iver, Kurt Wagner and Leonard Cohen

'It's taken years to make a beautiful shroud'

Artists to look out for in 2011 - Part 3

The time is finally upon us. I have collected all the results in. There was just one, and it was written by me. So I can now announce my number 1 'Artist to look out for in 2011':


1 - Ben Howard

Image thanks to Surf Girl Magazine

Ben Howard. Make a mental note of that name. I really do believe that this guy is destined for much bigger things. The 23 year old from Devon is starting to cause a bit of a stir in the industry, with a rapidly increasing fan base. One listen and you'll understand why. His innovative lap guitar style, made famous artists such as Andy McKee, is brilliantly worked in to his songs, adding both melody and percussion. It's not just the guys skills with an axe that impress, it's the voice. Truly his greatest instrument. He switches between the soft and sensitive, to a rough, raw cry with ease. Unfortunately due to his acoustic guitar and link to the surfing community, parallels will instinctively be drawn between him and Jack Johnson, however, I think that this would be a grave injustice to this upcoming star. I can see more similarities in his work to that of Eddie Vedder in his fantastic soundtrack to the film 'Into the Wild'.


Recent tours with Xavier Rudd, Angus and Julia Stone and Jason Mraz has seen the young folk artist playing to larger and wider audiences. Though Ben's sound is hard to pin down to a specific genre, and feels more intrinsically linked to the surroundings it was created in. Not since 'For Emma, For Ever Ago' have I heard songs feel more intimately affected by their environment. You can feel the wild nature of the South English coastline where this young musician resides in the very fibre of his songs. 


To listen to his music click here. According to his Myspace they he is 'laying the finishing touches to the debut album in a little barn studio [....] near home so all is gold and good.'. So hopefully we will not have long to wait to hear a full length release from the Devon artist. 


In the mean time; get comfortable, tell the dog/friend/brother/sister/wife/husband/*insert noisey influence* to shut up, make the video full screen, and enjoy 4 minutes and 33 seconds of raw talent:


For fans of - The John Butler Trio, Bon Iver, John Martyn

Artists to look out for in 2011 - Part 2

So you've read the last part and are probably kicking back with some Admiral Fallow or Andrew Davie whilst you're reading this - don't you worry, I have plenty more musical Inspiration for you. Next up:

3 - Tubelord

Image thanks to The Line of Best Fit

Now there may be a little bit of bias in this selection as these boys are from Kingston (where I went to uni), so I was exposed heavily to them. Regardless of that, I think they are bloody brilliant!


A long way from the quiet, subdued folk pop sounds of the previous two entries; Tubelord rock hard and fast. The bands sound is easily distinguishable by their songs intricate and complex structures - often changing in structure and speed - yet somehow remaining strangely catchy. Their first album, 2009's 'Our First American Friends' is an absolute gem. Released on independent label: Hassle Records, it is a fast paced album with lyrical themes often humorous and just the right side of emo ('Oh fuck it i'll take one [...pill], and join the grins too. I'll trade morale for hypocrisy and connect to you').


I caught these guys at Glastonbury (I was one of few people, as most were drawn to the to the bright lights of Snoop Dogg who was playing at the same time) and was very impressed with their live shows. It was a very high energy performance, and they proved themselves as talented musicians keeping up with the albums tight sound. Check them out here.


For fans of - Tellison, Reuben and DARTZ!.


2 - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Image thanks to Broklyn Vegan

Moving on from a band with one of the worst names ever (I mean seriously, what is a Tubelord?!), is one with arguably the most pretentious. Now there is something about this band that is a little bit twee and pretentious (I mean I got the photo of the band from a site called Brooklyn Vegan, for christ's sake). Despite this though I can't help but love their music.


This indie/pop four-piece hail from New York, and their self titled album was one of my favorites of the last couple of years. Filled with catchy low-fi tracks which have a kind of Smiths-esque sound at times, yet, in decidedly un-Smiths fashion, still sound throughly positive. What is so special about this band is the way often mix melancholic verses which erupt in to uplifting chorus', made all the more special by the beautiful combination of Kip and Peggy's voices.


The band's follow up album 'Belong' is being released on Slumberland, and is due out on the March 29. I really feel that if they play their cards right on this this effort, it may take them into the big leagues. Listen to the pre-released album title track below (and check out the rest of their stuff here):


For fans of -  The Naked and Famous, Los Campesinos! and The Smiths.

Artists to look out for in 2011 - Part 1

Pioneers are smug. Lets face that fact right now. At some point we've all been in that position where we find ourselves uttering the following phrases: 'I've been listening to *insert band name* for ages', 'have you only just started watching that series, I was watching it when season 1 was aired'. Smugly showing everyone around you that you were there first, and thus, you are a true fan. With this idea in mind I though i'd share with you some superb artists that I have discovered in the hope that they get famous and we can all enjoy a shared moment of abject smuggery with anyone who'll listen.

5 - Admiral Fallow

Image thanks to The Skinny

I discovered this Scottish six piece when I saw them supporting their fellow countrymen, Frightened Rabbit, at the Anson Rooms in Bristol. They were the first support band and played an intimate set in front to just one hundred or so spectators. However, the number of people at that moment was irrelevant, as the captivated crowd clung by every note. The band's debut album 'Boots Met My Face' was released in 2009 on Lo-Five records, and is due for re-release this month. BMMF is a fantastic record, with the songs; 'Squealing Pigs', 'Four Bulbs' and 'Subbuteo' particularly impressing - listen here. They seem to have the ability to write pop folk songs that you feel like you've know on your first listen.

For fans of - King Creseote, Frightened Rabbit and The Twilight Sad.

