Obsessive Compulsive: Seculo Seculorum album review

The last in the series for the April artist of the month.
Seculo Seculorum is the second full length album from Manchester based four piece independent band Obsessive Compulsive. This album was fan funded using the PledgeMusic platform, it’s not available to those who have been pledged but will be out on full official release on June 24th.
The title ‘Seculo Seculorum’ immediately grabbed my attention, for me I imagined it representing the album as a large mystical book filled with power and potency, but I have since learned it actually means ‘Forever’ as music does indeed live forever, no matter how long ago someone passes away, their music can be still enjoyed for eternity.
I felt that this album is about strength, independence and self- empowerment. For instance the song ‘Stamp Your Own Path’  with it’s lyrics “You don’t need anyone, you never did, you never will, so come on stamp your own path.”
My personal favourite is the shouty ‘No Logo’ about being against corporations and remaining true to who you are “I won’t sell my soul to the corporations” “We won’t tell you what to buy or how to live your life” sung with such conviction, you know this is something the band feel strongly about.
Musically I can’t put this album into one particular category, “No Logo” has elements of punk, there’s a definite metal influence across the album as well as hard rock and on the final song ‘Swallow the Sound” I feel like lead singer Kelli is channeling Alanis Morissette vocally and to some extent lyrically too.
The album has anger and passion in spades, but overall it personally makes me feel empowered and strong, this is a band that have worked hard and it shows. We need more bands like Obsessive Compulsive. So please support them and other independent bands by buying their music and going to their gigs. You can find all Obsessive Compulsive tour dates by clicking here 
The first single will be ‘Regurgitate’ released on May 13th.

Artist of the Month: Obsessive Compulsive

My band of the month for April are Manchester based Obsessive Compulsive. 
They recently had a PledgeMusic campaign for fans to fund their second album, which was a successful campaign and for those fortunate people like me that pledged, can now enjoy the fantastic album 'Seculo Seculorum'.  They are a very hard-working band with a strong DIY ethic, booking their own shows and releasing music on their own label.
There are four members in the band- Keli on vocals, Giz on guitars, Pete on bass and Dani on drums. It's hard to pinpoint an exact genre to put their music into, as they certainly have their own sound, but there are elements of metal, punk and grunge all mixed in.
here's a couple of their songs for you to check out:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCfdu5SAhiE&w=560&h=315]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg7QpmwmXDw&w=560&h=315]

Review: Kate Nash- Girl Talk

Earlier this month, Kate Nash released her third album 'Girl Talk' which she released her on her own label 'Have 10p Records' with the help of fan funding using PledgeMusic.

I personally find Kate Nash inspiring. I liked the sweetness of her first record, it was almost like she was the less brash version of Lily Allen- a similar singing style and both capable of writing interesting lyrics, whilst Lily   sang about weed smoking brothers and enjoying seeing her ex boyfriend squirm, Kate was behind a piano, singing about the demise of a relationship, and about falling in lust with someone- but she wasn't the typical singer songwriter behind the piano, she was more cheerful, the songs were bouncy, catchy pop ditties like 'Foundations'



I have to admit despite enjoying 'Made of Bricks' I never got round to buying her second album 'My Best Friend is You' but in the interim I found out more about Kate Nash, the person behind the music. I found out that she proudly calls herself a feminist, started an after school club to help get more girls into song-writing when she found out the measly amount of females who received song writing loyalties as well as volunteering at a women's shelter, working with all girl band and female sound engineers.

Then last year, she released a new free to download song which sounded completely different to what she had previously recently, that caused quite a stir on the internet-


for me though, I loved it! I really felt it captured the riot grrrl spirit, and knowing she had also been playing in a punk band, I found the progression seemed to be a natural one for her, and when I heard she was releasing a new album, I was really looking forward to hearing how her music would develop.

Girl Talk didn't disappoint! I find it an intriguing mix of the more sweet, candy pop side of her with songs like '3am'


but then she goes much grungier and heavier on songs like 'Death Proof'


The album really shows the flexibililty of Kate's voice as well, one minute she's singing in harmony, then she's 'rock chick', on 'Cherry Pickin' she seems to be channelling Kathleen Hanna on an almost surf beat, and she even attempts rap on 'Rap For Rejection' which is surprisingly good.

I also love how she really shows her feminist colours on this album, in 'Rap for Rejection' she sings about sexism in all it's form and shapes, from men calling her a lesbian for refusing to give her phone number, to only finding the music magazines in the men's section of the news-stands. Then there's my personal favourite 'All Talk' where she sings 'You have a problem with me 'cause I'm a girl, I'm a feminist and if that offends you, then fuck you'.  But she also has songs about friendship, breaking up, and feeling like a freak. 

