Music amongst the madness.

As the clock strikes one in the afternoon and the streets fill with men dressed in suits, and women clad in stilettos. Fenchurch street and the surrounding area begins to resemble Oxford Street on Boxing Day. Amidst all the throngs of people one sits alone outside of the train station on the now permanent fixture, a colourfully decorated Piano. 

Each time I pass I see someone new, playing gentle tinkling notes, rocky 50's jive's, soulful haunting melodies. The sounds arise from the chaos surrounding. All other noises are dulled as these beautiful ensembles carry on. The tenacity of city life fades as and only you and the music exist. The sun beats down on this stranger and his art, pure concentration juxtaposed by the comfort and ease of playing brings a smile to my lips.

A day of many in London, a day I didn't want to spend there, is now suddenly worthwhile. For the two minutes that I hear his music I am happy.

He then gets up and goes over to his family who are waiting.

It makes me realise, again, why I love music, its instruments and melody's on days such as this. 

Arctic Monkeys gig review.

Headlining Reading, the Arctic Monkeys had the masses flocking to other tents. With this massive slap in the face in mind, I was willing to give them a second chance at Wembley. In their shaggy haired and scruffy glory the four lads donned the stage ready for the fans to devour their lyrics. Jumping into 'A Certain Romance' through 'Sketchead' to 'Crying Lightning' the crowd had ample time to become a sweat- and beer-soaked mess. Fans launched themselves about the arena with reckless abandon meanwhile the seated crowd jumped up now feeling part of the scene.

Regrettably, it was downhill from there. Too many slow, moaning ballads kept the crowd in a limbo of anticipation for the next beer-throwing, body-slamming mosh. So far the Northern lads were failing epically, yet again! 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor' lifted some spirits after having to listen to relatively unknown songs that failed to grasp attention. The second to last song performed was 'When The Sun Goes Down' which is still ultimately a shit-hot tune yet their finale however was far from that. A disappointing anti-climax of a less than steller performance, the ballad was unrecognisable and yawn-worthy. In retrospect they failed to play 'Dancing Shoes', or 'Fake Tales of San Francisco', leaving some with an inadequate feeling of parting with £32.50, as well as precious Festival season time.

Album review: The Temper Trap – Conditions

Conditions takes the psyche through different moods. 'Love Lost' introduces a unique subtle style with the light tinkle of the keyboard and vocals that swiftly move into the edgier rock that only appears during the chorus.

The acclaimed Sweet Disposition then takes the consciousness through an eclectic melody fused with both soft and vibrant tunes. Ironically, the sound is very opposite to the visual of the cover on the CD case, which is literally dark and depressing. Half way through the album the sound moves to shouty 'indie rock'. Science of Fear and Drum Song completely swap the ambience for bass that would certainly have beers vibrating in a dark, grimy bars. Obviously, conditions change...massively.

Music review: Florence & The Machine – Lungs

Lungs seems a fitting title of their first album as Florence certainly proves she has a big set of them. It starts off with a bang from the first track on the album, Dog Days Are Over through Drumming Song to the popular cover of You've got the Love. Florence's soulful and quirky voice captures the attention and maintains it throughout with no 'dud' songs to disappoint with.

The sound is not hard to place in relation to today's indie band obsession, she has the instruments behind her but her voice is the unusual factor in this formula. With many young, brooding men heading bands it's refreshing to see a powerful and confident woman instead of a husky male.
Rabbit Heart is undoubtedly a favourite on the album, with its quiet almost oriental start it moves quickly but carefully with Florence's harmonious and varied tones through to the thrilling chorus. The anticipation builds throughout and she certainly doesn't disappoint. With clever lyrics and her passionate delivery it remains something to sing along too in a car, club or any other place you and your IPod venture to.

The music moves from folksy ballads like Howl, to songs that pack a punch with upbeat and rocky accompaniments such as Kiss with a Fist. Girl With One Eye compares to a sensual indie Nina Simone with her sexy deep voice and edgy aggressive lyrics. Florence accomplishes this with her seductive voice, it pulls music fans in no matter what she may be singing about. It is thrilling to hear an album that doesn't sound like it has been churned out of the Indie hit making machine. This quality effort is proof that the 'same old' is getting old and it's time for something new, Florence & The Machine's Lungs may just be it.

New on the scene - Kassidy.

The Rubbergum, even though being a very short E.P, does not leave you wondering 'why did I spend my hard earned cash on that'. A new band from Scotland have a fresh vibe that takes you back to folk music your likely to listen to at country fairs in the deep American South rather than dingy pubs in London. Styled with long shaggy hair and flannel shirts to complete the look.

Their first release Stray Cat has an undertone of country fused with a bluesey set up with the lyrics. Different to bands that have already made their mark such as Mumford and Sons, the overall feel of their music focuses on the heavy use of guitar and tambourine but in a more relaxed, and less anxious way.

The Traveller fits its title as this is the type of trip you would listen to this on. Set the scene, cruising along a Texan highway, top down and hair blowing in the wind.N care or thought other than where the next Corona will come from and which energetic and basey song to play next. All five songs even though being country influenced, have a soulful feel.The lead has a deep, gravelly voice that is almost addictive. Good things will come from these four Scottish lads as long as they keep this up. Strum on.

Adele ....21

The album 21 has catapulted Adele into the fast lane where music is concerned. Having already produced a highly successful first album, 19, she goes above and beyond to create this masterpiece. Her voice which captivated millions becomes stronger, more soulful in this much anticipated follow up. Rolling in the Deep, the first song on her album is spine tingling. She builds up a certain amount of anticipation, everyone knows what her powerful lungs can produce, yet she lets her full potential shine during the chorus. Rumour has it follows in much the same way, full of vocals that shake the walls when on full blast.

The rest of the album falls into slow, heart felt ensembles that come from past experiences. 21 coming from her point of view now being older, wiser, shows her sound maturing. She is most certainly now a force to be reckoned with, both in voice and personality.