Chris Conlan
07-25-2006, 11:33 AM
Welcome to the first installment of The UK Report. In this article you will be introduced to 10 bands that hail from the UK. To make this interesting, the article will be split between two Decoy members, Alex and Chris (that's me!). While I hail from Iowa, I'm a fanatic when it comes to British music, especially their rock music. It's addicting like crack (Note: Drugs are bad mmmkay). On the other hand, Alex is an official citizen of the United Kingdom and is always ready for the ever-changing scene there.
So get ready to be introduced to what the United Kingdom has to offer.
ALEX's PICKS
I'd like to preface the first installment of this series with an apology. On behalf of the United Kingdom, I would like to wholeheartedly apologize for James Blunt. Our bad, seriously. On that note, I'd like to introduce a few bands that prove that 'across the pond' does have a little to offer besides Hugh Grant with an acoustic guitar.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/bmth.jpg Bring Me The Horizon
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/bmth) | Website ( http://www.bringmethehorizon.co.uk/)
Hailing from "Steel City" Sheffield, England, BMTH are freshly signed to Visible Noise Records, once home to Lostprophets and Bullet For My Valentine, and are set for big things. If you like your metalcore crunchy and packed full of lovely breakdowns, then these boys may be right up your alley. After tearing up the UK relentlessly in support of the excellent This Is What The Edge Of Your Seat Was Made For EP, BMTH are currently recording their debut full-length. Expect big things.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/thekooks.jpg The Kooks
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/thekooks) | Website ( http://www.thekooks.co.uk/)
I'm not really sure what the "British Invasion" was, only that it involved a few of our more prolific indie bands, banded together in some kind of movement. Well, the indie scene in Britain is on a high not seen since the days of the Blur/Oasis war. And let me tell you now, 90% of it is carbon-copy garbage. But if you like your indie, you may be interested in The Kooks. Current British media darlings, and recent single "Naive" is absolutely everywhere. The Kooks make catchy, pop drenched indie, with a unique vocal style. They may look like your average indie band, but they may just surprise you.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/sway.jpg Sway
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/holdyourcolour) | Website (http://www.swaydasafo.com/)
I'm unaware of this site's stance on hip-hop. My stance on hip-hop is if it's good, I'm down. I could probably throw a bunch of cliché’s regarding how 'gritty' Sway's sound is, or how he is an urban poet, but I am not a middle class, middle-aged type trying to 'relate to the street'. What I do know is, Sway's intelligent, hilarious, deft, thought provoking lyrical skills, coupled with some killer beats are stirring up a lot of attention round these parts. If measuring rims and folks who can't rep their clique without a stammer, give Sway a spin for a slice of the UK grime scene at its finest.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/lukepickett.jpg Luke Pickett
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/lukepickett) | Website ( http://www.lukepickett.com/)
If you're quite fond of a little acoustic balladry, often blossoming with epic flourishes of strings and keys, then Mr. Luke Pickett is definitely worth a few minutes of your time. With his recently released mini LP Every Petal Lost, Another Gained, Pickett is surely set for mainstream attention. The lush "Empty Corridors" is sure to appeal to any Dashboard Confessional or Bright Eyes fans. Head to his Myspace to download it and join the thousands heaping praise.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/mcfly.jpg McFly
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/mcfly) | Website ( http://www.mcflyofficial.com/)
McFLY make catchy pop music. I'm aware for some of you that equates to saying "McFLY kill children", but I urge you not to write them off immediately. Channeling the same pop vibe as The Beach Boys, The Beatles and The Kinks before them, McFLY offer a brand of mature, fun pop music that appeals to young and old. Oh, and they were in some film with Lindsay Lohan. Which I was in the crowd scenes for.
CONLAN's PICKS
I love the UK, I really do, especially their music scene. There is always some band that is just waiting to explode. Doesn't matter if it is an indie band, modern rock, and even metal. There is always something stirring in the pot.
With my picks below you'll get a taste of some of the UK's finest. Enjoy!
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/vantramp.jpg Van Tramp
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/vantramp) | Website ( http://www.vantramp.com/)
Van Tramp is that band that just takes your breath away. When first hearing them I was reminded of a mix of Oasis, U2, and The Rolling Stones. Their music is larger than life with a sound that could fill massive arenas. Although I’ve had their forthcoming album, Wheels of Fortune for awhile now, every time I spin the disc I still sit in awe. Tim Howar’s is the epitome of a frontman. The man knows how to sing.