'Girl Talk' is a punk album with a feminist, female empowerment soul behind it, and lyrics that I'm sure most girls will relate to in some way. Highly recommended! 

2012- pretty darn good year for music, and well life!

Well only 2 days left of 2012 left, so the inevitable 'end of the year' blog is here!
Music wise, I think 2012 has been a pretty decent year for music, Patti Smith released a new album 'Banga', Gaggle released their debut album 'From the Mouth of the Cave', other favourites of mine were Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra- Theatre is Evil, The Corin Tucker Band- Kill my Blues and Garbage- Not Your Kind of People.
here my choices of 2012 on my end of the year special here

Gigs of 2012
Wild Flag
Robots in Disguise (and this year I got to interview them too)!
Ladyfest East London
Pigtails and Army Boots the live event! (organised by me- obviously)!
Garbage
Black Belles
We Rock Like Girls Don't
Bleech
Gaggle album launch party
Patti Smith
Amanda Palmer
Trash Monroe
Lovely Eggs
Hard Rock Hell

I wrote lots more reviews, and did my first interview in person (the RID one as previously mentioned)
feminism wise, I went to Million Women Rise for the third time and London Slutwalk for the first time and finally Southend Feminist Group is running, it's only small but hopefully 2013 it will get bigger! I also tok part in a Free Pussy Riot protest near the Russian embassy and have been supporting the campaign.

Other achievements/interesting stuff from 2012:  did the Moonlight Colourthon again, started going to Pagan Moots, organised another charity gig, went to the Doctor Who Experience, helped with a beach clean up, and most importantly moved house!

I think I achieved a lot this year but in 2013, I would like to actually get paid for music journalism, to do some sort of volunteer work, to do more creative writing and finally finish editing my novel, to pass my dispensing course at work and go to even more pagan/spiritual events. I also think I should admit to my mistakes more!
How was your 2012?

Album review: Dana Jade

Dana Jade is a former member of alternative female choir Gaggle, who has decided to break away from the pack and become a lone wolf with the release of her own self titled rocking debut album which was released at the end of May and has already been gaining many positive reviews.

I'm only going to add to the positive reviews- as I'm also really enjoying the album. If you're looking for a solo version of Gaggle, this isn't it. (let's face it, would that really be possible)?! Dana's style is much more rock based with soaring guitar, and vocals virtually dripping with attitude.

This is proper grrrl rock n' roll which isn't shy- this is full on- an album that should be played at full blast. From the catchy singles 'Little Sister' and 'Eyes of Cinder'  to my personal favourite song, the musical equivalent of an arguement (in a good way)! 'She or I Go'

You can buy the album from Dana's Bandcamp found right here

These are the videos to the singles in case you need any more convincing:

Review: Rock In Your Pocket- Gutterdub release date:5th March

Rating: ****

Rock in Your Pocket were first brought to my attention when I wrote this introducing piece for thegirlsare, based on hearing their single 'Doubtbox'. I was undeniably impressed with what I heard and felt their sound was something refreshing in a sea of mild mannered women singers that seem to be overplayed and overrated at the moment. So when singer Charlie gave me the opportunity to listen to their debut Gutterdub it was an offer I couldn't refuse.

'Doubtbox' was a mere scratch on the surface of what Rock in Your Pocket are capable of. The band are only a three piece but judging by Gutterdub, have the sound of a much larger outfit. The album is dirty, raw and rocking throughout. My immediate comparison is to Queen Adreena, but I by no means want to sell this band short as despite my comparison I feel the band has an original and fresh sound. I am yet to witness Rock in Your Pocket live, but if this album is anything to go by, I feel like it would complete the experience.

Asides from 'Doubtbox', I'm also particularly drawn to 'Nobody's Bitch But Mine', a track that feels empowering and also anthem like, a perfect driving start to this album, that is well worth taking time to check out.

The band play gigs regularly, and their next gig is their album launch party which is taking place on Friday 2nd March at the Jubilee at the Barfly in London.

I think there is a real lack of heavier, guitar based female fronted bands at the moment that aren't in the vein of bands like Nightwish and Lacuna Coil. Some are starting to emerge to a great reception for example Wild Flag. Is it time we saw even more girls rocking out? Why are these amazing bands more in the spotlight instead of the likes of Adele and Lana Del Ray?