4 - Andrew Davie

Image thanks to Andrew Davie Myspace

Andrew Davie is a remarkably talented young man. At 22 years old he will have a long and illustrious career in front of him, that much I am sure of. He was the singer and guitarist of my favorite small band that never made it big - Cherbourg, (damn it, my signed 10" LP will never be worth what I envisaged). They were also heavily involved in the 'West London Folk Movement' and played extensively alongside bands such a Mumford and Sons. Although they never had an album, just a series of EP's, the songs they did release were excellent. A clear example of quality over quantity. I highly recommend you check them out. 

Since Cherbourg's split he has been writing solo songs, which are also very good. and can be found here. A mixture of a beautiful voice and intriguing lyrics, which are very dark at times, but always equally outstanding.

For fans of - King Charles, Jay Jay Pistolet, Snow Patrol and Mumford & Sons.

Part 2 to follow.

5 albums to get excited about in 2011 - Part 5

I heard a rumor there was a little award ceremony that took place last night, the Oscars or something..... Never mind that. The real anticipation and excitement is around who will take the last spot in the '5 albums to get excited about in 2011' run down. So without much further ado:

5. Coldplay

Image credit to AWMusic

Now I can almost hear the moans and groans already. Settle down people. I know the words 'Coldplay' and 'excitement' don't often get used together, but give this blog a read and then see what you think. 

If ever a band was ever directly comparable to Marmite, then surely it would be Coldplay: never have I know an artist to have quite such a love or hate status. It has always struck me as strange that a band that writes such seemingly unoffensive music, can cause quite so much offense. One thing that is without any doubt is that they are one of the biggest bands in the world. Their list of awards is endless (so I won't bore you with all of them), but includes: 6 Brits, 7 Grammys, 5 NME awards and an Ivor Novello. Not only are they exceptionally decorated by the industry, but have also racked up over 50 million records worldwide.

The release of Coldplay's fifth album has been delayed from it's intended 2009 release due to heavy touring from the band as well as a series of plagiarism charges. The boys last album ''Viva la Vida' was an ambitious step following on from 2005's disappointing 'X&Y'; with a much wider range of instruments, sounds and themes. Tracks such as 'Yes' showed that the band were not afraid to step away from the sound which they had grown famous for.

Although the English four piece have been working on their next album for a considerable period, there are still relatively few details, let alone an album name. Acclaimed producer and instrumentalist Brian Eno has been adding his expertise to the mix, working on and off with the band over the duration the creative stage. In an interview with the BBC earlier this year, Martin and Champion  claimed the new album was about 'love, addiction, OCD, escape and working for someone you don't like.'' On the 1st September Chris performed an exclusive new track called 'Wedding Bells' at the Apple Inc conference (see the below video). According to Miles Leonard, the president of Parlophone (EMI) the album should be expected out "towards the autumn of this year". 

I, for one, cannot wait!

                                                  'You keep on moving, baby, I'll stay still

                                         I always loved you and I always will'

5 albums to get excited about in 2011 - Part 4

Following on from my post on Okkervil River are the band that need no introduction (so i'll go ahead and not give them one):

4. Mumford and Sons

Image credit to Stereoboard

Here is a band I fell in love with on my first listen. Their unique brand of anthemic folk has taken the country, and the world, by storm. I first saw them back at 'End of the Road Festival' in 2009, where they played in front of about 200 people on a lazy Friday afternoon. Well what a difference a year and a half makes.  

Rising out of the famous 'West London folk scene' alongside artists such as Johnny Flynn, Noah and the Whale and Laura Marling they have gone from strength to strength. The band has received two Grammy nominations (for 'Best New Artist' and 'Best Rock Song' - for Little Lion Man), a Mercury nomination and a Brit Award win for 'British Album of the Year'.

It was always going to be a case of the difficult second series for the Mumford boys. The huge amounts of media and public attention on the band in recent months will mean their follow up to the hugely successful 'Sigh No More' (which sold over 948,000 copies in the US alone) will have an even greater weight of expectation. The band have promised to strip their sound down and somewhat start from scratch on their, yet un-named, sophomore effort - which is due for release later this year.

Here is the picture from Mumford and Sons performance at 'End of the Road Festival' 2009.

If you haven't checked out these boys live yet then you are seriously missing out. Don't believe me? Well listen to the below video, and then feel free to apologise for ever doubting me.

5 albums to get excited about in 2011 - Part 3

Next up, a band which I will unfortunately say that I was a little slow on the uptake with. I had been advised numerous times to give them a listen, or that 'i'd really like them', however, it has taken until recently for me to get round to it. They are without doubt the best band you've never heard of. Anyway, I will relieve you from the edge of your seat and let you know the band I am talking about is:

    3. Okkervil River

Image credit to JP's Blog

These Texas natives, fronted by Will Sheff, are my favorite new band discovery - and with a back catalogue spanning 11 years, there's no shortage of material to catch up on. If you have not checked these guys out then I strongly advise you get involved now (but of course finish reading this blog first). Their sound is encapsulated in stark indie/folk anthems with intricate instrumentation and truly striking lyrics. I can honestly say that I believe Will Sheff to be one of the finest lyricists in the business, and if you need proof just listen to this beauty here.


Their latest album 'I Am Very Far' is due for release on the 10th of May on Jagaguar records. This their sixth album will be a follow up to 2008's excellent: 'The Stand Ins'. The bands sound has changed dramatically over the past decade becoming far more commercial and accessible, mainly due to the maturity of Sheff's voice. Despite this the band has firmly maintained it's integrity. These changes have led to an ever increasing fan base, and with performances on NBC's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and notable collaborations with Roky Erickson there are many promising signs for the future of Okkervil River.


If you fancy a sneak peak of what to expect from the new album listen to the first single 'Mermaid' below.

                                    'And the days all float by and the days over waves,
                                       under sky and the weeks slowly leak into years.
                                             The last islands are all left behind.'