The Hazey Janes “Language of Faint Theory”

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Scottish power pop band The Hazey Janes have been slowly evolving to more diverse indie pop sound, this is starkly shown on the latest LP, Language of Faint Theory. Recorded in El Puerto De Santa Maria, the crisp production and sweeping melodies present  a sophistication previously unheard from them. “Iwan” opens the album with a slow drum beat and piano chords, and mature background harmonies. The last half of the song has a truly great guitar solo that floats in, guaranteed to produce goosebumps.

That takes you into the next track “The Fantom Line,” a more accessible and even grander melody line along the lines of classic Genesis. After the opening notes of “All Is Forgotten” I almost expected Phil Collins to sing “Entangled” next, but the song transitions to a showcase for lead singer Andrew Mitchell’s vibrato-soaked croon along a soothing pop melody. “In Shadows Under Trees”  is a Roy Orbison flavored country ballad that proves the band can branch out intro other genres.

But after a few diversions we get back to some great power pop starting with “The Genesis,” full of cascading keys, drum rolls and strong lead guitar. Gone are most of the Beatles/Byrds influences on this album, although they show up on my favorite tune of the summer so far, “(I’m) Telescoping” with its gorgeous vintage sound. The title track surprises with sweet vocals by guitarist Alice Marra, evoking the sunny Spanish coast with its richly layered chorus. While clearly transitional in style, the band hasn’t forgotten its fans, nor its need for artistic growth and that’s a creative triumph.

Amazon

The Jeremy Band “All Over The World”

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Jeremy Morris has been a prolific creative force for many years now, and his latest album All Over The World is credited to his newly minted Jeremy Band which include his sons Peter and Mark (doing guitar, bass and vocals) along with several other musicians including Todd Borsch (The Ringles, The Gillegans, The Lemon Clocks) on guitar, bass, vocals and Bart Mendoza (The Shambles, True Stories) on guitar and vocals. Its still a Jeremy album, with the ever present shimmering jangle of Rickenbacker guitars and Byrdsian solos. The new band covers several classics from Jeremy’s past albums, originals and unique compositions recorded literally all over the world. And with a massive 20 tracks, its over 75 minutes of music.

Where to begin? The first 11 songs are taken from a live performance in San Diego. “Let Me In Your Heart” is a long jam that has a solid melody line and great bass hook, then the original “Cool Your Jets” has a bit of Raspberries in its DNA. The psychedelic “Rainbow Bridge” is from Jeremy’s other band The Lemon Clocks, but here the band stretches the song out. If you like jangle-prog jamming you’ll be enjoying this.

One big highlight is an extended version of “Pop Rules” with 12 guitar melodies interwoven into the break, from Dick Dale to Led Zeppelin. Many tracks were also recorded at IPO shows all over the world including the Cavern Club. While this may be overkill for some, its an effective representation of a power pop concert and “greatest hits” album. Enjoy!

Jam Records


Listen to a sample of “Cool Your Jets”

Concert: Electric Daisy Carnival UK

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The world-famous dance music festival returns to the UK for an epic two-day party which will see organisers transform Milton Keynes Bowl beyond all recognition on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13. Having already announced a star-studded line-up, including Avicii, Calvin Harris, Fatboy Slim and Steve Angello, Electric Daisy Carnival UK promoters have added even more names to join the weekend’s festivities.
The latest line-up additions include very special guest Hardwell, the world’s number one DJ, chart-toppers Sigma, Route 94, Kerri Chandler, who will also appear at Eastern Electrics 2014 at Hatfield House, and there’s a DJ set from Pendulum. Deorro, Nick Curly, Ibiza favourite Andrea Oliva, Firebeatz, Miguel Campbell, Radio 1 DJ/producer Danny Howard and Bassjackers have also been added to the EDC bill. Back by popular demand, Hardwell will take to the Kinetic Field stage after an incredible reception at EDC’s inaugural UK event in London last summer. Voted the world’s number one DJ in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJs in late 2013, this inimitable Dutch electro house purveyor will have the crowd jumping to his tune, as one of the most dominant forces in electronic dance music.