Wild Flag @ The Electric Ballroom London 1st Feb 2012

It's fair to say I have been listening to Wild Flag's debut self titled album pretty much non stop since I bought it, and the more I listened to it the more I fell in love with their unique sound. It has the best album I have bought for quite some time. When I first read about them, and realised they were in essence a Riot Grrrl supergroup comprising of members of Sleater Kinney, Helium and The Minders (as well as the other bands they all had been part of too) and of course I had high expectations! I wasn't disappointed. As soon as I saw they had a gig in London, I had to witness it! I just hoped I wouldn't be let down when I saw them performing.

The support act was Peggy Sue who I had seen previously as a Ladyfest in their former carnation as Peggy Sue and the Pirates. Their music is very bluesy and folk influenced rock.

You could feel the anticipation in the packed out room as Peggy Sue finished their set and we waited for Wild Flag to emerge. When they did they did, they did in style starting off with 'Black Tile'. The set consisted of the entire album and a few new tracks. But Wild Flag don't just go through the motions of playing song after song, oh no, this is one band I highly recommend, in fact I COMMAND you go and see live as soon as you can, because even though the album is amazing, it really makes it special to hear it live. The band put so much energy into their performance, jumping around the stage, doing AC/DC style guitar moves. They also extended 'Racehorse' so it had a Jimi Hendrix style breakdown in the middle with a mass crowd clap along to the bridge "pony up pony up", ending with a very rock n roll finish.

They of course ended with single 'Romance' before they returned to do an encore that featured covers of Television's "See No Evil" and The Patti Smith Group's "Ask The Angels".

I left the venue feeling elated, feeling I had witnessed the evolution and resurrection of the Riot Grrrl Movement.

New Discovery: Wild Flag

I realise I might be a bit slow with this one, but I just recently discovered Wild Flag, for some reason I had heard the name but never realised they were a female fronted band or that two members of Sleater Kinney were in the band! It was only when I interviewed We Rock Like Girls Don't and they mentioned them that I decided to look them up and fell in love with their music. They have an awesome debut album out which if you liked Sleater Kinney, you will most certainly enjoy- I've heard good things about them live as well, and I'm going to see them on 1st Feb at the Electric Ballroom so I'll be sure to write a review!
In the meantime here's some of their music:

Review: Russian Doll Life/ Le Monnier, release date: October 3rd

Rating: *****

Russian Doll Life is the second album from Hertfordshire female fronted rock band Le Monnier, the follow up to their exciting debut album Cynic Sister which has provided them with many positive reviews and headlining slots at various gigs across the country. Since the previous album, singer Alexandra Le Monnier and guitarist Matt Keill have recruited a new drummer Josh Williams.

In their bio on their official website they claim this album is the best thing they have ever done and they don't disappoint. There is still the trademark powerful vocals and epic guitar riffs but on Russian Doll Life, Le Monnier also experiment with some songs that sound different to anything else they have done, including the epic ballad 'Home' and the unusual but still ultimately satisfying 'The Moth'.

The songs demonstrate further the variety of influences the band have and the flexibility the band have as a whole which surely shows Le Monnier have massive potential ahead of them. Alexandra Le Monnier's voice is stunning and the guitar work, especially on stand out track 'Mediocre Me' are unforgettable.

Russian Doll Life is sure to appeal to a wide range of music fans and if this album is anything to go by, they can only get even better.

Le Monnier's next tour date is on October 14^th at Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire.

Happiness V Sadness!

Sorry I haven't wrote, I've been on holiday! I came back to this lovely surprise- my signed copy of Robots in Disguise new album Happiness V Sadness!
I've listened to it once so far, it's quite different from their other albums- probably some of it will be a grower, but there is some great rocky tracks on there too. I'll hopefully get to do a proper review of it soon, and I'll link to it if it's elsewhere.

Sassy!- Diggin' Deep

I got sent this album by one of the promotion companies that email me from time to time. A lot of it doesn't interest me this much, but this email compared Sassy! to The Donnas, Gossip and The Slits amongst others, so it certainly caught my attention. I had a look at the press link they sent me and I wasn't disappointed with what I heard.

Sassy! are a two member band consisting of Lynda Mandolyn (formerly of Fabulous Disaster amongst others)and Christa DiBiase of San Francisco. They don't sound like a two member band at all though. They sound very much like a full four member band, as their sound is very full and more importantly LOUD!

The album Diggin' Deep is all about straight up rock n roll that should be played at eleven. The guitar riffs are driving melodies that will stick in your head, especially on my personal favourite track 'You Can Have Him'. There is also an element of 60's girl groups for instance on 'So Bad, It's Good' with their harmonious vocals and happy clapping.

The band certainly does remind me of The Donnas, but The Donnas on speed! Everything is louder, faster and reeks of cool.

The band have a myspace and are also on facebook