nessymon.com

Category: Music Review

  • Duran Duran: All You Need Is Now Review

    Duran-Duran-All-You-Need-Is-NowThis week saw the physical release of the extended album ‘All You Need is Now’ by the Birmingham quartet, Duran Duran. The original nine track album reached number 1 in 15 countries when released on iTunes so how this does will be interesting to watch.

    When we think of Duran Duran, most will think of the heydays, Rio, The Reflex,  boats, supermodels and sunshine. While moving on, later tracks like  ‘Sunshine’ from the album ‘Astronaut’, still has a toe dipped in 1982. Would DD ever relive the heady glory days?

    Enter uberfan Mark Ronson, who got the ‘job’ of producing the album. Let’s be honest, it was probably more like a holiday.. Anyway, the end product has somehow fashioned itself into a time machine and taken us back to what probably could be classed as a follow up to Rio. Yes, it’s bloody brilliant! (more…)

  • Von Shakes: My Side Review

    vonshakesWhen I reviewed Von Shakes‘ debut album last year, it was a good start but I felt I wanted a little more UMPH! Looks like I got it!

    ‘My Side’ shows how much the band have come on and learned since then. They have sorted a decent indie rock sound for themselves and more noticeable is how strong singer, Paddy Brazel’s vocals have become.

    The track starts with guitar and drums before the band’s updated contemporary sounds are unleashed. There are hints of KOL here but Von Shakes are moving in the right direction to place themselves in the ballpark as bands like Sound of Guns and develop their sound more.

    Impressed with their progress! The single will be released on April 8th and will be preceded by a launch gig in the Workman’s Club, Dublin, on April 5th.

  • The Wombats: Live at The Academy, Dublin

    I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from The Wombats. I knew some of their singles but after that I’d be at a loss, so March 20th in The Academy was going to be a little adventure.

    The Minutes had the job to open for The Wombats, when I heard this, I was a little surprised, I would have presumed they would be a much heavier band. They opened with their new single ‘Black Keys’ and within minutes the Dublin three piece has stamped their authority on the stage. Big, brash, bold, contemporary with nod at old school garage rock.

    Lead singer, Mark Austin says that he hopes the audience all went to Mass  because ‘it’s Sunday’. Throughout the show he lets his wit shine with occasional little quirks but you can see he’s not up for bull$hit and is happier playing music. (more…)

  • Sanskrit: Midweek Blues Review

    sanskrit Monaghan band Sanzskrit are back with a new single. It’s the first we’ve heard of them since debut, After the Wedding, which was a good solid start for the band.

    ‘Midweek Blues’ threw me off to start, it’s a lot more poppy and mainstream than I was expecting. The accordion sound coupled with the bass sound, give it a definite Oirish sound which I’m not a huge fan of. But it’s a damn catchy track, you hit the chorus before you’ve even realised and you’ll be humming it all day.

    If the guys box clever here, with a little more sparseness in the production they could find themselves in Noah & The Whale/ Mumford & Sons territory. It will be interesting to see what direction the new album, ‘Carving Our Names in Trees’, takes. (more…)