There is something quite unique about Otti Albeitz, whilst comparisons to artists such as Jack Johnson and Dallas Green are inevitable, he seems to of taken the acoustic genre ( or as he likes to put it “Folktronica” ) in new and unexpected directions. This is impressive as many would argue that acoustic music has been done to death - until Otti hit the scene. Unfortunately we couldn’t find much background for you, generally all his info is quirky and comical - aptly reflecting his great live performances and musical style.
Perhaps the best way to describe his music is as a stripped back, more beautiful, more menacing Grizzly Bear. This works perfectly. The gentle, melodic vocal presentation doesn’t hint at the surprisingly dark and twisted lyrics occasionally found within, (“Oh the story so far/ The innocence of aching” “go ahead with colors blinding,/ though we fall we fly “) this is possibly best exemplified in songs such as Story so’fa. Characteristically his music is arranged with haunting vocals and soothing guitar melodies, these two contrasting components work eerily well together. We should warn you that unless you see him play live you wont get the full experience (and believe me you’ll want to!), namely for a couple of songs, chiefly The Hopeful Children. Perhaps this is down to limitations imposed by recording equipment, this isn’t to the advantage of the song (nothing compares to hearing his unrestrained and unhinged laughter!).
Like we mentioned two seconds ago seeing him live is an experience quite unlike any other, he puts on an incredible show. Making each member of the audience feel involved, he has this great personality which engages and enthrals everyone present. When going to an Otti show we’re not sure what we’re looking forward to more, the music or the conversation in-between. He also has a couple of well designed tee shirts on sale, not that we have one (much as we want one!).
We definitely prefer seeing him live, but his album is still awesome and available online for only seven quid (link after the jump) We love the direction he’s taken, its ethereal, progressive, inspiring and scary all at once - he recently finished recording a new album and we cant wait to hear it!
He’s one of the few local bands we’ve seen live who’s actually signed (bigvillagerrecords.co.uk) and he well deserves it. Album is on sale here: http://otti.bandcamp.com/
Words by Suspicious Shades and Captain Harrington
Thursday 20 September 2012
Friday 7 September 2012
Blue Stragglers: Initial Impressions
We recently had a chance to sit down and give the Blue Stragglers debut E.P a listen. At first you could easily be forgiven for thinking that you were listening to new material from Radiohead, however dig a little deeper and you’re sure to uncover influences from everything from Nine Inch Nails to Queens of the Stone Age and even a little bit of the Black Keys.With solid drum beats, a raw ambient effect, and spine tingling lyrics presented through chilling vocals, they seem to be one of the most haunting bands we have ever had the pleasure of seeing in the flesh.
Hailing from Horsham they have been going steady for at least 5 years now playing their own brand of raucous rock in a variety of local venues including one of our local favourites the Tubman (where we have seen them twice). You can tell they have built up a great relationship with their fans, after each set we’ve enjoyed conversation with each of them - they’re down to earth relaxed guys (not that you would tell from their music) which is again reflected in their eagerness to react with the audience whilst on stage. You could perhaps argue their stagemanship lacks a little, however perhaps this is just a side effect of the music they play; we’re not sure if it would work with them all over the place all the time (This could easily be blamed on the venue, the Tubman is a tiny hell hole after all).
Their songs are characterised by punchy bass riffs and an enticing vocal arrangement which reel you in, in such a way that can be compared to Thom Yorke, haunting and addictive. Each member is a master craftsman of their instruments, incredibly tight and cohesive it’s a setup that works both live and recorded. Of course very few bands can get away with shoddy lyrics, luckily this is an area where the Blue Stragglers excel, slithering into your subconscious they constrict you like a snake, laced with melancholy they sing of things that have been, not that are to come. You keep going back for more even when you know its not necessarily healthy, listening to these guys we couldn’t care less for our health. Perhaps this is best exemplified in the song She (eyes/you’re such a fake disguise/for what I’ll never be). Its hard to put down into writing just quite how we feel listening to them, we recommend you go and listen for yourself perhaps then you’ll understand (http://bluestragglers.bandcamp.com/)
All their songs are great, of that there’s no doubt, between us we can’t quite decide if She or Tall Tales is our favourite. Every fan will relate in a different way and that’s what makes them extraordinary! Their live sets are wicked, their E.P is brilliant and to top it off they’re nice guys - what’s not to love? As if to reinforce the fact that we cant get enough of this band the two of us ended up destroying our prized Blue Stragglers t-shirt (one of the best t-shirt designs we have ever seen) at a festival this year when fighting over who got to wear it (it got heated!)
