I'm baaack

I've gotten a bit bored so I've decided to take this up again for a bit, mostly for my own entertainment. Anyway, quite a bit has happened with underground UK music since I last posted, we've also had a new year, but I shall try and keep it quite recent. I've decided that's my niche for now, although I may occasionally post music that doesn't come into that category. All right, let's get on with it:

My favourite guitar-fiddling, hip-twisting band Colour released a fanastic new single titled 'Unicorns' on both vinyl and CD recently. I do wish they would get on and release an album, but I can understand if funding doesn't allow them to do so, especially with them being unsigned and all. I have a feeling that is by request though, as I'm sure a label like Big Scary Monsters would've snapped them up by now. The single also includes tracks 'Run Like You're Being Chased' and 'Jewels Like Fairy Lights', both of which are equally full of math-pop goodness. You can download the acoustic version of 'Unicorns' for free over at the Awesome Gnarly Tour website, as well as a track by tour mates Data.Select.Party. Now I haven't heard these tracks as I've currently used up both my emails trying to download the mp3s, and both times my internet connection has failed me, so if anyone could send them my way it'd be much appreciated. Colour are also playing a free instore at Pure Groove Records on April 27th, which should be interesting to see how they transmit their highly technical sound into acoustics (or will it even be in acoustics?). I however, currently have no idea how they'd do it with no acoustic mp3 at present.

When I saw Emmy the Great play at the ICA back in November, I was introduced to the wonderfully talented Laura Groves. Now called Blue Roses, she is set to release her yet to be named debut album on April 27th. Expect lush guitars, with the occasional wonderfully crafted piano parts, complimented by ethereal vocals (still trying to improve on the whole 'describing music' thing). Her new single 'Doubtful Comforts', not so much a prime example of this, sounds more like an intro, can also be downloaded for free at her website; or if you prefer the real stuff, bought on vinyl at Rough Trade. Fortunately, I managed to download that with no problems. She is also playing a free instore (everything is free!) at Pure Groove Records on April 28th (sleepover anyone?), as well as a handful of other dates. Check those out at her MySpace.

Speaking of Emmy the Great, did anyone get her (actually, it's now "their") debut 'First Love' a couple months ago? I thought it was absolutely fantastic. It completely surpassed my expectations, and will most probably have a rightful place on my end of year list. If you haven't gotten it yet, go! And go see them live at one of the shows posted on their MySpace. With the album, they've successfully managed to capture all the sounds the live shows brought to the music, completely remake some of the oldies, and still create brand new songs that do not fail to make a mark upon anyone who is a fan of their (or "her" in this case) older stuff.

I have gotten bit lazy over the past month or so, so I've only just gotten around to checking out the new Laura Hocking song 'Back Down Eddy' she posted quite a while ago. I'll admit, I'm listening to it for the first time right now, but my first impressions: very, very positive. In fact, I love it. This girl never ceases to amaze me. Please, listen to this song. MySpace. Now. She seems to conjure up feelings of sentimentality in me, a bit like Damien Rice does. Come to think of it, she sounds a lot like him (see: 'Swim Thru'), but I could also draw comparisons to Laura Marling, especially with this new song, and Emmy the Great, of course. As always, she's playing in London, so make sure you pop in to see her at one of her gigs, say hello, have tea, etc etc.