2017

This Feeling TV: A Pioneering Game Changer

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First published May 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

When thinking of music TV, institutions such as Top of The Pops and Later Live With Jools Holland instantly come to mind. However, the common trend between the two is that their previous heyday has now stumbled into absolute irrelevance. However, there is a new kid on the block, one with all the right values and an entirely ferocious aim. Introducing: This Feeling TV with Red Stripe. 

Occurring in numerous short episodes throughout the year, Eudaemonia were fortunate enough to be involved in its debut taping at London’s Nambucca. Good grief did it turn out to be one absolutely mesmerising night! Without even knowing who was to play or to be in attendance, upon arrival one could instantly feel a welcoming atmosphere, ‘This Feeling’ truly is one big family. 

The concept of This Feeling TV is entirely refreshing. Gone is the corporate, plastic sprawl of a TV studio; instead it becomes revolutionary in that it brings the pub/club setting into the cyberspace. For once, music television seems real and convincing. Much like many in attendance, it was obvious from the start that much planning had gone into the event and for all the right reasons the evening and release which followed seems destined for mass greatness.

The TV show sees an exciting, intriguing mix of bands and interviews which submerges the new artist, rock legends and A list celebrities into one big cacophony of content. The first episode saw lives performances from DMA’s, Tom Grennan and Slaves alongside interviews from Carl Barat and Steve Arnott. 

Being in attendance we were in the fortunate position to see how the content transferred from pub to screen. DMAs opened the night, their unique mixing of guitars and lyric is both intriguing and refreshing. With Liam Gallagher in anticipative attendance, they treated the excited audience to already growing classics such as “Delete” and “Lay Down.”

Tom Grennan is arguably the most talked about young artist in the country right now and for good reason. His enthusiasm is both raw and infectious and the singer/songwriter is no doubt onto something special.


And it was to Slaves to close the night. Performing a mix of songs old and new, they had the This Feeling audience made up of fans, bands and press alike at aw. As the mosh pit grew and the pace grew faster, fans were treated to intimate renditions of “White Knuckle Ride” and “The Hunter” which even propelled Steve Arnott into an impromptu crowd surf. The Kent band truly did leave their intense, chaotic mark upon the iconic venue.

With each band’s performances being cut down and inserted into the programme alongside interviews and crowd content, the first episode of This Feeling TV with Red Stripe seems almost revolutionary. It is representative of This Feeling’s ethos and does well to give time to the new artist whilst still seeming intriguing and star studded for the generic viewer. It’s mass target audience mixed with unique content and star studded features makes it an overnight success story. We are already buzzing with anticipation for the next episode, due for release this summer. 

This Feeling TV with Red Stripe is already growing into something iconic. We can’t express how long we have waited for some REAL music television. Let us hope that episode one is merely a sign to come, the start of a long and fruitful exploration into the world of television for This Feeling. 

First published May 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Live Review: Carl Barat & The Jackals

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First published May 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Venue: Sebright Arms, Hackney (London)

Date: 17/05/17

Billed as a sweaty pub gig in an East London pub, Carl Barat & The Jackals’ triumphant return to touring was both intense, somewhat chaotic and entirely enjoyable. Debuting new songs and a hive of old ones too, it saw arguably The Jackals’ greatest setlist to date.

London’s Sebright Arms was arguably the perfect venue for a band like the Jackals, upstairs a traditional, pub setting and downstairs a modern, small yet intriguing venue. The newly refurbished stage has already played host to Libertines accomplishes Trampolene, their set just weeks before was similarly disorderly and entirely intriguing. However, Wednesday’s grim, rainy afternoon was saved by the euphoric joy which saw the return of the London based band. There was never a dull moment.

Opening with the already anthemic classic of “Victory Gin,” a raucous atmosphere instantly merged within the gathered crowd. Debut single “Glory Days” also worked a treat, it still sounds as new and relevant now as it did when released in 2014. 

New song “Sister” also got its debut outing, the track sees Guitarist Billy Tessio take to lead vocal duties for the first time in the band. It is a firm example of his talents and brings a huge sense of differentiation to the Jackals’s musical repertoire. In the live arena it sounds both heavy and well worked, a sure sign of some of the louder musical inspirations of the band.