The guys recently played in New York earlier this year and with that performance have been gaining a lot of attention here in the states with fans and industry alike.
Remember, 2006 is the year of the Tramp! Don’t you forget it.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/thepipettes.jpg The Pipettes
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/thepipettes) | Website ( http://www.thepipettes.co.uk/)
The Pipettes are a 3-piece powerpop girl group that dawn polka dots like it’s going out of style. When first listening to them, I was taken back to the time when doo-wop was around in the mid-1950s-early 1960s. This is the stuff your parents were listening to when they were growing up. The Pipettes full length album We Are The Pipettes is filled with doo-wop anthems like “Pull Shapes” and “Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me”. If the girls were around when Grease was made, they would fit the soundtrack perfectly.
The UK is buzzing like crazy about this band and it is only a matter of time before the U.S. wants a taste of what The Pipettes have to offer.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/captain.jpg Captain
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/captaintheband) | Website ( http://www.captaintheband.com/)
The one thing we know when it comes to British pop we know it’s going to be BIG. So with the help of producer Trevor Horn (Paul McCartney, Tina Turner), Captain’s debut full-length This Is Hazelville is full of hit song, especially their track “Broke”. The song has a very atmospheric sound that makes you feel like you are flying in a wonderland. The video is a great interpretation of the song (check it out here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMkjPHQGV5s)). The rest of the CD follows suite with a lush landscape of beautifully crafted songs.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/boykillboy.jpg Boy Kill Boy
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/boykillboy) | Website ( http://www.boykillboy.com/)
All I can really say about Boy Kill Boy’s new album Civilian is that it makes me want to dance. And hey, don’t be making fun because knowing on to dance gets the ladies. The band’s latest single “Suzie” has got to be the catchiest song of 2006 right now. Honestly, the whole CD is jam-packed with songs that could easily be their next single. If there is one thing Boy Kill Boy can do, it is write some infectious melodies.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/mac1.jpg My Awesome Compilation
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/myawesomecompilation) | Website ( http://www.myawesomecompilation.com/)
Awake is an album full of upbeat pop/rock songs that in times will remind you of Blink 182 and Motion City Soundtrack with a British accent. MAC has been touring non-stop through 2005/2006 playing some huge festivals like Download and Pukkelpop. They have also shared the stage with many big acts of today (Funeral For A Friend, Fall Out Boy, Alkaline Trio). So if you are looking for a good time and some catchy tunes, turn on some MAC.
- Chris Conlan
So get ready to be introduced to what the United Kingdom has to offer.
ALEX's PICKS
I'd like to preface the first installment of this series with an apology. On behalf of the United Kingdom, I would like to wholeheartedly apologize for James Blunt. Our bad, seriously. On that note, I'd like to introduce a few bands that prove that 'across the pond' does have a little to offer besides Hugh Grant with an acoustic guitar.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/bmth.jpg Bring Me The Horizon
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/bmth) | Website ( http://www.bringmethehorizon.co.uk/)
Hailing from "Steel City" Sheffield, England, BMTH are freshly signed to Visible Noise Records, once home to Lostprophets and Bullet For My Valentine, and are set for big things. If you like your metalcore crunchy and packed full of lovely breakdowns, then these boys may be right up your alley. After tearing up the UK relentlessly in support of the excellent This Is What The Edge Of Your Seat Was Made For EP, BMTH are currently recording their debut full-length. Expect big things.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/thekooks.jpg The Kooks
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/thekooks) | Website ( http://www.thekooks.co.uk/)
I'm not really sure what the "British Invasion" was, only that it involved a few of our more prolific indie bands, banded together in some kind of movement. Well, the indie scene in Britain is on a high not seen since the days of the Blur/Oasis war. And let me tell you now, 90% of it is carbon-copy garbage. But if you like your indie, you may be interested in The Kooks. Current British media darlings, and recent single "Naive" is absolutely everywhere. The Kooks make catchy, pop drenched indie, with a unique vocal style. They may look like your average indie band, but they may just surprise you.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/sway.jpg Sway
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/holdyourcolour) | Website (http://www.swaydasafo.com/)
I'm unaware of this site's stance on hip-hop. My stance on hip-hop is if it's good, I'm down. I could probably throw a bunch of cliché’s regarding how 'gritty' Sway's sound is, or how he is an urban poet, but I am not a middle class, middle-aged type trying to 'relate to the street'. What I do know is, Sway's intelligent, hilarious, deft, thought provoking lyrical skills, coupled with some killer beats are stirring up a lot of attention round these parts. If measuring rims and folks who can't rep their clique without a stammer, give Sway a spin for a slice of the UK grime scene at its finest.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/lukepickett.jpg Luke Pickett
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/lukepickett) | Website ( http://www.lukepickett.com/)
If you're quite fond of a little acoustic balladry, often blossoming with epic flourishes of strings and keys, then Mr. Luke Pickett is definitely worth a few minutes of your time. With his recently released mini LP Every Petal Lost, Another Gained, Pickett is surely set for mainstream attention. The lush "Empty Corridors" is sure to appeal to any Dashboard Confessional or Bright Eyes fans. Head to his Myspace to download it and join the thousands heaping praise.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/mcfly.jpg McFly
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/mcfly) | Website ( http://www.mcflyofficial.com/)
McFLY make catchy pop music. I'm aware for some of you that equates to saying "McFLY kill children", but I urge you not to write them off immediately. Channeling the same pop vibe as The Beach Boys, The Beatles and The Kinks before them, McFLY offer a brand of mature, fun pop music that appeals to young and old. Oh, and they were in some film with Lindsay Lohan. Which I was in the crowd scenes for.