Health and safety disclaimer: We would not recommend listening to them following a break up!
Words by Suspicious Shades and Captain Harrington
Hailing from Horsham they have been going steady for at least 5 years now playing their own brand of raucous rock in a variety of local venues including one of our local favourites the Tubman (where we have seen them twice). You can tell they have built up a great relationship with their fans, after each set we’ve enjoyed conversation with each of them - they’re down to earth relaxed guys (not that you would tell from their music) which is again reflected in their eagerness to react with the audience whilst on stage. You could perhaps argue their stagemanship lacks a little, however perhaps this is just a side effect of the music they play; we’re not sure if it would work with them all over the place all the time (This could easily be blamed on the venue, the Tubman is a tiny hell hole after all).
Their songs are characterised by punchy bass riffs and an enticing vocal arrangement which reel you in, in such a way that can be compared to Thom Yorke, haunting and addictive. Each member is a master craftsman of their instruments, incredibly tight and cohesive it’s a setup that works both live and recorded. Of course very few bands can get away with shoddy lyrics, luckily this is an area where the Blue Stragglers excel, slithering into your subconscious they constrict you like a snake, laced with melancholy they sing of things that have been, not that are to come. You keep going back for more even when you know its not necessarily healthy, listening to these guys we couldn’t care less for our health. Perhaps this is best exemplified in the song She (eyes/you’re such a fake disguise/for what I’ll never be). Its hard to put down into writing just quite how we feel listening to them, we recommend you go and listen for yourself perhaps then you’ll understand (http://bluestragglers.bandcamp.com/)
All their songs are great, of that there’s no doubt, between us we can’t quite decide if She or Tall Tales is our favourite. Every fan will relate in a different way and that’s what makes them extraordinary! Their live sets are wicked, their E.P is brilliant and to top it off they’re nice guys - what’s not to love? As if to reinforce the fact that we cant get enough of this band the two of us ended up destroying our prized Blue Stragglers t-shirt (one of the best t-shirt designs we have ever seen) at a festival this year when fighting over who got to wear it (it got heated!)
Health and safety disclaimer: We would not recommend listening to them following a break up!
Words by Suspicious Shades and Captain Harrington
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Liffanway and the Magic Dragons: Initial Impressions!
When listening to up and coming local bands such as Liffanway and the Magic Dragons its hard for critics such as ourselves to remain objective, however in the spirit of honest journalism we’ll try our hardest to appear unbiased.
We first met Liffanway and the Magic Dragons during their 2012 formation when they were a meandering selection of fragmented local talent. We have been part of their avid following for a month now (surely a badge of pride for any aspiring indie kid) . We’ve watched them grow from wailing alley cats to triumphant, titillating tigers. Stalking the local music scene closely, now’s their time to pounce!
Coming from a collection of other successful bands (ska’d 4 life , stand against reason) theres no doubt they know what there doing ; and it shows. Influences range from bands such as the artic monkeys, the fratellis and madness to their own teenage experiences (perhaps most evident in the hit single crumptons) leaving us with an assortment of eccentric teens doing what they love best. There’s clearly no doubt that their an indie band (with all the characteristic twang of the kooks) with a lot to say for themselves. By now it might seem we’re little more than gushing fan boys, and that’s because we are - and believe us, we hate the fact.