Track from debut album ‘Let It Reign’ dominated proceedings for the evening. Released in 2015, the album is already proving to stand the test of time with much of the audience singing along word for word. Highlights include “War of The Roses” and “The Gears,” effortless examples of their raucous, fast paced sounds. “Let It Reign” also allowed for a quieter, more melodic expression of sound, lyrically it is both strong and reflective. 

The gig epitomises the legendary status of Barat. With Saturday seeing him play a stadium show in Birkenhead, and with a festival headlining status being a constant for The Libertines, a return to a sweaty East London boozer may seem a out of place. However, it is a sign that he is true rock n roll royalty, and the Jackals being far more than just another musical outlet.

Their insane talent was shown through new songs such as “Burning Cars” and “Cracks,”  their upcoming EP will be a firm summer highlight. Launched around three years ago, The Jackals had already been through a meticulous auditioning process to even get to that point. Having formed (at the centre of the universe which we regard to be New Cross’ Amersham Arms) upon rigorous chemistry, 2017 sees the initiation of such a return with the band releasing upcoming EP ‘Harder They Fall’ via a Pledge campaign.

The band closed with a cacophony of anthems ranging between Dirty Pretty Things and Libertines classics. “Bang Bang You’re Dead” and “Death On The Stairs” sound as timeless as ever, whilst “I Get Along” proves that Barat as a wordsmith is in a league of his own. Inciting mass movement and mosh pits alike, the closure of the set resembled the chaotic affairs of early Libertines days, though with the unique twist of the Jackals’ marvellous musical abilities.

Their return was inspiring and impressive. With an EP in the pipeline alongside a UK tour in support, we already cannot wait to see Carl Barat & The Jackals once more!

First published May 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Interview: Elizabeth Ilsley

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First published May 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Elizabeth Ilsley is much more than a name meticulously scrawled across the bottom of a leather jacket in white leather paint. An Instagram success story, her slogan adorned leather jackets are now stocked at Liberty and maaaaaan, they are popular. Also turning her hand to painting on vintage leather trousers alongside her existing work with prints, her success is going nowhere to go but upwards. We talked to her about her musical influences and who’s album cover she’d love to design.

Did you ever imagine that your leather jackets would take off in such a big way?

I never imagined that anything would’ve come out of the first leather jacket I painted. I kind of forgot that instagram existed outside of my circle and could be shared and liked by the world. 

Who are your biggest musical influences on your work?

Definitely, Hole, Metronomy’s English Riveria and Love Letters album’s really inspired me to write about love and loss. A lot of melancholic and angry music inspires my art, like Broadcast or the Dammed and Patti Smith. 

If you could design an album cover for any artist, who would they be and why?

I would love to do Chemical Brothers album art, They always have really interesting visuals and that would be amazing to be a part of. 

What makes the perfect night out? 

Perfect night out would be… Well I have 2. Either a bar crawl in Liverpool because I love it there. Or pub and take ages to get ready with my mates, then go Magic Door in Birmingham it’s a disco-y rave that is really trippy and magical and each time I’ve been has been so memorable and amazing. 

What’s your favourite David Bowie album?

Definitely Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. 

Can you describe yourself in five words?

Loner, loving, loyal, loud and drunk.

What’s your favourite item of clothing you’ve ever bought?

HAS to be my Vampires Wife dress. Fuck its perfect. It’s emerald green, chiffon, fifties cut, it fits like a glove. Susie Cave designed it and its cooler than I can describe. 

Who are you listening to right now?

Right this second I am listening to the Scott Mills show, I’m obsessed with him and radio. But if you mean music generally I’m listening to a lot of Skinny Girl Diet, Modest Mouse’s Float On is on repeat in my head at all times. I’ve been loving Seat At The Table and a lot of 00’s Ibiza tunes for summer like Armand Van Helden and Fat Boy Slim. 

Who is your most beloved female idol? 

My beloved female idol would be, Tracey Emin because she was the first idol I had younger who I didn’t just respect because of her looks or clothes she wears like many other idols of mine.