CONLAN's PICKS
I love the UK, I really do, especially their music scene. There is always some band that is just waiting to explode. Doesn't matter if it is an indie band, modern rock, and even metal. There is always something stirring in the pot.
With my picks below you'll get a taste of some of the UK's finest. Enjoy!
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/vantramp.jpg Van Tramp
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/vantramp) | Website ( http://www.vantramp.com/)
Van Tramp is that band that just takes your breath away. When first hearing them I was reminded of a mix of Oasis, U2, and The Rolling Stones. Their music is larger than life with a sound that could fill massive arenas. Although I’ve had their forthcoming album, Wheels of Fortune for awhile now, every time I spin the disc I still sit in awe. Tim Howar’s is the epitome of a frontman. The man knows how to sing.
The guys recently played in New York earlier this year and with that performance have been gaining a lot of attention here in the states with fans and industry alike.
Remember, 2006 is the year of the Tramp! Don’t you forget it.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/thepipettes.jpg The Pipettes
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/thepipettes) | Website ( http://www.thepipettes.co.uk/)
The Pipettes are a 3-piece powerpop girl group that dawn polka dots like it’s going out of style. When first listening to them, I was taken back to the time when doo-wop was around in the mid-1950s-early 1960s. This is the stuff your parents were listening to when they were growing up. The Pipettes full length album We Are The Pipettes is filled with doo-wop anthems like “Pull Shapes” and “Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me”. If the girls were around when Grease was made, they would fit the soundtrack perfectly.
The UK is buzzing like crazy about this band and it is only a matter of time before the U.S. wants a taste of what The Pipettes have to offer.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/captain.jpg Captain
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/captaintheband) | Website ( http://www.captaintheband.com/)
The one thing we know when it comes to British pop we know it’s going to be BIG. So with the help of producer Trevor Horn (Paul McCartney, Tina Turner), Captain’s debut full-length This Is Hazelville is full of hit song, especially their track “Broke”. The song has a very atmospheric sound that makes you feel like you are flying in a wonderland. The video is a great interpretation of the song (check it out here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMkjPHQGV5s)). The rest of the CD follows suite with a lush landscape of beautifully crafted songs.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/boykillboy.jpg Boy Kill Boy
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/boykillboy) | Website ( http://www.boykillboy.com/)
All I can really say about Boy Kill Boy’s new album Civilian is that it makes me want to dance. And hey, don’t be making fun because knowing on to dance gets the ladies. The band’s latest single “Suzie” has got to be the catchiest song of 2006 right now. Honestly, the whole CD is jam-packed with songs that could easily be their next single. If there is one thing Boy Kill Boy can do, it is write some infectious melodies.
http://www.breakingcustom.com/images/theukreport/072506/mac1.jpg My Awesome Compilation
MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/myawesomecompilation) | Website ( http://www.myawesomecompilation.com/)
Awake is an album full of upbeat pop/rock songs that in times will remind you of Blink 182 and Motion City Soundtrack with a British accent. MAC has been touring non-stop through 2005/2006 playing some huge festivals like Download and Pukkelpop. They have also shared the stage with many big acts of today (Funeral For A Friend, Fall Out Boy, Alkaline Trio). So if you are looking for a good time and some catchy tunes, turn on some MAC.
- Chris Conlan