The range of their lyrics stretches from discussion of drunken teenage antics to childish nostalgia fuelled love for Disney. Perhaps our favourite is from the song Trust in Me (slip into a silent slumber/sail into the mist/slowly but surely your senses will cease to resist), whilst this is clearly lifted straight from the Jungle Book, it works incredibly in the context of the song, perhaps enhanced by the perfectly engineered and haunting reverb? Although we love how far they have come already, you get the sense they have not quite hit their stride yet, it will be interesting to see if over the next few releases they can push the boundaries of contemporary indie rock and truly go from filler to killer.
We have seen Liffanway and the Magic Dragons play 5 or 6 times now, at a variety of venues from festival fields (not quite mainstage, but close enough to the people that cared) to rooftops, living rooms and even the occasional beach hut. Each experience has been characterised by fun, laughs and a vibrant atmosphere; they seem to have this great ability to interact with their audience (breaking the fourth wall with style and finesse) making sure everyone has a great time. One thing we’re particularly excited about is the promise of upcoming merchandise, which will hopefully be on sale at the next few gigs.
In short we can’t state enough - We love Liffanway and the Magic Dragons! They are enthusiastic and talented enough to capture our imaginations (even though they have pulled this together in little over a month) even in spite of some outlandish and occasionally crude lyrics (which if anything make us love them even more!) We hope they get even more outlandish, even more crude for the next few gigs, we cant wait for them - and neither should you!
Even if Eddies scat singing sounds like this…. http://leekspin.com/
Words by Suspicious Shades and Captain Harrington
We first met Liffanway and the Magic Dragons during their 2012 formation when they were a meandering selection of fragmented local talent. We have been part of their avid following for a month now (surely a badge of pride for any aspiring indie kid) . We’ve watched them grow from wailing alley cats to triumphant, titillating tigers. Stalking the local music scene closely, now’s their time to pounce!
Coming from a collection of other successful bands (ska’d 4 life , stand against reason) theres no doubt they know what there doing ; and it shows. Influences range from bands such as the artic monkeys, the fratellis and madness to their own teenage experiences (perhaps most evident in the hit single crumptons) leaving us with an assortment of eccentric teens doing what they love best. There’s clearly no doubt that their an indie band (with all the characteristic twang of the kooks) with a lot to say for themselves. By now it might seem we’re little more than gushing fan boys, and that’s because we are - and believe us, we hate the fact.
The range of their lyrics stretches from discussion of drunken teenage antics to childish nostalgia fuelled love for Disney. Perhaps our favourite is from the song Trust in Me (slip into a silent slumber/sail into the mist/slowly but surely your senses will cease to resist), whilst this is clearly lifted straight from the Jungle Book, it works incredibly in the context of the song, perhaps enhanced by the perfectly engineered and haunting reverb? Although we love how far they have come already, you get the sense they have not quite hit their stride yet, it will be interesting to see if over the next few releases they can push the boundaries of contemporary indie rock and truly go from filler to killer.
We have seen Liffanway and the Magic Dragons play 5 or 6 times now, at a variety of venues from festival fields (not quite mainstage, but close enough to the people that cared) to rooftops, living rooms and even the occasional beach hut. Each experience has been characterised by fun, laughs and a vibrant atmosphere; they seem to have this great ability to interact with their audience (breaking the fourth wall with style and finesse) making sure everyone has a great time. One thing we’re particularly excited about is the promise of upcoming merchandise, which will hopefully be on sale at the next few gigs.
In short we can’t state enough - We love Liffanway and the Magic Dragons! They are enthusiastic and talented enough to capture our imaginations (even though they have pulled this together in little over a month) even in spite of some outlandish and occasionally crude lyrics (which if anything make us love them even more!) We hope they get even more outlandish, even more crude for the next few gigs, we cant wait for them - and neither should you!
Even if Eddies scat singing sounds like this…. http://leekspin.com/
Words by Suspicious Shades and Captain Harrington
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