First published May 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Focus: Trampolene

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First published May 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Trampolene are otherworldly. A mix of poetry, heavy sounds and soft melodies, their music is a true example of differentiation. With a debut album in the works and strong confidence to back it up, we’re already sure that the Welsh band are embarked upon a journey destined for the top of festival stages and beyond.

Formed upon an ethic of musical companionship, Trampolene are known for fan involvement. In fact, it is refreshing to see a band as engrossed and well loved as they are by their fans. Jack, Wayne and Rob have a clear, friendly persona both on stage and off which makes them entirely loved. But mostly, it is their music which does the talking. With five previously released EP’s they already have an impressive back catalogue, something entirely expressed in their chaotic, impressive live performances.

Their mass potential is shown through early releases. Already a fan favourite, “Bourgeoisie Girl” is a firm example of their mesmerising and unique ability to produce anthemic-like rock songs. Best suited to the live setting, other early anthems include “Alcohol Kiss” and “Camden Mannequins” taken from their first ‘Pocket Album’ EP. 

Named after the Julian Cope song, Trampolene first formed in Swansea though relocated to London in hopes of creating a Warholian-esque creative space like no other. Their growth throughout the years has been phenomenal, constantly growing throughout the country and beyond. Their journey’s into Europe are becoming all the more regular following recent adventures into France and Belgium. 

It is their blending of heavy rock and spoken word which makes the Swansea outfit so unique. In fact, lead singer Jack Jones spent much of early 2016 touring arenas with The Libertines as their in-band poet. Friendship between he, Barat and Doherty was blossoming, it is clear that great minds think alike. From the moment he was introduced to the relatively local Cardiff crowd before their massive gig at the Motorpoint Arena, Jones was instantly adopted and adored by all Libertines fans and beyond. 

Poems such as “Ketamine” and “To Be A Libertine” have already become stellar icons in their own right, standing naturally next to renowned punk poets such as John Cooper Clarke and Patti Smith. “Health & Wellbeing – At Wood Green Job Centre” is also strong worded and somewhat inspiring at times. Jones has a healthy ability to inscribe carefully thought through words to paper and rightfully should be regarded as a special wordsmith in his own right. His words often reflect social disdain, political disenchantment or relevant insight into the sign of modern times. 

It is there musical development over the previous two years which has gained them mass credibility throughout the industry, whether it be press, fans or promoters – everyone is talking about Trampolene. This is entirely epitomised in ‘Pocket Album Four’ otherwise known as ‘The Gangway.’ It’s title track is melodic, romantic and entirely anthemic. At times it is reminiscent of classic bands such as Oasis and Blur though lyrically a world stronger. You can totally imagine “The Gangway” being echoed around festival fields and arenas alike. Their “Cover of Friday I’m In Love” proves they are in touch with their 80s post punk, gothic rock (albeit in an entirely Trampolene, rock n roll manner). “Tom Hardy” travels back to their roots, quite simply a classic, rock song for the ages.

Part of the Jack Rocks 7, summer 2017 sees the band head to the world famous Reading rock festival as well as TRNSMT (Glasgow Green) and Isle of White festivals. They attracted a queue amassing hundreds just to even get into the venue,   Currently embarked upon a short city tour via This Feeling, 2017 is widely expected to be a year of mass touring. It will also see the release of a highly anticipated debut album. With such an extended, flexible and superlative back catalogue, one can only assume that it will be a body of Trampolene’s finest works to date. They truly are destined for something special.

2016 saw the release of latest pocket album entitled ‘Divided Kingdom.’ It took inspiration through political disenchantment and divisions of the latter year. “Divided Kingdom” ultimately could be the soundtrack to such a haphazard year. However, it takes different meaning in the live setting whereby mosh pits and a flurry of crowd surfers incite huge sing alongs and a mass hybrid of crashing bodies and band involvement alike. The Trampolene gig is mesmerising, intense and otherworldly – a beautiful expression of sound and spoken word which not only emphasises their amazing talent but also exemplifies a message of unity.

Following their likely friendship, lead singer Jack Jones has become a fully fledge member of his band ‘The Puta Madres.’ No stranger to also opening Doherty solo sets, Jones spreads his time evenly between the two projects. As an already iconic talent in his own right, Jones is an integral part of the Puta Madres, mixing his guitar playing with Doherty’s solo projects. Having already penned original songs together in the past, it will be interesting to see how their friendship and collaboration develops as time grows older. 

