Liverpool and music go hand in glove. From the four mop-topped lads, who released their debut single over a half a century ago, to the vibes of The Coral and The La's. This city has always had a knack of producing such talented and successful musicians.
Although many may suggest that in recent years Liverpool's music scene has become bland, slightly stale and very unfocused. To which it is easy to see why. With lacklustre indie pop trio 'The Wombats' once being heralded as the city's musical saviour and a beacon for the future . . . even playing on top of The Liver building at one point.
However, here at The Funky Moped, we sense that the tide is finally turning in our Mersey paradise and that this could be a very special and successful year for music in the self-proclaimed humour capital. So with this in mind, we've hand picked 5 Liverpudlian artists that you should be getting excited about in 2013 . . .
The Sundowners
First up it's Wirral quintet 'The Sundowners', who've already been on the tip of everyone's tongues for a while now. Well there is actually good reason for this, as they are quite simply one of the most refreshing and timeless sounding bands we've heard in a while. With a concoction of influences ranging from 'Fleetwood Mac', 'Crosby, Stills and Nash' and 'The Byrds', as well as a shot in the arm, in the form of 'The Smiths'. They bring to the boil a jangly mirage of dreamy guitars that is then shackled down by some syrup covered vocals and a whole load of scrumptious acoustic strumming.
Their recent single "Hummingbird" is a truly vibrant and colourful lock-in, with the floating harmonies effortlessly taking us back to those hazy flower power days. The spell blindingly addictive track, is spearheaded by the dainty duo of Niamh and Fiona, who descend on a nostalgic melody trip, meandering between Alfie's brilliant lead guitar work and the toe tapping and hugely engrossing chorus.
Other tracks such as "No Goin' Back", "Not That Easy" and "Roll The Dice" express 'The Sundowners' capability of producing melodies that are utterly fixating, evidently unveiling their potential and future longevity as a band. With two Skelly's in the quintet, although not related to 'The Coral' wizards, it's little wonder why 'The Sundowners' are so bloody fantastic.
'The Sundowners - Hummingbird'
Death At Sea
Keeping true to their city's nautical roots, the aptly named 'Death At Sea' have already been riding high on the mandatory crests of hype and expectation, especially when you consider that these five lads only formed just over a year ago. With tyrannosaurus size guitar riffs and barbaric drumming arching over every song, their sound is simple, effective and hugely explosive.
The limited edition debut single "Drag", is littered with potent melodies and hooks ('When he's with her, she bleeds glitter'), as well as a wrestling bassline that ultimately cartwheels the song into a potential mass sing-a-long. The looping wooing on "Selfless", the b-side to "Drag", is a far more frantic affair, underpinned by a mash up of rumbling guitars and sneering honesty that effortlessly cruises through each chorus, resulting in a fantastic early 'Cribs' vibe.
Meeting at the crossroads between punk, pop and rock, 'Death At Sea' have culminated an irresistible lo-fi sound that is very much influenced by the work of 'Ash', 'Yuck' and even 'Doves', to which we absolutely love here at The Funky Moped. Having already supported a number of established artists, 'Death At Sea' complete with their own stadium-size sound, have the potential to set sail on their own successful journey in 2013.
Bird
Having already played their part in a recent feature here at The Funky Moped, we have decided, after much deliberation, to include 'Bird' in this feature, simple because we absolutely love their music!Hailing from Liverpool, 'Bird' are a female fronted three piece, that create such haunting melancholy it's earth shatteringly beautiful. With the swirling harmonies eerily swooping down onto each track, it feels as if you've just stumbled into the forest of a Gothic novel, however this is heavily juxtaposed with flashes of tribal drumming brilliance.
The limited edition debut single "Drag", is littered with potent melodies and hooks ('When he's with her, she bleeds glitter'), as well as a wrestling bassline that ultimately cartwheels the song into a potential mass sing-a-long. The looping wooing on "Selfless", the b-side to "Drag", is a far more frantic affair, underpinned by a mash up of rumbling guitars and sneering honesty that effortlessly cruises through each chorus, resulting in a fantastic early 'Cribs' vibe.
Meeting at the crossroads between punk, pop and rock, 'Death At Sea' have culminated an irresistible lo-fi sound that is very much influenced by the work of 'Ash', 'Yuck' and even 'Doves', to which we absolutely love here at The Funky Moped. Having already supported a number of established artists, 'Death At Sea' complete with their own stadium-size sound, have the potential to set sail on their own successful journey in 2013.
'Death At Sea - Drag'
Bird
Having already played their part in a recent feature here at The Funky Moped, we have decided, after much deliberation, to include 'Bird' in this feature, simple because we absolutely love their music!Hailing from Liverpool, 'Bird' are a female fronted three piece, that create such haunting melancholy it's earth shatteringly beautiful. With the swirling harmonies eerily swooping down onto each track, it feels as if you've just stumbled into the forest of a Gothic novel, however this is heavily juxtaposed with flashes of tribal drumming brilliance.
Their first release being the EP "Phantoms"
after the band had only been formed a year, and as you've guessed, features all
the hallmarks of their atmospheric doom influences such as 'Leonard
Cohen' and 'Tasseomancy', all of which results in a hugely organic
feel. "Shadows" is latest 'Bird' effort in which the gloom factor soars above the
tree line, leading to a captivating, engrossing and slightly hypnotic EP. The
mythical theme continues within their lyrics too, 'my soul will float on this
riverboat', which creates so much dramatic imagery it subsequently refers
'Kate Bush' an obvious 'Bird' influence.
