More from the myspace

Yet another Wednesday, and a chance to check my myspace friend request list. A selection of people wanted me to listen to their music (get a fan base going), so that's what I did.

Some I turned off after about two notes, but I didn't with censored. Unlike most 'unsung' bands I mention, they are signed and have just (ie on Monday) released their first single on the Electric Toaster Label, called Play the Game

There's nothing wrong with it as a song, however, it doesn't really strike me as incredible stuff. I sense the same chord techniques as Thunderclap (Something in the Air), and it's fine - but that's it.
Personally, I prefer some of the other tracks on their own myspace (even if I can't hear full tracks - annoying teasers). Varied styles too - In the Presence of the Lord has got strong rock roots; Lonesome Town is one of those "let's sing in an accent, tell a story" songs (but, it's far from the 'mockney' that's proliferating the airwaves at the minute), and I definitely like it and it's the stand out track for me.
Apparently, NME have billed them as "the buzz band of the Midlands", which is sufficent praise for me.
I can sense that if things take off, I will grow to like them more and more (I couldn't stand the Arctic Monkeys to start with, now I'm a great fan) - so on the basis that I like them more than a bit at the minute, there's hope out there.


Page 44 have also had praise from NME. "...With a barrel-load of soaring pop hooks, the foursome manage to be emotive without descending into farcial emo" is the starting point. They've won the Birmingham Carling Supports competition - against certain tough competition. Add a TV performance - but they're still unsigned. I can't help but missing something here that these guys haven't been signed after that, whilst James Blunt is so successful... (Although, if it was down to me, I'd have signed a mutilated cat above James Blunt as it would sound better, so maybe that's not much praise).
Personally, I'm afraid to say it's not my cup of tea. I bit too close to rock for my liking. But, that's not to say it's not good. In fact, it's very good. It's not annoyingly predictable stuff - each song is different (so much so that I like With or Without You, and To Make you proud is a brilliant example of a piece changing rhythm, style, tempo - but not in a cheesy Eurovision way. So what I wouldn't but an album, I'm sure there's enough people that will. Not only are they better than that diminutive former soldier, but it really is a travesty that they're not signed. They're myspace says they're after Management and label representation. If I had the time guys, I'd be happy to help!


Finally, a request from some 'mates' of my 'friends' Air Traffic (although I have actually had a conversation with Jim Maddock, doubt he'd remember me though), it's Saturdays & Sundays. They seem to be sort-of-partially signed for their single releases, and have supported various high-profile acts, so have distinct credibility.
Brilliantly, they tick my favourite box of "different". The lead single on their myspace, Smile is really innovative. The chorus is almost in a different style to the rest of the piece, but fits will and is a catchy refrain that I think will stick for a while.
Another stand out track (yes, they've got more than one) is Seen the light, with a frantic quirky verse building up to a sing-along refrain - not forgetting a randomly inserted guitar solo that actually fits in well.
Overall, I enjoyed listening to the entire 'album' that is a myspace playlist. Familiar enough to appeal to the masses, yet different enough not to be thrown in a box with so many other artists. Which I think is the mix everyone should be striding towards.