It is hard to put every Trampolene song into a feature of just a thousand or so words, their strong back catalogue must make their setlist a very hard thing to compose. “Dreams So Rich / Life So Poor” and “Blue Balls & a Broken Heart” are firm examples of their melodic sound which “Slug” is a nice, spoken escape from reality. With their new album in the pipeline, we are incredibly excited to see exactly what Trampolene have planned next.

Trampolene are both fun and talented. Their EP’s and singles are mesmerising and stand almost alone in terms of lyrical ability. With a live set to die for, you’d be a fool for not getting into the Welsh band before their debut album drops later this year!

First published May 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Focus: The ‘Jack Rocks 7’

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First published April 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

We normally associate each edition of our ‘Focus’ series to just one artist however, the ‘Jack Rocks 7’ is a concept not to be missed and features SEVEN of the greatest upcoming bands in the country. The roster has been handpicked by Jack Daniel’s to play the Jack Rocks Tent at each of the four major festivals the brand will be collaborating with this summer: TRNSMT, The Great Escape, Isle of Wight and Reading. The partnership comes alongside This Feeling, the life blood of the UK’s upcoming music scene in 2017.

Trampolene

Wow, where can we start with Trampolene, they’re truly onto something big this year! In preparation for the release of their debut EP, these series of festival gigs will be a celebration of all that it has taken for the Welsh rockers to get to this point. Latest EP “Pocket Album Five” was perhaps their greatest to date. Songs such as “Divided Kingdom” are suited to arenas, whereas “Blue Balls And A Broken Heart” offers a softer, more elegant side to lead singer Jack Jones’ voice. (And a beautiful accompanying video featuring Peter Doherty’s Grandma to match.) 

Trampolene’s back catalogue is ever growing, it is rare for a band to be as musically productive. Songs such as “Alcohol Kiss” and “Tom Hardy” make up part of their ferocious setlist, their live show is not to be missed. Energetic and Powerful, Jones’ poetry is also a firm aspect of the band and creates an impressive unique selling point. “Ketamine” and “To Be A Libertine” are perhaps the most notable of the Welshman’s works so far. In all, Trampolene are onto something massive and if any of their famous fans (Barat, Doherty, Ray Davies amongst many) have anything to do with it they’ll be festival regulars in no time.

The Wholls

Think Jamie T mixed with Blossoms, The Streets mixed with The Prodigy, and you still don’t come close to The Wholls’ massive sound! Their explosive sound makes The Wholls’ live set an intriguing moment in itself. “Take Jimi” is a firm example of this, it’s heavy beats and ferocious lyricism makes it a force to be reckoned with in the live arena. It ultimately has a chorus to die for!

Their other release “X21” has already gained many fans throughout the industry with its emphasis on effect-strong guitar with a techno edge. It suits the sound of a heavier Kasabian, if they manage to achieve the success of the latter then they’re onto a winning formula!

Bang Bang Romeo

Bang Bang Romeo’s touring commitments are second to none, it is hard to think of artists as active as the Sheffield band consisting of Anastasia Walker, Ross Cameron, Joel Philips and Richard Gartland. Their sound is a mix of elegance and energy, think of a hybrid between Fleetwood Mac, Florence and the Machine, The Last Shadow Puppets and Jefferson Airplane… no pressure then!

Walker’s vocals are powerful, “Johannesburg” is the perfect example of this. Such vocals mix well with clangy, echoey guitar riffs and a pacy drum beat through out. Such a perfect amalgamation of sound will provide a metaphorical escape from muddy British Festival fields to the most tropically intense environments. Previous singles “Invitation” and “Carnival” also do well to create such an atmosphere.

Broken Witt Rebels

Broken Witt Rebels have a sound fuelled by a mix of melody and adrenaline, both intriguing and brimming with confidence. Like a hybrid between Royal Blood and Kings Of Leon, their sound is well suited to the ‘Jack Daniels’ brand and would make the perfect soundtrack to an alcohol enthused summer evening. Formed of Danny Core, Luke Davis, James Tranter and James Dudley, the Birmingham based band have amassed a strong fan base and interesting repertoire of songs.