Having already developed a strong fan base
through the release of their two acclaimed EP's, it's evident that the sky is
the limit for 'Bird', as their sound is growing in tandem with the burgeoning
Liverpool music scene . . . So give yourself time to soak your soul in the
terrific folk-doom sonics of 'Bird' and you're guaranteed to become a fan.
'Bird - Phantoms'
Jethro Fox
His voice is incredible, his melodies are bold and brilliant, and his name is 'Jethro Fox'. Based in Liverpool, although originating from Essex, the wonderfully named solo musician has not only witnessed widespread attention in his adopted hometown, but also nationwide notoriety, having appeared extensively on BBC 6 Music.
Playing his own brand of epic indie pop, 'Jethro Fox' is a talented multi-instrumentalist, who creates swirling, yet highly energetic harmonies that entice and claw you ever closer into his bustling layered sonics. Taking influence from 'The Beach Boys' and 'Arcade Fire', his debut single "Echo" is a groove laden wall of sound, which is aided along by a bucket load of chiming guitars and an incessant amount of reverb, making it bright, breezy and truly irresistible.
However, recent release "Blinding Light", clearly takes Fox out of the dark wilderness and into the light of the morning. The massively engrossing track, which emphasises his ability to flirt with experimental songwriting, features a striking piano refrain, thoughtful vocals as well as a sun kissed melody that shimmers and saturates the whole of the world. So, turn off your mind, relax and tune into the brilliant and unashamedly addictive experimental pop mystique of 'Jethro Fox', because we already have!
The Tea Street Band
With our last choice, we're throwing caution to the wind by introducing a band that are more suited to the idyllic beaches of Ibiza than the pouring rain outside local venue The Shipping Forecast. Even at this early stage of their existence, 'The Tea Street Band' have already managed to flip the traditional definitions of a band completely upside down, the obligatory ounces of grit and swagger that any northern troupe usually possesses, appear to have been thrusted headlong into British rave culture, sparking an uplifting and euphoric sensation.
Scattered amongst their treasure trove of influences appears to be an array of references to acid house, indie rock, new wave and even dance, resulting in a sound that is astoundingly unique and bloody difficult to pigeon hole. Their debut EP "Summer Dreaming" features two tracks, 'Fiesta' and 'Summer Dreaming', which, with their falsetto vocals and twinkling guitars, float on a diet of jubilation and uncoordinated dancing.
The release of "Disco Lights" brought the band even more acclaim, with many comparing their craft to the 'Happy Mondays' as well as 'The Chemical Borthers', but with a tinge of 'Doves' on the way. 'The Tea Street Band' not only provide the soundtrack to our summer, but they also provide brief escapism, from the downtrodden economic climate and Conservative rule of 2013 . . . Just like their brothers and sisters did back in the 80's.
The answer to whether there is a vibrant and developing music scene in Liverpool all depends on what side of bed you got out of this morning or, most probably, this afternoon. With the closure of established venues such as Masque and Static Gallery, although most likely due to the recent economic climate, does somewhat epitomise the current sorry state of affairs in Liverpool.
However, by conjuring up this epic and articulate selection box of Liverpudlian noise, it is clear to see that there is a massive and hugely diverse music scene goin' down within the city, to which we should all be tuning into and getting extremely excited about . . .
Until we meet again,
Remember to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook
Enjoy!
BF x
However, recent release "Blinding Light", clearly takes Fox out of the dark wilderness and into the light of the morning. The massively engrossing track, which emphasises his ability to flirt with experimental songwriting, features a striking piano refrain, thoughtful vocals as well as a sun kissed melody that shimmers and saturates the whole of the world. So, turn off your mind, relax and tune into the brilliant and unashamedly addictive experimental pop mystique of 'Jethro Fox', because we already have!
'Jethro Fox - Blinding Light'
The Tea Street Band
With our last choice, we're throwing caution to the wind by introducing a band that are more suited to the idyllic beaches of Ibiza than the pouring rain outside local venue The Shipping Forecast. Even at this early stage of their existence, 'The Tea Street Band' have already managed to flip the traditional definitions of a band completely upside down, the obligatory ounces of grit and swagger that any northern troupe usually possesses, appear to have been thrusted headlong into British rave culture, sparking an uplifting and euphoric sensation.
Scattered amongst their treasure trove of influences appears to be an array of references to acid house, indie rock, new wave and even dance, resulting in a sound that is astoundingly unique and bloody difficult to pigeon hole. Their debut EP "Summer Dreaming" features two tracks, 'Fiesta' and 'Summer Dreaming', which, with their falsetto vocals and twinkling guitars, float on a diet of jubilation and uncoordinated dancing.
The release of "Disco Lights" brought the band even more acclaim, with many comparing their craft to the 'Happy Mondays' as well as 'The Chemical Borthers', but with a tinge of 'Doves' on the way. 'The Tea Street Band' not only provide the soundtrack to our summer, but they also provide brief escapism, from the downtrodden economic climate and Conservative rule of 2013 . . . Just like their brothers and sisters did back in the 80's.
'The Tea Street Band - Disco Lights'
The answer to whether there is a vibrant and developing music scene in Liverpool all depends on what side of bed you got out of this morning or, most probably, this afternoon. With the closure of established venues such as Masque and Static Gallery, although most likely due to the recent economic climate, does somewhat epitomise the current sorry state of affairs in Liverpool.
However, by conjuring up this epic and articulate selection box of Liverpudlian noise, it is clear to see that there is a massive and hugely diverse music scene goin' down within the city, to which we should all be tuning into and getting extremely excited about . . .
Until we meet again,
Remember to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook
Enjoy!
BF x
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