Pop Scene: Cardiff (Feature for This Is Fake DIY)

Published in This Is Fake DIY magazine's Autumn 2011 issue.

Fear Of Men (Interview for This Is Fake DIY)

Published in This Is Fake DIY magazine's Autumn 2011 issue.

Trwbador - Sun In The Winter (EP review for Buzz)

Words originally published in Cardiff magazine Buzz, and can be found in the September issue

Trwbador ****
Sun In The Winter EP (Owlet Music)

Once initial reservations are brushed aside (Trwbador are in fact not a boring acoustic folk act) this EP reveals itself as an interesting and pleasing experimental take on pop music. Comparable to the electronic-laced weirdo-pop of Micachu and the Shapes, this is unusual and ambitious and, for that alone, deserves to win many an admirer. JM

Blaktrix - Some People Never Go Crazy (Album review for Buzz)

Words originally published in Cardiff magazine Buzz, and can be found in the September issue.

Blaktrix ***
Some People Never Go Crazy (Skreemer/Associated Minds)

Gradually making a name for himself in his hometown of Cardiff and beyond, Blaktrix certainly seems to have a lot to say for himself. As well as minor gripes about things like his Office Job, this is also packed full of wider social and political commentary – which is both a refreshing and inspiring listen. With slick beats and well-delivered lines it’s an impressive showing, and you’ll find yourself urging this mini album it to go on for a little longer. JM

Tracks: Dum Dum Girls - Coming Down

Words originally for a feature on This Is Fake DIY which can be found online here.

An emphatic return for the Sub Pop releasees with Coming Down, the first we get to hear from forthcoming second album Only In Dreams, due out September 26. A considerably tamer and more emotive effort compared to their more care-free and scrappy past, and at almost 7 minutes long it’s a statement of real intent for what's to follow.

Tracks: Gross Magic - We're Awake Tonight (Feature on This Is Fake DIY)

Words originally for a feature on This Is Fake DIY and can be found online here.

It hasn’t been much longer than a month since we heard Sweetest Touch, the effervescent and psychedelic pop debut of Gross Magic aka Sam McGarrigle, and yet what’s next from the Brighton musician is already much anticipated. Say hello to We’re Awake Tonight. Due to be the opening track from his debut EP Teen Jamz – out on The Sounds of Sweet Nothing – you won’t need me to tell you it sounds like ELO. Absolutely ace.

Tracks: Novella - The Things You Do (Feature for This Is Fake DIY)

Words originally for a feature on This Is Fake DIY and can be found online here.

London all-girl three-piece Novella release their debut 7” through Dirty Bingo on August 15, and The Things You Do is its A-side: all guitar reverb and dark female vocal goodness. The B-side (Oh Brian) is really ace too. We can’t wait to hear more.