‘Georgia Pine EP’ was released just last year and is a fantastic example of their ranging sound. Title track ‘Georgia Pine’ and ‘Suzie’ evoke a summery, more melodic side to their sound and is perfectly suited to late summer evenings. ‘Low’ is even more impressive, faster and more energetic it bodes confidence and swagger. Ultimately, Broken Witt Rebels have a sound suited perfectly to festival stages across the UK.

White Room

Psych rock doesn’t come any better than White Room, their fuzzy guitar sounds mixed with pure angelic lyric and voice presents a mesmerising combo of all things good. Formed in 2014, it is their latest single ‘Stole The I.V.’ which resonates best in the live setting, an imaginative summery gaze which is perfectly suited for festivals. 

‘Think Too Much’ is once more a mesmerising anthem, think Temples and Vryll Society and add on some energy and gigantic lyricism and you have an idea of the power of this single. With more touring and releases to come, now is the perfect time to introduce yourself to the Brighton based band.

The Blinders

The Blinders have so much potential, such credentials can be seen in latest B-Side release “Ramona Flowers.” With spaced out riffs and heavy bass-lines it is a soundtrack of youth and confidence and puts most bands’ A-sides to shame. The Blinders’ chaotic sound gives them perfect credentials for the festival stage and beyond.

Lead single “Swine” is also one not to be missed, varying in both tempo and instrumental characterisation it has rightfully gained mass exposure and is the most likely song of all to pave the way for a defining era of modern political punk revival. The Blinders’ sound means that they are destined for the top, we can only assume that the trio are soon to righteously become the unofficial torchbearers of their intrinsic genre.

The Sundowners

With an album already released and years worth of touring experience, The Sundowners are arguably the most experienced band of the class of seven. The Wirral formed band play a key part in James Skelly’s Skeleton Key set up and it is clear why they are regarded with such great promise.

Their sound is much like an electronic, modern equivalent of The Byrds mixed with Velvet Underground. Embarking on a full length UK tour in the coming months, the band are famed for elegant sounding spaced out rock sounds and a fine mix of live ability and technical talent. Songs such as ‘Into The Light’ and ‘Back To You’ are phenomenal fan favourites, a firm insight into their talented musical abilities.

Finally, a huge thanks to both Jack Rocks and This Feeling for not only putting on this format but constantly creating projects of a similar nature, without them upcoming modern rock music scenes would struggle to exist in the way they do today.

First published April 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Focus: The Shimmer Band

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First published April 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Where do we even begin with The Shimmer Band… They’re refreshing, honest and pure example of all the things the modern music scene is missing. Their synth, electronic sound mixes guitar and effects to produce a cacophony of musical genius. With touring and releases becoming all the more regular, it is already clear that the band are onto something MASSIVE!

Formed in 2014, the Bristol based band have gone from strength to strength. Their sound is instantly described as explosive psychedelic rock, something which resonates most strongly in the live setting. Perhaps one of the best ways to describe The Shimmer Band’s sound is like Kasabian with a far more of an insatiable electronic edge, something which is yet to be replicated and entirely necessary. Because of their sound alone it is already clear that the band are here for the long run.

Productivity and assertion further spawns from the band, their commitment to touring and single releases is second to none. In the live setting an impeding sense of self assurance is further promoted, The Shimmer Band truly have every right to feel in such a way and it is perhaps refreshing to see a band exuding confidence. Such a mixture of sound and attitude mixed with colour and instantly recognisable sunglasses gives The Shimmer Band an ideal characterisation, they truly look like an effortlessly cool rock band.

Debut releases such as “Shoot Me (Baby)” and “Freedom” are both technically well produced and intriguing. The latter is a perfect blend of atmosphere and intense lyricism, something which perfectly characterises the Bristol band’s sound. “Shoot Me (Baby)” is all a little more heavy and suits the live setting perfectly, invoking circle pits and crowd surfing alike.

The band recently supported Cabbage on a full length UK tour, a line up which in many years time may likely go down in history. With Cabbage firmly establishing a relevant political narrative, The Shimmer Band are a far more forward, positive, ‘in your face’ kind of rock band. With support from the likes of This Feeling and BBC Introducing alongside mass radio plays on the giddy heights of Radio 1 it is obvious that these boys are going somewhere!

Third single “Sunkick” is all the more positive and literally resembles its title. Most suited (yep you guessed it) to the summer, the song has huge potential and would not sound out of place at festivals and in stadiums alike. Such a statement has already been tested when the band supported the Stereophonics at Cardiff City’s stadium just last year. It uses synths to build an intense yet energy fuelled melody mixing with superb lyricism like no other.

“Jacknife And The Death Call” continues to build upon their already flourishing sound, arguably it is their finest work to date. Heavy drum beat and crashing sounds create an energetic sense of flamboyancy with a dark edge. Much like “Shoot Me (Baby)” it has the ability to draw energy within a crowd inciting circle pits and crowd surfing alike. This mixes well with band interaction and overall musical perfection which ultimately makes The Shimmer Band one of the best bands to see in the modern era.

The accompanying music video for “Jacknife And The Death Call” is symbolic of the band’s flamboyancy. Already amassing many views, it is a mixture of strobe, smoke, colour and elaborate sunglasses which suit the dramatic yet intriguing nature of the track. One notable aspect of The Shimmer Band is their consistency in album art work. Much like their sound it is both interesting and colourful. Ultimately, a ‘mish-mash’ of sound and image creates recognisability and is a sign of great longevity.

The Shimmer Band are ever expanding their touring commitments. Currently they embark on a full length tour encompassing cities such as Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham. Such a tour has been praised for its wonderful supporting class including bands such as Ivory Wave and Vida. Their venture to London’s Camden Assembly is somewhat of a mini festival itself and features two other eudaemonia favourites in The Blinders and Sisteray.

Overall, it is clear that the band are onto something special; their sound and enthusiasm for music is second to none. We need bands like The Shimmer Band now more than ever!

First published April 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Review: False Heads – “Gutter Press” EP

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First published April 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Following numerous single release over the past two years, False Heads have amassed quite a reputable following. Their latest EP ‘Gutter Press’ is a fine example of their impressive talent.

Ears are perhaps spiked when learning that Iggy Pop is a huge fan of the band though such praise comes with good reason, False Heads have a sound to die for! Based in East London, the band are slowly building an impressive repertoire with a growing back catalogue dating back to 2015. Latest EP ‘Gutter Press’ comes on the back of constant touring and is a fine example of the band’s ever developing sound.

Opening with “Twentynothing” it is clear that the band continue to embark on a heavy, anthemic rock styled sound. Dominated by guitar and crunching lyricism, the song’s chorus is perhaps its most memorable aspect and is well suited to the live setting. “Thick Skin” is a little more relaxed though still as impressive, once again heavy guitar and mesmerising drum beats are at its forefront.

The trio consist of old school friends Luke Griffiths (vocals/guitar), Jake Elliott (bass) and Barney Nash (drums) and are currently signed to Gary Powell’s label 25 Hour Convenience Store. The Libertines drummer clearly has a strong ear for signing upcoming talent though False Heads are arguably the flag-bearers of the label, it is clear that they are fated the larger stages.

“Weigh In” resembles a hybrid between Black Sabbath and Royal Blood, with its fast pace providing a scintillating backdrop to any playlist. Both “Slew” and “Comfort Consumption” continue to build upon the obvious musical development in which ‘Gutter Press’ is formed upon, it is clear that the EP is one of their greatest releases to date and a firm sign that the band are rapidly making progress as 2017 grows older.

Beyond Iggy Pop False Heads band have amassed a strong list of fans ranging between the NME and Q Magazine to Radio 1 and Radio X. It is clear their sound is suited to a broad range of listeners, between indie and rock, metal and pop. Their broad sound is perhaps a unique selling point, though at the same time they still have so much individuality, False Heads are any music fans’ dream.

With more touring planned for the future, including a headline performance at Camden Assembly, it is clear that now is the time to see False Heads. Their EP ‘Gutter Press’ is a firm example of their mass potential.

First published April 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Review: The Jacques – “No Kamikaze”

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First published March 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

The Jacques are perhaps one of the most promising bands existing within the UK’s burgeoning music scene. Following a year of strategic rebuilding through a new look line up and extensive touring, their latest single “No Kamikaze” is firm evidence of their impressive second coming. 

The new track is an interesting example of a gradual musical development over the last year. “No Kamikaze” almost ditches the pop-rock inclinations of their early releases and instead focuses more thoroughly upon a rawer, beautifully chaotic inclination of guitar and lyricism. Opening with a soft guitar melody which effortlessly grows into an interestingly grotty chorus, the song resembles the sounds of an artistic yet re-imagined punk heyday of the past.

The Jacques first formed in 2014 and have since then released two critically acclaimed EP’s and have played regularly across Britain, Europe and beyond. Most notably, they performed in New York at the Brooklyn store of Rough Trade Records as part of the BBC Introducing programme of which the Bristol formed band are firm favourites of. However, their newfound ability to settle upon a slightly differentiated sound alongside new band members is symbolic of the growth of the band.

Whilst its first obvious outing will come in new single “No Kamikaze,” The Jacques’ evolving musical nature appears to be developing for the better. A first taste of relatively new direction came in “Eleanor Ring Me,” their previous single. Released just last year it is a relative world away from the timeless melodies of the early “Pretty DJ” EP. “No Kamikaze” does well to also establish a heavier, differentiated sound, a move which suggests both ruthlessness and successful evolution in their musical orientation.

The Jacques have often been heralded as one of the next big UK talents. It is clear from “No Kamikaze” that they have the potential to fulfil such a statement. 2017 will once more see the band commit to touring and releases, with the prospect of further releases being a certainty as they build up to their eagerly awaited debut album release.

Whilst many bands appear content with normality in sound, it is clear that The Jacques are pioneering a new wave of creativity which will no doubt see the completion of a fruitful second coming.

“No Kamikaze” will be released March 10th, check out The Jacques live at Trans Musicales de Rennes 2016 below:

First published March 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Review: Idles – “Mother”

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First published March 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.

Idles are everything that is fascinating about a modern day band, chaotic, intriguing and convincingly straight to the point. Their latest single “Mother” epitomises their sound, a speedy yet interesting few minutes of beautiful chaos. 

“Mother” opens with a plethora of heavy bass and drum use mixed with violent lyricism. Incredibly relevant, Idles seem to thrive upon the uncertain nature of modern politics and social issues. This is especially resonated through the words: “the best way to scare a tory is to read and get rich.” The song grows even more intense through chorus, lyrically it resembles a modern amalgamation of the Sex Pistols, Slaves and The Clash and at times appearing to be even more interesting than such influences.

Representing the nature of the song, “Mothers” video is all the more intriguing. Set before a table of glass object it is fair to say that their eventual breakage is synonymous of the band’s angry sound. Such anger is not limiting and instead gives an edge to Idles’ sound, they provide the perfect soundtrack to most walks of life.

Debut album “Brutalism is released March 10, with a full UK tour in support of the record. Passionate, furious and darkly comedic, IDLES’ debut album was described perfectly by Uncut as: “a rare rock record with the rage, urgency, wit and shattering of complacency usually found only in grime.”

Additionally, Idles have been announced as support to The Maccabees on all three of their farewell Alexandra Palace shows in June alongside an appearance at the equally historic Reading and Leeds Festivals. Additionally, songs such as “Well Done” and “Divide & Conquer” have been well received amongst press and fans alike, it is fair to suggest that their debut album will be equally as supported. Famous fans include Steve Lamacq who suggests that “ lyrically (they are) a mixture of dry obsessional humour and poetic slogans. But, best of all, they really get the adrenalin pumping”.

It is hard to compare Idles to any of their contemporaries. Whilst they attract the chaos and melodies of other bands, their sound is inexplicitly different as proven through “Mother.” Ultimately, Idles are in a league of their own and have a perfect sound to capture the imagination of many.

Their much anticipated debut album Brutalism out 10th March.

First published January 2017. Now part of ‘The Best Of Eudaemonia.’ More info via the ABOUT page.